Cirque du Soleil Auana in Waikiki: A Breathtaking Journey Through Hawaiian Culture

Cirque du Soleil Auana in Waikiki reimagines Hawaiian culture through generations of storytelling, movement, and music. We are big fans of the Cirque. When we learned a show had opened in Honolulu, it became a must for our 10-day Discover Authentic Oahu Adventure (family itinerary—coming soon).

I travelled with my daughter Melanie and my grandchildren, Everett (8) and London (6). Together we witnessed how Hawaiian traditions, from the chants of hula kahiko to the flowing movements of hula ʻauana, were brought to life in a bold, modern performance.

Cirque du Soleil Auana in Waikiki is a journey through Hawaiian culture. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Hawaiian Culture at the Heart of Auana

The Hawaiian word auana means to wander, drift, or go from place to place. The name reflects the island people’s own story of migration, adaptation and resilience.
At the heart of the performance is hula, Hawaii’s most enduring cultural expression:

• Hula kahiko (ancient hula): This dance combines chants, instruments like drums and gourds, telling stories of gods, chiefs and the natural world.
• Hula ʻauana (contemporary hula): Flowing movements paired with ukulele and steel guitar, narrating journeys, landscapes and love.

Cirque du Soleil draws inspiration from these traditions, reshaping them through movement, music, and theatre to create a vibrant expression of Hawaiian culture.

The Golden Age of Waikīkī – The Beach Boys – Cirque du Soleil Auana in Waikiki. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Naupaka Duo Skating – Cirque du Soleil Auana in Waikiki. Courtesy photo.

Nalu – A Tribute to Surf Culture at Cirque du Soleil Auana in Waikiki. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Cirque du Soleil Auana in Waikiki. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr, left photo, Courtesy photo right.

Hawaiian Culture Through Generations

For the Indigenous people of Hawaii, culture is not something frozen in history. It is stories passed down from one generation to the next, brought to life in the chants and dances, constantly evolving while staying rooted in the land and the sea. “Auana” captures that spirit of continuity. It shows how heritage remains strong when it is shared and reimagined. Ancient rhythms meet modern melodies, ancestral gestures become acrobatics and the deep ties to land and sea are reimagined in acts that balance strength, grace and storytelling.

Highlights included:

• Water Bowl Act – A performance honouring the role of water in Hawaiian life, fluid yet powerful.
• Aerial Hoop – Suspended high above, echoing the sweeping motions of hula with a modern twist.
• Wheel of Life – A thrilling symbol of balance and resilience, themes central to island survival.

These moments reminded us that Hawaiian culture has endured because it evolves, carrying ancestral wisdom forward in fresh, resonant ways.

Mamala – The Surf Rider Water Bowl at Cirque du Soleil Auana in Waikiki.

Family’s Cultural Journey

Like the Polynesian Cultural Center, where students preserve and share their traditions while pursuing higher education, “Auana” proves that culture thrives when it adapts and is passed forward.

For Melanie, Everett, London and myself, it was an evening of learning, laughter, and connection. A reminder that Hawaiian culture is alive, evolving, and endlessly inspiring. Experiencing “Auana” as a family made its lessons even more meaningful:

• London (6): As a young dancer and acrobatics student, she was mesmerized by the costumes and movement, seeing how dance can transcend time and place.
• Everett (8): For him, culture came alive through humour. He adored comedian Sal Salangsang, whose playful storytelling echoed the Hawaiian tradition of teaching through laughter.
• Melanie: As both mother and daughter, she reflected on how culture itself is passed between generations, much like we were doing on this trip.

Cirque du Soleil Auana in Waikiki. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Where does Auana Take Place?

Cirque du Soleil’s “Auana” is staged inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, steps from Kalākaua Avenue. While we didn’t stay there, its central location made it easy to combine the performance with dinner at Duke’s.

A Taste of Waikiki at Duke’s

After the show, we headed to Duke’s Waikiki inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, the perfect place to reflect on the evening.
We enjoyed poke, grilled seafood and fresh island fish while Everett replayed jokes and London twirled in her seat, still imagining herself in the aerial hoop.

What Is Hula Pie?

Dinner wouldn’t be complete without Duke’s famous Hula Pie. It’s a perfect combination of macadamia nut ice cream piled high on a cookie crust, drenched in hot fudge and crowned with whipped cream and roasted macadamia nuts.

Historic photos at Duke’s Waikiki inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Duke’s Waikiki inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Menu at Duke’s Waikiki inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Where We Stayed

Our Oahu trip combined Waikīkī’s energy with the relaxed pace of the North Shore:

• Prince Waikiki – Check out the hotel review of our Honolulu base with sweeping harbour views.
• Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore – Family Stay – The only Marriott on the North Shore, located beside the Polynesian Cultural Center and minutes from Sunset Beach.

This split stay gave us the best of both worlds (more in our Oʻahu with Kids Guide).

Tips for Families

• Cirque du Soleil Auana Tickets Children’s Discounts: Kids enjoy reduced-price tickets for Cirque du Soleil Auana, making this cultural experience accessible for families.
• Location: The show takes place at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. If driving from the North Shore, allow ample time in case there is heavy traffic. We almost missed the show!
• Dinner Pairing: Combine the show with a reservation at Duke’s Waikiki for the ultimate night out.
• Nearby Adventures: Extend your day with one of our Best Day Trips from Waikiki

More from Our Oahu Series

Polynesian Cultural Center: Family Guide & Tips
Kualoa Ranch Half-Day Package: Movie Sites + Ocean Voyage
Oahu with Kids: Complete Guide (Waikiki and North Shore)
Best Beaches for Kids on Oʻahu
Where to Eat on Oʻahu with Kids
Best Day Trips from Waikiki
Prince Waikiki – Hotel Review
Courtyard by Marriott Oʻahu North Shore – Family Stay
10-Day Discover Authentic Oʻahu Itinerary (Family)

Subscribe to Life’s Incredible Journey for more unforgettable travel guides, cultural experiences, and hidden gems—delivered straight to your inbox.
👉 Join the adventure here

Search for accommodation anywhere using Booking.Com, book a sightseeing tour using Viator or a flight with Expedia and any commissions earned will help keep this website running.

Find more amazing adventures in beautiful British Columbia.

Wendy Nordvik-Carr was a guest of Go Hawaii, which did not review this story.