‘Auana by Cirque du Soleil at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel

Planning perspective

How I’d plan this experience

I’d choose ‘Auana for an evening when you want a staged performance rooted in Hawaiian stories, rather than another activity built around getting out on the water or seeing the island from a vehicle. The 80-minute show combines music, dance, comedy and acrobatics at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. Its folklore-inspired scenes give the performance a clear sense of place, while the Cirque du Soleil format keeps it focused on spectacle. The practical decisions are fairly straightforward: choose a seating category that suits your priorities, plan to meet at the venue, and be certain about your date before booking.

Who I think will enjoy it

I’d recommend this to you if you like live performance and want Hawaiian stories and traditions woven into an energetic production. The material ranges from figures such as Maui to surfers and island landscapes, with hula, music, comedy and acrobatic acts. That mix should suit a group with varied tastes better than a show built around one performance style alone.

The cultural storytelling is a meaningful part of the appeal, but I wouldn’t treat a theatrical production as a substitute for broader learning about Hawai‘i. One visitor particularly valued hearing stories in ‘ōlelo and encountering local history; that’s a useful indication of what can resonate, not a guarantee of how every audience member will experience it.

How I’d think about seating

The listed choices include Category 1, 2 and 3, Preferred, Premier, Golden Circle and Front Row seating. The option names alone don’t establish exactly where each category sits or what view it provides, so I wouldn’t assume that a higher-sounding label guarantees the right experience for you.

A practical seating trade-off comes through in audience feedback: a second-floor central seat was praised for its view, while a front-row first-floor seat may feel more immediate but could mean turning around when action takes place elsewhere. If seeing the whole performance matters more than being close to the stage, I’d weigh that note carefully; if impact and proximity appeal to you, the closer option may still be your preference.

Keep the arrival plan simple

This is a venue-based show, not a hotel-pickup outing: pickup and drop-off are excluded, and the meeting arrangement is to gather at the start point. Collect your ticket at the box office when you arrive and bring valid photo ID. Tickets can be mobile or paper, so you have either format available.

The performance lasts 80 minutes, which makes it easier to fit into an evening than a long excursion, but I’d still leave room for getting to the venue and collecting tickets. Food and beverages are not included; don’t build a meal or drinks into the ticket itself.

The commitment to consider

The main drawback is booking flexibility: all sales are final, with no refund for cancellations. I’d only commit once your evening plans are dependable, especially if you’re coordinating a group. The listing describes the show as wheelchair accessible and suitable for all physical fitness levels, but infants must sit on an adult’s lap and guests under 18 need an accompanying adult.

Overall, this makes most sense as a planned Waikiki night out for people who want a polished, story-led live show. It is less suitable if you need a refundable booking or are looking for a casual activity you can decide on at the last minute.

Planning analysis informed by the tour itinerary and traveller feedback · Updated November 13, 2026