After much anticipation, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group has unveiled its first resident production in Hawai‘i entitled, ‘Auana’.
Coming to the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel in late 2024, this unique curation of artistry, acrobatics and heritage brings a new dawn of live entertainment with this Hawai‘i-inspired production.
The title, ‘Auana, stems from the loose translation to wander, veer off the beaten path or to embark on a journey.
After careful consideration and in collaboration with community voices, Cultural Creative Producer Dr. Aaron J. Salā, Director Neil Dorward, Costume Designer Manaola Yap and Choreographer Kumu Hula Hiwa Vaughan, ‘Auana was selected to foreshadow the thrilling adventure that audience members will take part in, traversing through Hawai‘i’s unique mo‘olelo (stories) and stylized depictions of historic milestone events.
Still under development, ‘Auana promises to meld the poetic and nuanced Hawaiian worldview with Cirque du Soleil’s signature style of breathtaking acrobatics, dramatic storytelling, and flair.
“Our vision for ‘Auana faithfully connects us all to the islands of Hawai‘i through innovative and engaging storytelling, using hula dance, music, comedy and incredible acrobatic performances,” said Dorward.
“It is my hope that our audiences will be transported into a world where stories can live unconstrained by reality, honoring the land and the people of this place.”
The fabric of the show is woven through the Native Hawaiian inspiration of the natural beauty of the islands.
These components will be personified through color, texture, projections and sound, culminating in a spectacular celebration of the rich Hawaiian culture through the lens of an internationally and locally acclaimed ensemble.
The unprecedented debut adds to the legendary genealogy of Waikīkī entertainment, bringing revelry back to the heart of this world-famous neighborhood at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. The home for ‘Auana will be a custom-designed, intimate theater space, seating 784 guests.
Tickets for ‘Auana are now available at www.cirquedusoleil.com/hawaii for performances starting December 15, 2024.
Ticket prices start at $69 plus taxes and fees with a special 30% kama‘āina discount available.
‘Auana will perform Wednesday through Sunday at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. with no performances Monday and Tuesday. Show schedules are subject to change.
Getting to Honolulu
Hawaiian Airlines flies to Honolulu from Sydney, Auckland and across the mainland United States. Hawaiian’s brilliant onboard experience includes a stylish Business Class cabin and more Extra Comfort seats on the widebody Airbus A330 aircraft.
In Business Class, you’ find flatbed seats, in a 2-2-2 configuration, that fold down into 180-degree beds that are 20.5 inches wide by 76 inches long.
Also expect a Mai Tai on arrival (and during the flight), a Hawaiian-styled meal service and after dinner, a sleeper service on the overnight flight to Honolulu that features pink duvets and pillows, and new amenity kits. Entertainment comes in the form of large-format iPad tablets that sit on a telescoping arm – something also ideal if you want to watch content on your own device.
It’s also an exciting time for Hawaiian Airlines as the United States carrier re-boots its global network, prepares for the delivery of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and focuses its efforts on being more sustainable than ever before.