Cirque Du Soleil 'Auana: Everything You Need To Know About Honolulu's Exclusive Resident Show

The landscape of entertainment in Honolulu has been permanently transformed with the arrival of Cirque du Soleil's first-ever resident show in Hawai‘i. Forget the traditional touring productions at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center; the new, permanent home for this spectacular artistry is the heart of Waikiki, offering an intimate and culturally rich experience that is completely unique to the islands. As of late 2024 and continuing through 2025, the show, titled ‘Auana, blends the world-renowned acrobatics and visual storytelling of Cirque du Soleil with the deep, captivating heritage of the Hawaiian Islands.

This article provides the most up-to-date, essential information for anyone planning to attend the show, covering the exclusive venue, the compelling narrative, ticket details, and the creative vision that makes ‘Auana a must-see cultural event. The show is a dazzling homage to the Hawaiian spirit, making it far more than just a typical vacation spectacle.

Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana: A Biography of the Show

Unlike previous Cirque du Soleil productions that visited Honolulu as temporary touring acts, ‘Auana is a permanent, resident show, tailor-made for its Hawaiian home. This is a significant milestone for both the entertainment company and the island of Oahu.

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• Show Title: ‘Auana (Hawaiian for "to wander" or "to drift").
• Status: First-ever resident show in Hawai‘i (Permanent installation, not a touring tent show).
• Official Premiere: December 17, 2024.
• Current Run: Scheduled to run through at least December 31, 2025, with an expectation of a much longer residency.
• Venue: The custom-designed OUTRIGGER Theater, located within the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel.
• Theater Capacity: An intimate, custom-built space seating 784 guests.
• Show Duration: Approximately 80 minutes, with no intermission.
• Creative Team: Co-Created and Directed by Neil Dorward (Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group), with critical cultural direction from Aaron J. Salā, PhD (Cultural Creative Producer).
• Theme: A narrative inspired by *mo‘olelo* (traditional Hawaiian stories), following a young Hawaiian on a journey of exploration and discovery, blending Polynesian migration tales with the "golden age" of Waikiki.

The Unique Hawaiian Narrative and Cultural Depth

The core of ‘Auana lies in its deep respect and integration of Hawaiian culture, which sets it apart from other Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas or Orlando. The show’s title, *‘Auana*, meaning "to wander," perfectly encapsulates the journey-based narrative.

Mo‘olelo Meets Modern Spectacle

The entire show is structured across eight distinct chapters, each drawing inspiration from the rich *mo‘olelo*—the traditional stories, legends, and historical accounts of Hawai‘i. This commitment to authenticity is overseen by Cultural Creative Producer Dr. Aaron J. Salā, ensuring the performance is a genuine homage rather than a superficial tribute.

The storyline follows a young Hawaiian character as they navigate a metaphorical journey, reflecting the historical and spiritual path of the islands, from the original Polynesian migration to the present-day spirit of Aloha. You will witness the signature, breathtaking acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil artists seamlessly woven with authentic elements of Hawaiian performance and storytelling.

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The production utilizes stunning multimedia projections, custom-designed costumes, and a unique soundscape to transport the audience. It is a powerful blend of the ethereal artistry that Cirque du Soleil is famous for and the majestic, vibrant energy of the Pacific.

Venue, Schedule, and Ticket Information for 2025

Securing tickets for a resident show in a prime location like Waikiki requires knowing the most current details. The ‘Auana show is an exclusive experience, and its dedicated venue ensures an immersive environment.

The Intimate OUTRIGGER Theater

The show’s home is the custom-built OUTRIGGER Theater, situated within the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. This is a key difference from previous touring shows, which typically used large arenas like the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. The theater is designed to be intimate, with only 784 seats, ensuring that nearly every vantage point offers a fantastic view of the action. This proximity allows the audience to feel more connected to the artists and the emotional depth of the story.

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Current Show Schedule and Duration

As of the current schedule, ‘Auana performs multiple times per week, generally running Wednesday through Sunday. There are typically two performances each evening:

• Early Show: 5:30 PM
• Late Show: 8:30 PM

The performance runs for a compact and engaging 80 minutes, ensuring it fits perfectly into a busy Honolulu vacation itinerary without the need for an intermission. It is always recommended to check the official Cirque du Soleil or OUTRIGGER website for any scheduled "dark days" or seasonal time adjustments before booking.

Ticket Pricing and Booking Details

Ticket prices for ‘Auana are dynamic and depend on seating category and time of booking. However, you can expect the following general range:

• Starting Price: Tickets generally start around USD$85, including fees.
• Average Price: The average ticket price has been reported to be around $147 for standard seating.
• Booking: Tickets can be purchased through the official Cirque du Soleil website, the OUTRIGGER Hotel, and authorized ticket vendors. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend shows or during peak tourist seasons, to secure the best seats and prices.

The show offers a variety of seating options, including Category 1 Seating for the best views, allowing visitors to choose an experience that fits their budget and preference.

Topical Authority: Why This Show is Different

The creation of ‘Auana marks a strategic and cultural shift for Cirque du Soleil in Hawai‘i. It is a testament to the growing trend of destination-specific entertainment that honors local heritage.

A Shift from Touring to Residency

Historically, Cirque du Soleil shows like *Alegría* or *Varekai* would visit Honolulu for a limited run, performing in a large tent (Grand Chapiteau) or an arena. *‘Auana* breaks this mold by being a permanent fixture, allowing for a level of technical and narrative immersion that a traveling show cannot match. The custom-designed theater ensures the acrobatic and multimedia elements are perfectly integrated with the Hawaiian *mo‘olelo*.

The Cultural Creative Producer Role

The inclusion of Dr. Aaron J. Salā, a respected Hawaiian scholar and CEO of the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, as the Cultural Creative Producer, highlights the show's commitment to authenticity. His involvement ensures that the traditional Hawaiian concepts, music, and performance styles are represented with accuracy and reverence, elevating the show from mere entertainment to a genuine cultural experience for both visitors and residents.

For those seeking the ultimate Honolulu entertainment experience, ‘Auana offers a fresh, captivating, and deeply meaningful alternative to traditional Waikiki shows. It is a dazzling spectacle of human performance, rooted in the very soul of the Hawaiian Islands.