Cirque du Soleil 'Auana' is worth a trip to Hawaii. Here's why
I'll admit that I wasn't sure what to expect when my boyfriend and I decided to attend a performance of Cirque du Soleil "Auana" during a trip to Honolulu. We spend a lot of time in Las Vegas, and we've seen our share of Cirque du Soleil shows. We love them and didn't doubt that the show would be entertaining; we just thought it might feel like another Vegas experience rather than a Hawaiian experience.
This wasn't the case. Cirque du Soleil "Auana" manages to walk a mesmerizing tightrope of excitement and thrills rooted in authentic Hawaiian culture. Without giving too much away, the production begins before you're aware the show has even started. This sets the stage for an immersive experience where performers flit between the stage and the ceiling, often blurring the line between performance and reality. Where is Cirque du Soleil 'Auana' performed?
"Auana" offers all the thrills associated with Cirque du Soleil – Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil 'Auana
Cirque du Soleil's "Auana" opened at the end of 2024 at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel in Honolulu. The 784-seat theater was custom-designed for the production. The audience is positioned around a three-sided stage known as a 'thrust stage.' It's a more intimate environment than the Las Vegas productions, which generally seat over 100 guests. The immediacy of the venue sparks an instant connection between the performers and the audience.
Advertisement
How is 'Auana' different from other Cirque du Soleil shows?
A team of experts ensured authenticity in Cirque du Soleil's Hawaiian show – Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil 'Auana
When Cirque du Soleil expressed interest in creating a show in Waikiki, one of the top priorities for cultural creative director Aaron Salā was to ensure that Hawaiian culture was represented authentically, with respect, and in depth.
The team behind the show includes cultural leaders and creatives, such as Kumu Hula Hiwa Vaughan, who choreographed the hula, and renowned designer Manaola Yap, who served as the show's official costume designer. Director Neil Dowrward eagerly immersed himself in the culture, as he received a crash course in all things Hawaii. The result is a creative vision deeply informed by the islands' traditions and values.
Cirque du Soleil's "Auana" unfolds across eight chapters, drawing inspiration from Hawaii's moʻolelo stories, which have been passed down through the oral tradition from one generation to the next. We watched as a character known as Trickster embarked on a journey through space and time, transporting us from the Polynesian migration to the 'golden age of tourism.'
Advertisement
Auana means 'to wander' in Hawaiian. The word also describes modern hula, which combines flowing movements with musical elements, such as the ukulele and guitar.
Music and hula are integral to the show. Esteemed Hawaiian language expert Keao NeSmith developed original lyrics in Olelo Hawaii, the indigenous language of Hawaii, which, along with English, is the state's official language.
Although I understood the importance of remaining faithful to the Hawaiian language, I worried I might have trouble connecting with a show performed in a language I don't understand. However, I found that the music and lyrics were woven so beautifully into the fabric of the show that I didn't need to understand the lyrics. I felt them.
What you'll see at 'Auana'
The music for "Auana" is performed in Hawaiian – Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil 'Auana
One of my favorite vignettes featured surfing, a sport invented in ancient Polynesia and closely associated with Hawaii. The performance opened with a man standing on a surfboard placed on a wheel. It seems improbable enough that he would be able to balance and 'surf' on top of it, but if you've ever seen a Cirque du Soleil show, you know that just when you think a feat is impossible, they make it even harder.
Advertisement
When more cylinders were added, I gasped along with the audience as he maintained his balance on a tower of rounds that seemed as tall as he was.
Another favorite scene brought comic relief as volunteers from the audience joined Trickster onstage in a celebration of Hawaiian pop culture. (I'm being deliberately vague because it's a fun moment when it all comes together and you realize what's happening.)
The story culminates in a spectacular finish, with two warriors performing stunts, leaping in and out of enormous, moving cylinders in feats so daring that the audience moves from gasps to applause every few seconds. I wanted them to stop because I worried they might harm themselves, but I also wanted them to continue, because it was so exciting. Their exhilarating performances left no doubt that "Auana" was as much Cirque du Soleil as it was authentically Hawaiian.
Advertisement
I rarely have the desire to attend a show more than once, but I plan to see "Auana" again the next time I'm in Oahu.
I won't be alone. Salā says the show is a hit with both visitors and locals. 'Audiences have particularly enjoyed the blend of cultural elements ... with Cirque's signature acrobatics," he says. "This fusion has created a memorable experience that resonates deeply with diverse audiences.'
How to get tickets for Cirque du Soleil 'Auana'
"Auana" is an awe-inspiring show in Hawaii – Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil 'Auana
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
Forget 'Aloha.' This is the Hawaiian word every traveler should know.
There's an important Hawaiian phrase that all travelers should get familiar with, and it isn't aloha. It's malama. In Hawaiian language, malama means "to take care of" and it's a core Native Hawaiian value; the belief that people have a responsibility to steward their community and island home. It's often combined with the word "aina" (land) for a saying commonly heard throughout the islands: "malama aina," which translates to "take care of the land." It encapsulates the sustainable lifestyle of the ancient Hawaiians, who believed that if you take care of the island, it will reciprocate and provide sustenance. However, living out malama isn't just reserved for residents, but can be especially impactful for visitors who choose to volunteer during their trips. By giving back, travelers can help regenerate the islands rather than just utilize resources before returning home. More people hope to leave a positive impact from their trips, with 69% of travelers saying they want to leave places better than when they arrived, according to a 2025 survey. To make it easier for those wanting to be more responsible travelers, the Hawaii Visitors Convention Bureau (HVCB) and Hawaiian Tourism Authority (HTA) launched the Malama Hawaii Program in November of 2020. The program aims to connect travelers with volunteer opportunities with over 36 organizations across the state, with an incentive of earning a special discount from participating hotels. "When travelers engage with our land, our culture, and our communities through enriching volunteer experiences, they discover what we have always known: that caring for Hawaii changes you," said Dr. Aaron J. Sala, president and CEO of the HVCB. "These experiences create a connection between visitor and place, fostering a deeper understanding of our values while ensuring that tourism serves both our communities and those who choose to journey here." Why should you volunteer while traveling? Across the world, destinations are facing challenges caused by overtourism, ranging from increased costs of living to the strain on natural resources and infrastructure. Some, such as Venice and Hawaii, have implemented a tourist fee to offset those impacts by placing the responsibility back onto the visitor. Hawaii is a perennial destination that has historically struggled with negative impacts from the dominating tourism industry, which accounts for nearly a quarter of its economy. Some Hawaii residents believe that tourism "creates more problems than benefits," according to a 2024 Resident Sentiment Survey by the State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Locals cited higher costs of living, damage to the environment, and "a lack of respect" for culture and tradition. Volunteering while traveling goes against the grain. As a regenerative tourism practice, "voluntourism" means travelers are actively improving a destination, according to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Like sustainable tourism, regenerative tourism focuses on "reducing negative impacts and enhancing positive ones." Since an online dashboard was launched last spring, the Malama Hawaii Program has tracked 2,835 volunteers and over 11,412 hours statewide, according to an HVCB spokesperson. Travelers can browse volunteer opportunities, filtering by activity type and even island, and view available discounts, such as a complimentary night or meal. When travelers seek out bettering a place, they not only forge deeper connections with the residents and local culture but also gain a more immersive travel experience. In other words, they get a more authentic look at Hawaii. A volunteer day spent restoring a loko ia (fishpond) means someone learns firsthand about how the ancient Hawaiians practiced sustainable aquaculture to feed their communities. Their work also has the potential for a lasting positive impact, such as replanting native trees in reforestation efforts. "For residents, this means tourism becomes a force that strengthens rather than strains our home, ensuring that the places we cherish are protected and preserved," said Sala. "This is how we move beyond consumption to contribution, creating pathways for visitors to give back to the very places that inspire them." The practice of voluntourism can be problematic if someone views it solely as a "feel-good" opportunity. Still, as long as their intentions are to meaningfully interact with the host community, they can make a genuinely positive impact. They also have the chance to have a personally transformative experience by growing their worldview, according to a 2020 review in the Journal of Travel Research. Malama Hawaii Program opportunities Below are some volunteer opportunities from the Hawaii Malama Program: Giving back anywhere It's not just in Hawaii where travelers are encouraged to do their part in minimizing harm. Across the world, more destinations are seeking to connect their visitors to meaningful volunteer experiences as part of their efforts to build a more sustainable tourism industry. In the Maldives and Fiji, travelers can participate in coral restoration projects to help conserve the pristine oceans that they hope to enjoy. Other destinations finding value in having their visitors volunteer to preserve nature – the very reason they come to visit – include the California State Park Foundation's volunteer days. At the end of the day, all travelers can malama any destination they're visiting – not just the Hawaiian Islands – and it doesn't always take coordinating an event. Simply grabbing a bag and collecting trash on the beach or in the park follows the essence of malama.
New York Times
3 hours ago
- New York Times
‘Chief of War,' and 7 More Shows to Watch on TV This Week
Between streaming and cable, there is a seemingly endless variety of things to watch. Here is a selection of TV shows and specials that are airing or streaming this week, July 28-Aug 3. Details and times are subject to change. Fictionalized struggles. The unification of the Hawaiian islands that took place during the late 1700s and early 1800s was defined by tribal warfare, political strife and fears of Western colonization. The new fictional drama, 'Chief of War,' takes a different approach than past retellings of the story — this time interpreting it through the lens of Polynesian people in a production made by people of Polynesian descent that uses their language. Jason Momoa, who was born in Hawaii and whose father was a native Hawaiian, stars as Ka'iana, a real-life warrior who has been both lauded and criticized by historians. Along with Ka'iana and his personal struggles, the show follows King Kamehameha (the first ruler and conqueror of Hawaii, played by Kaina Makua), who is driven by the mission to unify the islands of Hawai'i, Maui, O'ahu and Kaua'i. The first two of nine episodes will air this week, with new episodes dropping weekly after the premiere. Streaming Friday on Apple TV+. Documented strife. On Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Southeast Louisiana and, combined with subsequent flooding, caused 1,392 fatalities and $125 billion in damages, particularly to the New Orleans area. Almost 20 years later, the new documentary series 'Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time' doesn't seek to provide any new or groundbreaking information; instead it serves as a reminder of all the lessons that can be learned about weather catastrophes for the future. Over five episodes, New Orleans residents, from the 9th Ward, Algiers and Tremé, tell the story of their experiences, minute by minute. Streaming Monday on Hulu and Disney+. In December 2000, Mike Williams went missing in Jackson County, Florida after participating in an early morning duck hunting trip. Initially police speculated that Williams had drowned and was eaten by alligators. Seventeen years later, Brian Winchester, who had eventually married Williams's widow, Denise, (they had been having an affair at the time) confessed to killing his best friend in an elaborate scheme the two had planned. The four-part documentary series 'Mr. & Mrs. Murder' explores the case. Streaming Wednesday on Hulu. The Birmingham City Football Club was founded in 1875 and has seen its share of changes throughout the years. 'Built in Birmingham: Brady & the Blues' embeds film crews with the team to follow the players, coaches, owners and Tom Brady, who has a minority stake. The documentary series follows the day-to-day operations of the British soccer team and examines its cultural significance to the city of Birmingham. Streaming Friday on Prime Video. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Boston Globe
10 hours ago
- Boston Globe
Joan Anderson, unsung heroine of hula hoop history, dies at 101
'Everyone was having such fun,' she added, 'I thought, 'I'd like to do that, too.'' Back in Los Angeles, Ms. Anderson asked her mother to mail her one of the rings from Australia, and it soon brought joy to the Anderson household. Her children played with it. Ms. Anderson swerved it around her hips for friends at dinner parties. When someone told her that it looked as if she was 'doing the hula,' the traditional Hawaiian dance, Ms. Anderson was struck with inspiration. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up She named the object the hula hoop. Advertisement What transpired next would place Ms. Anderson at the center of what she described as an American tale of shattered dreams and promises, a business deal made on a handshake, and, eventually, a lawsuit. Ms. Anderson died July 14 at a nursing facility in Carlsbad, Calif., north of San Diego. She was 101. Her daughter, Loralyn Willis, announced the death. The hubbub over the hoop started when her husband, Wayne, saw opportunity in the object and decided to pitch it to Wham-O, a toy company that soon became known for the Frisbee. As it happened, he was acquainted with one of Wham-O's founders, Arthur Melin, known as Spud, so he arranged a meeting. Advertisement The encounter, she recalled, occurred in a parking lot outside Wham-O's offices in San Gabriel, Calif. The Andersons opened up the trunk of their car and took out the hoop. 'There were no witnesses,' Ms. Anderson said in the documentary. 'Just Spud and my husband and myself.' 'We told him, 'We've called it the hula hoop,'' she continued. 'He said: 'Looks like it has some merit. If it makes money for us, it's going to make money for you.'' The deal was sealed with what Ms. Anderson characterized as a 'gentleman's handshake' and nothing more. Wham-O began experimenting with the hoop, developing a plastic version of it and trying it out on children at a Pasadena, Calif., elementary school. The company also started giving them away to generate buzz. By the time Wham-O was selling the hoop, lines were forming outside department stores. As the popularity of what Wham-O trademarked as the Hula Hoop grew, Ms. Anderson said, she and her husband heard less and less from Melin. 'We called Spud and asked him what was going on, and he kept putting us off,' she said. 'Then they just ignored us.' The hoop quickly became a national sensation. From Ms. Anderson's home in the suburbs of Monterey Park, Calif., she watched as newspapers landed on her porch with headlines like 'Hula-Hoop Sales Soar to $30 Million in 2 Months.' Over the years, stories about Wham-O's success sometimes spoke of a 'friend' visiting from Australia who first told the company about the hoop. 'I think that bugged me more than anything,' Ms. Anderson said. 'It was never reported correctly at all. I was not a 'friend.'' Advertisement In 1961, the Andersons filed a lawsuit against Wham-O. But the company presented records demonstrating its own woes. Just as quickly as the Hula Hoop sensation took off, it swiftly ended, entering the annals of American fads. Wham-O was left with heaps of unsold hoops and argued that it had not made a profit after production costs. The case concluded in a settlement, and the Andersons walked away with just a few thousand dollars. The couple moved on with their lives. Wham-O went on to release the SuperBall, the Slip 'N Slide ,and Silly String. Melin died in 2002. (Wham-O was sold in 1982 to the Kransco Group Cos. for $12 million. It was later sold to Mattel, which then sold it to a group of investors, and it has continued changing hands ever since.) 'We often talked about the money we could have made from it and maybe changed our life a little bit,' Ms. Anderson said in the documentary, 'but it didn't work out that way.' 'The world isn't fair. But life goes on.' Joan Constance Manning was born Dec. 28, 1923, in Sydney to Claude and Ethel (Hallandal) Manning. Her father was a real estate broker. As a young woman, Joan was a swimsuit model known as the 'Pocket Venus' because she was 5 feet 2 inches tall. In 1945, Wayne Anderson, a US Army pilot on leave from duty, approached Joan on Bondi Beach. They married a few months later and moved to California. Anderson, who went on to run a prosperous woodwork machine manufacturing business, died in 2007. Advertisement In addition to her daughter, Loralyn, Ms. Anderson is survived by two sons, Warren and Gary, and six grandchildren. Another son, Carl, died in 2023. Over the years, Ms. Anderson's brush with hula hoop history faded into family lore. When her children grew up, they sent letters about her story to Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, but nothing came of it. Fate intervened in 2016, when Ms. Anderson's daughter was recounting the story to coworkers while dining at a restaurant in La Mesa, near San Diego. At a table nearby, eavesdropping, was the mother of Amy Hill, a filmmaker. She asked for her telephone number and passed it along it to Hill. Intrigued by the tip, Hill began vetting the story with her husband and collaborator, Chris Riess. They decided to pursue the project and interviewed Ms. Anderson at La Costa Glen, the retirement community where she lived. The resulting short documentary, 'Hula Girl,' premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2018. At 94, Ms. Anderson flew to New York to promote the film, and a writer for Vogue interviewed her for an article. The documentary was also shown at the Sydney Film Festival and received coverage in The Atlantic and Smithsonian magazine. It was screened as well for Ms. Anderson's fellow residents at La Costa Glen. Her friends watched in fascination as they learned about her connection to the hula hoop. At La Costa Glen, Ms. Anderson stayed fit by swimming every week and taking ballroom dancing lessons. She also became a formidable bridge player. And in her apartment, she kept the original wood hoop that her mother had mailed to her from Australia, although it mostly sat collecting dust. Advertisement 'I do it once in a while for exercise,' she said, 'but not as much as I should.' This article originally appeared in
