What do Elvis Presley, the Fab Four, acrobats, magicians, hula girls and fire dancers have in common? They’re all part of live stage shows regaling guests in Waikiki.
Holding fast to Hawaii’s longstanding tradition of hospitality, Waikiki’s diverse entertainment scene engages all types of travelers. Time-honored Polynesian music and dance draw crowds eager to embrace local culture. At the same time, new acts such as tribute performers and Cirque-style spectacles keep the scene fresh.
Here’s a look at five live stage shows brightening Waikiki’s evening skies.
Cabarae, Hilton Hawaiian Village
Music, comedy, acrobatics and magic from stages around the world come together in this new show, set to open in summer 2014. Presenting a mix of cabaret and variety acts, it takes place in a new 10,000-square-foot in-the-round showroom. Guests can start with drinks on an open-air lanai, catch the two-hour production and finish with late-night entertainment and a performer meet-and-greet.
www.cabarae.com
Fourever Fab, Pacific Beach Hotel
Waikiki’s Beatles show features band members who have performed the Fab Four’s music for more than 20 years. With sound-alike vocals and instrumentals, the group has entertained audiences around the U.S. mainland and overseas. The program spans The Beatles’ vast repertoire from 1964-69. Fourever Fab runs various packages, including one that comes with dinner at the Pacific Beach Hotel’s Oceanarium restaurant.
www.foureverfabshow.com
Magic of Polynesia, Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Resort
Illusions intermingle with Polynesian songs, dances and chants in this innovative show. Award-winning magician John Hirokawa calls on humor, surprises and pyrotechnics to keep the audience in the palm of his hand. He’s joined by an ensemble of Polynesian entertainers who add a sense of place to the production. Packages come with an island-style dinner and pre-show entertainment.
www.magicofpolynesia.com
Rock-A-Hula at Legends in Concert Waikiki, Royal Hawaiian Theater
Legends in Concert recently debuted this revamped revue, adding more local talent and Hawaiian elements from decor and music to island hospitality. Tribute artists channel stars such as Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson and Britney Spears, and their performances are enhanced by actual concert footage on a huge screen. It all comes together in a 750-seat multimillion-dollar theater. A range of dinner and cocktail packages are available.
www.rockahulahawaii.com
Te Moana Nui: Tales of the Pacific, Pacific Beach Hotel
State-of-the-art sound and lighting, top-tier entertainers, vibrant costumes and compelling storytelling combine in this theatrical experience introduced in February 2014. Through traditional songs, dances and chants, the show traces the stories of the ancients who made their way to Hawaii. A dinner package comes with pre-show activities and luau-style food. The overall experience ranks high among Waikiki’s live stage shows.
www.temoananui.com
