No blackjack, baccarat or one-armed bandits for me; whenever I’m in Las Vegas, a Cirque du Soleil show tops my list of things to do. Fast-paced and visually stunning with a liberal dose of humor and spectacular displays of artistry and athleticism that defy reality, Cirque — in my opinion — is the epitome of excellence in the realm of live entertainment.
So, I’m thrilled that the Montreal-based company’s newest show, “Auana”, has a home at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. Its custom-designed, 784-seat theater has been described as “intimate,” considering Cirque’s Vegas venues each seat more than 1,000 guests. But despite its smaller stage and capacity, “Auana” is classic Cirque: exciting, imaginative, enchanting and riveting from beginning to end. I could see it again and again and never get bored.
The Hawaiian word “auana” means to venture or wander off the beaten path. Guided by a brilliant cast of acrobats, athletes, jugglers, singers, dancers and musicians, “Auana” is 80 nonstop minutes of exploration, discovery and adventure in a fantastical world. Its story unfolds in eight extraordinary chapters inspired by the chants, dances, myths, legends, culture and history of Hawaii. Costuming, choreography and projections showcase the beauty and splendor of the islands, providing a fresh take on feats that are familiar to avid Cirque fans. The accompanying original music is both pre-recorded and live, and all lyrics are in the Hawaiian language.
One of my favorite acts honored Hina, the Hawaiian goddess of the moon. As the tale goes, Hina was a hard-working wife and mother who didn’t get any help from her family. Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and unappreciated, she escaped, climbing a rainbow to the moon, where she finally found peace and solace.
One act of the show honors Hina, the Hawaiian goddess of the moon.
Credit: 2025 Cirque du Soleil/AuanaI was transfixed as the show’s Hina ascended as high as 20 feet for a breathtaking performance that was equal parts ballet and gymnastics. With a lyra (aerial hoop) as her partner, she spun, swung, twisted and flipped in incredible aerial display of grace, strength and balance. Below her, hula dancers in voluminous cerulean skirts depicted the rhythm and vigor of the ocean.
Another highlight for me celebrated surfing, a sport that has become synonymous with Hawaii even though it was enjoyed by both royalty and commoners throughout Polynesia for centuries. To master it, a person must have mobility, balance and aerobic endurance, not to mention arm, core, shoulder and leg strength.
The star of this segment demonstrated all those traits as he “rode” a 2.5-foot board on a rolling cylinder and then another that was placed on top of it. I thought that was phenomenal in itself, but a third cylinder was added to the moving stack — and then a fourth and fifth. I held my breath each time a cylinder was added, thinking the whole contraption would come crashing down on the “surfer,” but amazingly, it didn’t.
Mamala, a kupua (demigod) who could shape-shift between a beautiful maiden and mo'o (supernatural reptiles), was spotlighted in a third memorable routine. Hawaiians believe mo'o are guardians of freshwater sources such as streams, lakes, ponds and rivers. That said, Mamala is renowned as an accomplished surfer who’s equally at home in the sea.
“Auana” is centered around the chants, dances, myths, legends, culture and history of Hawaii.
Credit: 2025 Cirque du Soleil/AuanaI watched, mesmerized, as a supple, elegant Mamala glided into poses I didn’t think would be humanly possible on the edge of a giant bowl of water. She then dove into the bowl, making an effortless transition from woman to aquatic creature. What struck me was her agility and breath control; the performer was clearly as much at ease underwater as she was above it, just like Mamala.
“Auana” comes to a dramatic conclusion against a fiery backdrop created with still photos of volcanic rock and landscapes layered with kapa (tapa cloth) patterns and animated with smoke and spark particles. Emulating an eruption of Hawaii Island’s Kilauea volcano, it was a spectacle complemented by hula that revealed how Pele, the volcano goddess, can be destructive but also an agent of renewal in the form of new land.
All eyes then turned to a mammoth machine that revolved as high as 30 feet above the stage. As its 13-foot arm turned, two warriors ran, hung, leaped, somersaulted, jumped rope and performed other daring stunts in and on circular cages 7 feet in diameter that were on each end of it. I wanted to close my eyes so I wouldn’t see any missteps; however, being in tip-top physical shape with an incredible sense of timing, the two men soon proved I had nothing to worry about. I could have watched them play on that imposing apparatus all night.
“Auana” definitely leaves audiences yearning for more — more fun, more thrills, more Cirque magic.
Elevate the Magic of ‘Auana’
“Auana” is presented twice nightly Wednesdays through Sundays at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. Prior to each performance, ticket holders can enjoy the Auana VIP Experience, a 90-minute reception in a private open-air lounge featuring craft cocktails and Pacific Rim-inspired pupu (hors d’oeuvres). Each reception is capped at 120 guests; it can be added at the time of online ticket purchase.
