Hawaii offers a wide range of experiences
and activities that cater to every type of traveler. But for many years, the
one item missing from the visitor menu was world-class live entertainment, beyond
luaus and a few cultural attractions.
That has been changing with the increase
in music venues, and now there is an original, live Cirque du Soleil show.
Called “Auana,” the 80-minute show opened in its
own 784-seat theater at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel late last year and was an instant
hit with visitors.
“Auana” draws on native Hawaiian
culture to bring the spirit of the islands to life. But rather than being a
dusty history lesson, it’s an exciting artistic endeavor that highlights
Hawaiian cultural imagery, influences, and themes in the style that Cirque du
Soleil productions around the world are known for. In particular, it offers
visual, musical and physical interpretations of Hawaiian myths and historic
figures. Using acrobatics, original music, and creative costumes and sets that
incorporate oceans, waterfalls, forests, volcanoes, and rainbows, “Auana”
manages to stay out of the realm of cliché and consistently surprises its
guests.
Typical of Cirque shows, the main highlights
are provided by the uniquely talented performers. “Auana’s” acts include roller
skaters, jugglers, gymnasts and more. A couple of the standout performances
include a woman who performs an entire water acrobatic routine inside a giant
cocktail glass; a surfer defying gravity by balancing on impossibly long
cylinders; and a grand finale that featured two men running, jumping, and flying
through the air on something that resembled a giant hamster wheel. All of the
acts fall into the “you have to see it to believe it” category.
Of course, like most Cirque shows,
humor plays a significant role in the production as well. In this case, it
mostly comes from a “visitor” to the islands who has some “misadventures.” Several
of the acts also involve audience participation and surprises. There’s a homage
to the television show “Hawaii 5-0” that drew big laughs from the crowd.
“Auana” is presented twice nightly,
from Wednesday through Sunday. Outrigger deserves credit for investing in a
custom-built venue right in the vibrant center of Waikiki. The comfortable theater
is small enough to feel intimate, yet large enough to accommodate truly amazing
acts and sets.
Holo Moana Hula at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. (Photo Credit: Cirque du Soleil)
Outrigger also offers travel advisors
commission on tickets. Several online vendors are available to agents,
including Pleasant Holidays, Expedia, Viator and more. Outrigger also provides
group packages in conjunction with Maui Brewing Co., ideal for special
celebrations, corporate events, and family reunions. All ticketed guests can buy
drinks and refreshments at any of the three bars operated by Maui Brewing
Company.
The Hotel
Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel
is located in the heart of the action in Waikiki, on Kalakaua Avenue. The main
lobby is on the second floor, above the street, so outdoor seating avoids the rowdier
activity on Kalakaua.
The hotel features a Maui Brewing
Company restaurant, offering live music and outdoor seating, as well as Aroma Cafe
for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Order ahead to avoid the morning coffee rush.
Also on the lobby level is a compact
pool and hot tub, an activities desk and the entrance to the “Auana” theater.
Hina Lyra at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. (Photo Credit: Cirque du Soleil)
The hotel’s 496 guestrooms feel
modern, spacious and comfortable. Fittingly, the rooms take advantage of ocean-themed
colors. My standard room had a photographic wave mural on the wall behind the
bed. Many rooms feature a walk-out lanai with chairs and a table, offering
views of the ocean.
While the hotel is on the non-beach
side of Kalakaua, it’s a short walk from the hotel to the sand.
For an unforgettable dose of
Hawaiian culture and Cirque-style magic, “Auana” at the Outrigger Waikiki
Beachcomber is a can’t-miss experience and a winning combination for advisors.
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