Cirque du Soleil Marks Key Milestones in Montreal and Hawai‘i

The renowned circus organization is celebrating the one-year anniversary of their ‘Auana show in Hawai‘i, spotlighted during an exclusive industry event at its Montreal headquarters.

Cirque du Soleil celebrated a major milestone this month, marking one year since the debut of ‘Auana, Hawai‘i’s first-ever resident Cirque du Soleil production and recently named Best New Attraction by HONOLULU Magazine. The anniversary aligned with a special event held December 1st at the company’s Montreal headquarters, where industry guests, including a representative from Baxter Media, enjoyed an evening of live performance, creative previews and rare behind-the-scenes access to the iconic brand, including costumes and props.

The event underscored Cirque du Soleil’s global evolution while highlighting its deepening commitment to cultural storytelling. That vision is embodied in ‘Auana, created in close collaboration with Hawaiian cultural leaders, practitioners and artists. Since opening in 2024 at a purpose-built theatre at the OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel, the show has welcomed nearly 275,000 guests and quickly become part of the fabric of Waikīkī tourism.

“‘Auana was built on a foundation of deep cultural collaboration, and seeing it resonate with locals and visitors over the past year has been incredibly meaningful,” said Dr. Aaron J. Sala, Cultural Creative Producer. The production blends traditional hula, live Hawaiian music and local artistry with Cirque’s signature acrobatics, creating an experience that honours Hawai‘i’s heritage while captivating international audiences.

OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels, known for its commitment to cultural stewardship, has played a central role in the show’s success. “‘Auana has become part of the fabric of Waikīkī and its success is a testament to the power of collaboration,” said Sean Dee, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer.

Beyond its onstage appeal, the production has built strong community ties over the past year. Cast and crew representing 11 countries have volunteered with local cultural and environmental initiatives, including Pāhonu Fishpond in Waimānalo and Ka Papa Lo‘i o Kānewai at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, and have performed for schools and hospitals across the islands.

“One year in, the success of the show has exceeded all expectations,” said Duncan Fisher, Chief Show Operations Officer of Cirque du Soleil. “We’re grateful to our partners, our team and the audiences who’ve supported us.”

‘Auana has also gained national attention, with appearances on the TODAY Show and The Jennifer Hudson Show and has welcomed a range of celebrity guests including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Pierce Brosnan, Nicole Scherzinger and Gabriel Iglesias.

To mark the anniversary, Cirque du Soleil and OUTRIGGER are hosting a week of events and activations that celebrate the show’s guiding principles: cultural integrity, community appreciation and the aloha spirit.

For Cirque du Soleil, founded in Québec in 1984 and now a global live-entertainment leader, ‘Auana represents a strategic expansion into destination-based resident shows, developed in partnership with leading hospitality brands.

Photos by Eve Thomas