Hawaii night shows

Hawaii’s Most Famous Night Shows

Night shows are a very popular activity in Hawaii. From shows featuring traditional island music and songs, to stunning acrobatics, Elvis, magic and comedy – there is a wide variety of night entertainment to choose from. The majority of night shows offered in Hawaii take place on Oahu and Maui.

Night Shows on Oahu

Oahu’s night shows are mainly held at hotels in Waikiki, which is convenient for tourists staying in the area. There is a wide range of shows to pick from.

If you’d like to see a world-renowned show that features a zany mix of comedy, musical theater, singing and dancing, the Society of Seven will fit in your taste. It is a show preformed by seven singers and musicians, who will entertain you with Broadway hits, Latin and Hawaiian music, musical skits, celebrity impersonations and lots of humor. The Society of Seven Show takes place at the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel. You can choose from show only and buffet packages.

Blue Hawaii show is performed by top Elvis impersonator Jonathon Von Brana, who has been praised by the national media as the top Elvis impersonator in the world. He will come live in front of you dressed as the King and will perform Elvis’ evergreen ballads and classic songs for you. The show is offered in a few packages (show only and with dinner options) and takes place at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel.

Magic of Polynesia is performed by the world-famous master illusionist John Hirokawa at the extravagant showroom (which has been built for just this show) at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. This show is a must-see if you like magic. Hirokawa performs thrilling illusions, will make things appear and disappear and escape from dangerous traps that will leave you spellbound. He can make a real helicopter disappear right in front of your eyes, or make it snow right in the showroom! The show also revolves around a Polynesian theme and you’ll also see hula dancing and singing. The Magic of Polynesia is offered in three packages – show only, dinner show and deluxe dinner show.

Cirque Hawaii is a newly opened night entertainment show in Waikiki and is held in the multimillion dollar Cirque Hawaii Theater. The show features world-renowned talent. You’ll see over 40 performers and 15 acts from around the world. On a 70-foot-high (21 m) apparatus, the artists will perform daring acts that will amaze you. You’ll see high-energy dances, incredible balancing acts, stunning acrobatics and clowns who will make you laugh. You can choose from several different packages, such as show only or with a dinner and a souvenir gift.

Another famous show in Waikiki is Creations – A Polynesian Journey, held at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel. Through rhythmic island music, dances and stunning visual effects, Creations tells the mythology and history of Polynesia. This night show may remind you of a luau show since its dances and songs are similar and it ends with a Samoan fire-knife dance. Just like most of the shows in Waikiki, you can choose from several packages here – cocktail, dinner and deluxe dinner.

One of the most famous, if not the most famous night show on Oahu, is Horizons – Where the Sea Meets the Sky, performed at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie. The show showcases the cultures of seven Polynesian Islands (Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand, Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands). If you would like to learn about the music and dances of the Polynesian Islands, this show is your best pick. However, to attend the Horizons show you must purchase admission to the Center. The Polynesian Cultural Center is a huge living museum, where you’ll learn about seven Polynesian island nations. Several tour packages are available.

Night Shows on Maui

If you are staying on Maui and want to visit a night show, three of the most popular night entertainments are Ulalena, Kupanaha and The Sugar Cane Train.

Ulalena is a show that reveals the Hawaiian myths and legends in a spectacular and beautiful way. Ulalena’s highlights include traditional hula dances mixed with acrobatic tricks and modern dances. The show is held at the Maui Theater, which is a multi-million dollar theater, built especially for this presentation. The high-tech lighting, sound system and the 8-channel surround sound, combined with the stunning performances will take you back to a time of the ancient Hawaiians and will make you part of their myths and legends. If you want to be immersed into the Hawaiian culture in a fun and entertaining way, Ulalena is your best choice. There are three packages to choose from – Standard, Premium (provides a select seat with a premium view to the stage) and Producer (provides a deluxe seating).

Kupanaha – the Magic for All Ages is another way to experience the Hawaiian myths. This show features spellbinding illusions, traditional hula and chants. It is presented by the talented Jody and Kathleen Baran and their daughters, who express the myths and legends of Hawaii with magic and will leave you stunned. Besides the show, your ticket includes a dinner as well. There is a wide range of appetizers, entrées and desserts to choose from. They also offer a special menu for children. Kupanaha is held at the Kanahele Room Theater at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel.

The Sugar Cane Train offers a unique evening adventure on a train you can not find anywhere else in the Hawaiian Islands, but on Maui. This is the Paniolo (Cowboy) Sunset BBQ Dinner and Show. You will depart from Puukolii Station at Kaanapali and will enjoy a sunset dinner train ride. Then when you disembark at the Kaanapali Station, you will enjoy a delicious Hawaiian-style BBQ dinner in a paniolo atmosphere and with lots of Hawaii music and dances. You can even learn the hula.

Night Shows on Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii

Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii don’t have as many night entertainment programs as Oahu and Maui have. If you are staying on either of these islands and are in a mood of going to a night show, you can visit a luau. If you are staying at a resort, you may want to check with your hosts about any night entertaining programs they have. In most of the big resorts you will find bars and restaurants with live entertainment programs.