Cirque du Soleil announces 2024 residency at Hawaiian resort
Cirque du Soleil is taking its extravagant, acrobatic shows to the Aloha State.
Travel Pulse reports that the popular Las Vegas act is opening a multi-year residency at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel in Honolulu, starting late 2024.
“Cirque du Soleil is an iconic company at the apex of entertainment; we are confident that the show created for Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel will delight and astound our guests and residents,” said Jeff Wagoner, president and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group, in a release. “This collaboration with Cirque was years in the making and perfectly aligns with Outrigger’s brand elevation strategy, which includes a promise to provide authentic live music and signature experiences in renowned beach locations.”
Cirque du Soleil president of resident and affiliate shows, Eric Grilly, reiterated the excitement both companies feel about the collaboration.
“We are thrilled to partner with a company as prominent as Outrigger to bring a brand new world-class immersive experience to life in Honolulu,” said Grilly. “We look forward to having a new home in Hawaii and drawing on the rich culture of the islands as inspiration for the show.”
Along with the entertainment the Cirque du Soleil residency will bring to Hawaii, it will also bring jobs to the state. Travel Pulse reports that the entertainment company currently employs 4,000 people of 80 nationalities, who contribute to the 32 shows presented worldwide. The company sells 9.5 million tickets annually.
“In addition to bringing new vibrancy to Waikīkī, this project will produce significant economic impact through job creations in redeveloping the theater space and ongoing show operations,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “I’m honored and excited to welcome Cirque du Soleil as the newest Honolulu resident.”
The official news release for the announcement notes that Native Hawaiian Aaron J. Salā, PhD will serve as the production’s creative cultural producer. Salā will work alongside other prominent Hawaiian artists, musicians and dancers to craft the show’s storyline. Further details about the partnership are slated to be revealed in the coming months, as well as the show’s name and creative concept.
Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. When she’s not working on a story, Roshae enjoys cooking, watching and analyzing reality TV, and spending time with family and friends.