HONOLULU — Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced on Monday that Cirque du Soleil would be coming to the Waikiki Beachcomber.

The Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger is located next to the International Market Place on Kalakaua Avenue. Formerly known as the Holiday Inn Resort Waikiki Beachcomber, the new resort was opened in 2018 after a $35 million renovation, according to our news partner Pacific Business News. The Beachcomber was originally built in 1970 and was known for its showroom, where Don Ho, Jimmy Buffett and others performed. 

“I’m very proud to tell you that Outrigger is going to officially announce the arrival of Cirque du Soleil,” Blangiardi said at a news conference. 

The Cirque du Soleil show is expected to open by the end of 2024. It will open after the Beachcomber’s 800-seat theater is renovated. It will be a resident show for multiple years, although an Outrigger spokesperson could not provide an exact number. 

Cirque du Soleil is a Canadian circus company that was founded in 1984 by street performers. It does not include animals but instead focuses on acrobatic, character-driven stories. Cirque du Soleil has multiple permanent shows in Las Vegas and is performed in cities all over the world. 

In order for the show at the Waikiki Beachcomber to incorporate Hawaii elements, Aaron J. Salā, a Native Hawaiian cultural adviser, will serve as the show’s creative cultural producer, and he will employ Hawaiian artists, musicians and dancers.  

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.