Hawaii Shows - Theater - Entertainment throughout the Islands

Hawaii theatre and Hawaii shows can be found on the islands if you know where to look. Tom Barefoot’s Tours provides you here with various options!

Hawaii Theatre and Shows Blossomed in the Don Ho Era

The "Hawaii Show" has long been the province of the island of Oahu. After all, the beginnings of Hawaii entertainment have had their roots planted firmly on the stages of Waikiki. Hawaii shows have changed greatly over the years but Waikiki on Oahu is still the Hawaii entertainment capitol of the islands with much in the tradition of Hawaii Theater.

The great era of Hawaiian entertainment, shows and theatre similar in degree to the musicals and comic routines that could be found in New York or San Francisco came undoubtedly during the reign of Don Ho. Don Ho was the consummate Hawaii entertainer of his time and he ushered into Waikiki a great number of similar shows making Waikiki the "Mecca" in Hawaii for stage entertainment. The Don Ho format show still exists in Waikiki with regular stage acts performing on a nightly basis, essentially the same show night after night. Current Hawaii shows like the Society of Seven and the Magic of Polynesia and Hawaii theater productions like Creation-A Polynesian Journey, have become very popular over the years and play to the delight of Hawaii visitors who long to see shows with a Hawaiian flare that they cannot see back home.

Hawaiian Theatre and Shows are Primarily Found on Oahu and Maui

Hawaii shows really do not play an important role on any Hawaiian Island other than Oahu except the island of Maui. Hawaii entertainment and Hawaii theater is however alive and well on the "Valley Isle". A few of the newest, most original and most popular Hawaii shows can be found on Maui, all of them being found on Maui's west side in either Lahaina or Kaanapali. The Hawaiian produced show called "Ulalena" has had one of the longest runs in Hawaii. A special theater was constructed as the venue for this show and the specialty features found on stage and surrounding the seating areas are designed specifically for the show itself. Actors and actress portray the history of old Hawaii in a modern and contemporary musical play that is a delight for all to see. The reviews of these performances have been wildly favorable and Ulalena is a "must see" one evening when you are visiting Maui. A second performance in the "must see" category of productions on Maui is Warren and Annabelle's Magic Show in Lahaina. This impromptu Hawaii theater comedy performance is based upon parlor tricks played with cards and other stage props and many of the same amazing illusions are performed nightly but it is the interaction with the small and intimate audience attending that brings this show its warmth and general appeal. This is a performance that is certain to leave you laughing and most people will find themselves laughing harder during this performance than they have laughed in years. A third Hawaii show found in Maui plays in Kaanapali and is called Kupanaha. This too is a magic show but deals with the broad base of traditional magic acts which involve disappearing and site illusions on a grander scale. Children love this show and are encouraged to attend. Yet another well known show found in Kaanapali which performs regularly on Maui is Cirque Polynesia. This show consists of masterful acrobatic acts only found in the rich tradition of modern day Cirque and is a crowd pleaser for people of any age.