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If you’re heading to Waikiki and looking for a night your family will never forget, consider this perfect pairing: dinner steps from the ocean followed by an awe-inspiring Cirque du Soleil performance that had our entire family on the edge of their seats.
Dinner on the Beach at Monkeypod Kitchen
We kicked off our evening with dinner at Monkeypod Kitchen at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. This location used to be the old Shore Bird Restaurant but you wouldn’t recognize it now. They’ve completely transformed the space. The most jaw-dropping change? The wall that once separated the restaurant from the beach has been blown out so now, if you get a table along the far wall, you’re dining with panoramic ocean views and a front-row seat to a Hawaiian sunset.
I always thought Duke’s had the best location in Waikiki but Monkeypod might have just claimed the top spot since it’s the closet you can get to the water, other than dining on a pier or boat.
The vibe is vibrant, the food is fresh and flavorful, the waiters are super friendly and the setting is unbeatable. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this place hits all the right notes and you’ll want to return to again and again.
Natalie loved her mocktail and seared ahi steak, served with jalapeno mashed potatoes and soy sesame maui onion sauce. The kids enjoyed their cheeseburger and pizza and a big kudos to our server and the kitchen team who really went above and beyond to ensure our son’s food was safe, due to his food allergies.
A Night to Remember: ‘Auana by Cirque du Soleil
A Night to Remember: ‘Auana by Cirque du SoleilAfter dinner, we made our way to the Outrigger Beachcomber Hotel’s showroom to catch Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana’s new Hawaiian-inspired production. And wow, what a show.
Our kids (ages 5 and 8) were completely captivated. I’ve never seen them so engaged. They clapped so hard I thought their hands would fall off. Their eyes were wide with wonder and their jaws literally dropped during the more daring and graceful acts. About halfway through the show, my son turned to me and asked how much time was left. When I said, “about 30 minutes,” he frowned and said “That’s all? I don’t want it to end!” High praise from an 8-year-old.
‘Auana blends the heart of Hawai‘i with Cirque’s signature acrobatics, music and storytelling. It’s colorful, mesmerizing and full of surprises. Described on their website as a “spectacular show that celebrates the essence of the islands through breathtaking artistry and awe-inspiring athleticism,” it’s an unforgettable experience that our entire family absolutely loved. Many of the acts seemed impossible to believe and the whole show was a treat for the senses.
If you’re visiting Honolulu, make sure to carve out a night for this experience. Start with a sunset dinner at Monkeypod Kitchen then head to ‘Auana. Just note these two Outrigger Hotels are a half a mile apart so plan accordingly. Also the theatre can get chilly so bring a sweater.
Between the stunning setting and the unforgettable performance, you’ll be talking about it long after your trip ends. We certainly are.
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