The album serves as more than a theatrical memento; it acts as a vessel for Indigenous culture. Composed by Evan Duffy in collaboration with Native Hawaiian linguist Dr. Keao NeSmith, the score weaves traditional island rhythms with the company’s signature performance style. NeSmith noted that the project represents a significant victory for a language that has faced historical suppression, providing a platform for Hawaiian stories to reach international audiences who may never visit the islands.
Cirque du Soleil Extends Hawaii’s Language to Global Stages
The music of 'Auana, Cirque du Soleil's resident Hawaiian production, is transcending its Waikīkī stage. On July 17, BMG and Cirque du Soleil will release the show's original 16-track soundtrack, marking a rare instance of a globally distributed album performed entirely in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
Beyond the studio production, the soundtrack features a collaborative lineup of local talent, including musician Taimane Gardner, vocalist Alana Kahiapo, and Kumu Hula Hiwa Vaughan. This ensemble joins the show's resident performers who appear nightly at the OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel. For Cirque du Soleil, the project represents a departure from their standard repertoire, standing as the first production in the company's 42-year history built around the identity of a single destination. The lead single, "Kele ka Moana," is currently available on streaming platforms ahead of the full release.
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