HONOLULU (HI Now) - Cirque du Soleil’s production is driven by music shaped by the islands’ landscapes, history, and living culture. Now that sound is stepping beyond the theater with the official Auana soundtrack release.
Composer Evan Duffy built the score to serve the story first, shaping each theme around the emotional moments on stage while drawing inspiration from Hawai‘i. He also collaborated with Keao NeSmith, whose lyrics are written entirely in ‘olelo Hawai‘i, reinforcing that language and music can share the same storytelling impact. The result is a cinematic sound that still feels rooted, intentional, and specific to place.
Vocalists Christina Souza and Mahiai Kekumu describe that responsibility in every performance and every recording, honoring meaning, pronunciation, and the people who came before. They hope the soundtrack does more than replay melodies, but also invites listeners to feel connected, stay curious, and to recognize Hawai‘i culture as vibrant and evolving.
The Auana soundtrack launches on all streaming platforms Friday, July 17, and audiences can experience the music live at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel on select show nights. Learn more at cirquedusoleil.com/auana and on Instagram at @Auana.cirquedusoleil.
Copyright 2026 KHNL. All rights reserved.