Experience Rock a Hula Waikiki: Our Family Review

Rock a Hula Waikiki is not just a show; it’s an experience that combines Hawaiian hula, rock music, and fire knife dancing at the Royal Hawaiian Theater.

To get the full experience of the nostalgia and recent history of Waikiki, plan to include this show in your next family visit to Oahu. Our family enjoyed it so much that we hope to include it in our next visit to the Island of Oahu, whether we’re staying in Waikiki or housesitting again near Honolulu.

We visited on an overnight layover at Honolulu, so it’s a great way to spend an evening when you’re not going to stray far from your Waikiki hotel.

A Quick Overview: Is Rock-A-Hula Waikiki Good For Families?

• Rock a Hula combines traditional Hawaiian dance with modern performances, creating a unique and emotional experience for all ages.
• Learn about the culture of music in Hawaii from 1920 to the present day, including an Elvis Presley tribute and Michael Jackson tribute artists with a live band and singers.
• With diverse package options and a central location at the Royal Hawaiian Theater (Within Walking distance of Waikiki Resorts), Rock a Hula is accessible for everyone and designed for a memorable night out.
• Our boys (16, 13, and 11 at the time of the show) loved the performance and talked about it for days afterward (including looking up some of the songs by Elvis Presley on YouTube)
• This high-energy Hula meant plenty of exciting music from start to finish, even if our boys weren’t familiar with every song 

QUICK TIP before you visit: We’ve created a playlist at the bottom of this post that will help your family get familiar with some of the music to expect at Rock-A-Hula, and see our favorite photos from the evening

Discover the Magic of Rock a Hula

Immerse yourself in a performance like no other, where the magic of Rock a Hula comes alive. This show masterfully blends traditional Hawaiian hula with contemporary elements, creating a dynamic fusion that sets it apart from typical Hawaiian performances. As you watch, you’ll journey through Hawaiian history from the 1920s to the present day, brought to life through an array of dances and musical acts.

One of the most thrilling aspects of the Rock a Hula show is the fire knife dance. This traditional performance element, with its deep cultural significance, serves as the climax of the evening, leaving audiences in awe. The show also utilizes modern technology, including advanced lighting and sound systems, to enhance your experience and ensure that every moment is memorable.

The performances are designed to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy to nostalgia, making it a truly captivating experience. We loved the vibrant atmosphere that combines the spirit of Aloha with modern entertainment for an unforgettable night for our family.

For a fresh and exciting way to experience the heart and soul of Hawaii, Rock a Hula was a great show for our family.

A Night to Remember in Waikiki

The Rock a Hula show features musicians playing authentic Hawaiian instruments, adding to the authenticity and richness of the evening. The cast includes tribute artists who not only resemble music legends but also deliver captivating performances of songs that resonate kept us singing as we walked back to our Waikiki hotel.

Located on Kalakaua Avenue, the Royal Hawaiian Theater is the perfect venue for such an extraordinary event. The combination of live entertainment and the spirit of Aloha creates a night to remember, making your visit to Waikiki truly special. So, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an unforgettable evening, Rock a Hula is the place to be.

Don’t wait for the last minute. Book your Rock-A-Hula tickets as soon as your visit to Waikiki is confirmed!

Choose Your Perfect Package

One of the highlights of the Rock a Hula experience is the variety of packages available, catering to different preferences and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a VIP experience or a family-friendly night out, there’s something for everyone.

Welcome with Aloha

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted with genuine Hawaiian hospitality that embodies the spirit of Aloha. The warm welcome creates a family-like atmosphere, making visitors feel right at home. The friendly and attentive service provided by the staff ensures every guest feels special.

We started the evening with a Hula lesson from the dancers in the lobby as we waited for the show to begin.

Entering the Royal Hawaiian Theater, you’ll immediately sense the welcoming ambiance. Traditional Hawaiian hospitality sets the tone for an unforgettable evening. This warm greeting is just the beginning of a night filled with fun and entertainment.

Spectacular Performances

The Rock a Hula show is renowned for its spectacular performances, featuring tribute artists for legendary icons like Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley.

These performers bring the spirit of these music legends to life, captivating the audience with their incredible talent. Alongside these tribute artists, you’ll also witness skilled hula and fire knife dancers who add an exhilarating element to the show.

The evening features hula performances that showcase Hawaiian storytelling through dancing at luaus. The blend of different musical styles and the energetic performances creates a wonderful and entertaining experience for all ages.

With a 750-seat capacity, the Royal Hawaiian Theater ensures that every guest has a great view of the stage with the sloped theater floor, making the concert feel intimate yet grand.

Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, traditional Hawaiian music, or thrilling dance performances, Rock a Hula has it all. The blend of tribute artists, musicians, and dancers creates a diverse and delightful entertainment experience, leaving you with a show of non-stop energy, action, and surprises.

Diverse Packages

Rock a Hula offers a range of packages catering to various preferences and budgets. These packages include different seating options and pre-show luau options allowing you to tailor your experience.

Whether you’re visiting with family, enjoying a romantic night out, or celebrating with a larger group, there’s a package that fits your requirements. Check out Rock-A-Hula tickets for current package options and availabilty to plan your evening in Waikiki.

Our Family Review

While our boys didn’t know all of the Elvis songs, they definitely recognized the Michael Jackson songs, and the show was so high-energy that it was engaging whether you knew every word or were hearing these songs for the first time.

We would recommend having a listen to a few of the Elvis classics with your kids before visiting. Consider “Blue Hawaii” and “Rock A Hula” so there’s some familiarity with the music before you go for your performance. Check out Billy Jean and Thriller by Michael Jackson, and Somewhere over the rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole before your visit. (We made a Rock A Hula playlist at the bottom of this blog post!)

There was plenty of multimedia to understand the cultural context for including these artists, and a video of their Hawaiian performances to immerse the audience in the musical experience.

The evening was topped off with traditional fire knife dancing, and with the live Hawaiian music throughout, it was non-stop energy from the first note.

Explore the Royal Hawaiian Theater

The Royal Hawaiian Theater, located on Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu, Oahu, is the perfect venue for the Rock a Hula show. With its modern facilities and 750-seat capacity, the theater provides a comfortable and enjoyable viewing experience for all guests.

The theatre is air-conditioned and entirely indoors, so if you have a rainy evening, it’s the perfect way to get out of your hotel room.

Whether you’re here for the luau buffet or the spectacular performances, the Royal Hawaiian Theater ensures a memorable evening.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently located at 2201 Kalakaua Avenue, the Royal Hawaiian Theater is easily accessible for all visitors. Parking options are available nearby, with discounted parking provided through the Royal Hawaiian Center’s structure for those attending the show.

Head to the 4th floor of Building B in the Royal Hawaiian Center to reach the theater. With its central location in Waikiki, the theater is a prime spot for a night of entertainment and cultural immersion. The accessible location and ample parking make it easy for everyone to enjoy the Rock a Hula experience.

For us with just an overnight layover in Honolulu, it was the perfect location just a 5-minute walk from our hotel.

Meet the Cast

The diverse backgrounds of the Rock a Hula cast members contribute to a rich variety of performances. This blend of different musical styles and dance forms includes:

• Traditional Hula
• Tahitian dance
• Fire knife performances
• Tribute acts for Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson

The blend of traditional and modern elements makes the show a standout spectacle.

Meeting the cast allows guests to connect with the performers and learn more about their backgrounds and talents. This meet and greet interaction adds a personal touch to the experience, making it even more memorable.

The dedication and passion of the cast shine through in every performance, ensuring that each show is an unforgettable celebration of Hawaiian culture and entertainment.

Summing Up The Rock A Hula Show, Waikiki:

Rock a Hula Waikiki offers a unique blend of traditional Hawaiian culture and modern entertainment, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attend. With a variety of packages to choose from, a delicious luau buffet, and captivating performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Royal Hawaiian Theater provides a comfortable and accessible venue, ensuring a pleasant evening for all guests.

In conclusion, whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Rock a Hula show is a must-see event that captures the heart and soul of Hawaii.

Add Rock A Hula to your Waikiki (or Oahu) bucket list.

Here’s a quick playlist with a few classics to get your family familiar with what to expect at Rock A Hula!

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Rock A Hula

What is included in the Rock a Hula packages?

The Rock a Hula packages offer a range of seating options, buffet choices, and special perks like VIP access and meet-and-greets. So, there’s something for everyone, no matter your taste or budget! Book your Rock A Hula tickets here.

Where is the Royal Hawaiian Theater located?

The Royal Hawaiian Theater is at 2201 Kalakaua Avenue, on the 4th floor of Building B in the Royal Hawaiian Center.

Is there parking available at the theater?

Yep, there’s parking at the Royal Hawaiian Center, and you even get discounted rates if you’re going to the Rock a Hula show! The theater is a few minutes walk from all of the Waikiki resorts.

What should I wear to the Rock a Hula show?

You don’t need anything fancy for the Rock a Hula show, but definitely bring a light jacket since it can get a bit chilly inside (That’s a tip from Celine!)