Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with free live music and hula at Waikīkī’s iconic venues, where melodies and dance bring the island’s heritage to life.
Hawaiian storytelling, music and dance are at the heart of life in Hawaiʻi. In Waikīkī you can enjoy free live music and hula performances most days, offering visitors and locals a welcoming way to experience the islands’ living traditions.
These shows feature mele (song), hula (dance), and live bands rooted in Hawaiian history — all presented in accessible, open-air settings. Below is a guide to the best regular free music and hula shows around Waikīkī.
Table of Contents
- 1. Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound
- Kūhiō Beach Hula Show (Tue & Sat)
- 2. Royal Hawaiian Center
- Hōlei Trio Performance (Thu)
- 3. International Market Place
- O Nā Lani Sunset Stories Hula Show (Mon, Wed & Fri)
- Royal Hawaiian Band (Various)
- 4. Waikiki Beach Walk
- Kū Haʻaheo (Tue)
- 5. Ala Moana Center
- Daily Hula Show (Daily)
- Pau Hana Music Series (Daily)
More Night Fun in Waikīkī
- ʻAuana by Cirque du Soleil — an evening show blending acrobatics with Hawaiian themes.
- Deluxe sunset dinner cruises — combine a meal with live Hawaiian entertainment.
- Rock-A-Hula and other themed shows offering lively music and dance performances.
- Private tiki-bar sunset cruises for groups seeking a unique oceanfront experience.
- Variety shows with music, comedy and nostalgic performances.
1. Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound
The Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound, located near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue on Kalākaua Avenue, hosts several hula presentations including the Kūhiō Beach, Kilohana and Kapaemahu showcases. These sunset performances use the ocean and sky as a dramatic backdrop for traditional Hawaiian storytelling.
Kūhiō Beach Hula Show (Tue & Sat)
📍 Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound
⏰ When: Every Tue & Sat from 6:30–7:30pm (dates occasionally vary)
🎟️ Cost: Free to watch
The Kūhiō Beach Hula Show features top hālau hula (dance schools) on a regular rotation, offering authentic performances that highlight both kahiko (ancient) and ʻauana (modern) styles. The combination of live music, traditional chants and graceful dance creates a memorable cultural experience at sunset.
2. Royal Hawaiian Center
The Royal Grove at the Royal Hawaiian Center hosts regular music and cultural events on a spacious outdoor stage. The venue is easily accessible and family-friendly.
Hōlei Trio Performance (Thu)
📍 Royal Grove, Royal Hawaiian Center
⏰ When: Every Thu from 5:30–6:30pm
🎟️ Cost: Free to watch
The Hōlei Trio performs a repertoire that blends traditional Hawaiian songs with contemporary pieces. Presented by Malu Nui Productions, these weekly concerts showcase the islands’ musical heritage in a relaxed outdoor setting.
3. International Market Place
The Queen’s Court at the International Market Place features hula and band performances beneath a large banyan tree, creating an intimate setting for sunset shows and cultural rituals.
O Nā Lani Sunset Stories Hula Show (Mon, Wed & Fri)
📍 International Market Place
⏰ When: Every Mon, Wed & Fri from 6pm
🎟️ Cost: Free to watch
O Nā Lani Sunset Stories presents island narratives through song, chant and dance, often beginning with a torch-lighting ceremony. Performances take place on the ground-floor main stage, mixing Hawaiian and broader Polynesian influences in a show designed for all ages.
Royal Hawaiian Band (Various)
📍 Waikīkī venues
⏰ When: Various dates and locations
🎟️ Cost: Free to watch
The Royal Hawaiian Band, founded in 1836, performs a diverse program that includes marches, waltzes and royal compositions. Their concerts offer a historical perspective on Hawaiian music and are frequently held at the International Market Place, Kapiʻolani Park Bandstand, Ala Moana Center and other public venues.
INSIDE TIP: The Royal Hawaiian Band appears at multiple Oʻahu locations throughout the year; check local schedules for upcoming performances.
4. Waikiki Beach Walk
Waikīkī Beach Walk combines shopping and dining with an outdoor garden stage that hosts hula shows and live music, creating a lively atmosphere in the heart of Waikīkī.
Kū Haʻaheo (Tue)
📍 Waikīkī Beach Walk Plaza
⏰ When: Every Tue from 4:30–6pm
🎟️ Cost: Free to watch
Kū Haʻaheo features Kamanawa, a musical duo joined by family members, alongside Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Mālie, a hula company that presents traditional dances. The performance celebrates aloha through song, choreography and family-led music.
5. Ala Moana Center
Ala Moana Centerstage, in the world’s largest open-air shopping mall, regularly hosts hula and music shows that appeal to shoppers and visitors seeking cultural entertainment.
Daily Hula Show (Daily)
📍 Ala Moana Centerstage
⏰ When: Daily from 5–5:20pm
🎟️ Cost: Free to watch
The Daily Hula Show introduces audiences to both kahiko and ʻauana styles, featuring colorful costumes, leis and authentic choreography. A Keiki Hula Show for children also performs on Sundays, offering families a chance to see young dancers in action.
Pau Hana Music Series (Daily)
📍 Ala Moana Center ʻEwa Wing Stage
⏰ When: Daily from 5:30–6:30pm
🎟️ Cost: Free to watch
The Pau Hana Music Series spotlights a range of artists playing Hawaiian, pop, R&B, rock and soul. Performers may include local favorites and up-and-coming musicians, and the venue also hosts seasonal cultural events throughout the year.
INSIDE TIP: Ala Moana Center hosts many performances across Centerstage and the ʻEwa Wing Stage. Check local event listings for exact times and special presentations.
In summary, Waikīkī’s free music and hula shows offer a welcoming way to experience Hawaiʻi’s living traditions, with daily performances across beaches, shopping centers and public plazas.
Looking for a Lūʻau Instead? Here’s Our Comparison Guide
- Compare budget-friendly and premium lūʻau options to find the right evening experience.
Please Follow Us @WAIKIKIBEACHSTAYS
Read Next
- 100+ Things to Do in Waikīkī, Hawaiʻi: Ideas by Locals
- Waikīkī Block Parties & Street Festivals Guide
- Oʻahu Farmers & Local Markets: Weekly Schedule