Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with free, authentic music and hula performances at Waikīkī’s iconic venues.
Hawaiian storytelling, music and dance are central to the culture and lifestyle here in Hawaiʻi, and we’re fortunate to have free music and hula shows in Waikīkī daily.
These events offer locals and visitors a chance to learn about Hawaiʻi’s heritage through captivating hula (dance), sweet mele (music) and live bands with historic roots.
In this post, we share the best free music and hula shows in Waikīkī.
1. Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound
The Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound, near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue on Kalākaua Ave, hosts the Kūhiō Beach and Kilohana hula shows.
Kūhiō Beach Hula Show
📍 Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound
🕒 Tue & Sat from 6.30-7.30pm
🎟️ Free to watch
The Kūhiō Beach Hula Show, held at sunset near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, offers an enchanting cultural experience — a beautiful combination of Hawaiian music and dance.
With a rotating lineup of top hālau hula (dance troupes) and performers, each show brings something fresh. The ocean backdrop makes this event truly unforgettable.
Kilohana Hula Show
📍 Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound
🕒 Mon-Wed from 9.30-10.30am
🎟️ Free to watch
The Kilohana Hula Show, now held at the Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound on select mornings, features dancers from the renowned Merrie Monarch Festival.
Blending music, storytelling and traditional instruments like the rattle gourd, this show showcases world-class hula in an incredible oceanfront setting.
The Return of Kapaemahu
📍 Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound
🕒 Wed from 6.30pm *Starting 22 January 2025
🎟️ Free to watch
The Return of Kapaemahu hula show is an innovative, timely telling of an ancient Hawaiian legend, performed in a uniquely dramatic style. The show is a collab with the City, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority/Kilohana and Waikīkī Business Improvement District.
2. Royal Hawaiian Center
The Royal Grove, located in the Royal Hawaiian Center, features a stage and ample spectator space, hosting four weekly shows.
The Kawika Trask Trio
📍 Royal Grove at Royal Hawaiian Center
🕒 Tue from 5.30-6.30pm
🎟️ Free to watch
The Kawika Trask Trio offer a glimpse into old Hawaiʻi, showcasing the music of the islands. Songs are performed in Hawaiian, with each dance’s meaning explained.
A musical trio accompanies dancers, mixing traditional chants with both modern and ancient hula. This Tuesday evening event offers a rich, immersive experience.
Puʻuhonua Trio Performance
📍 Royal Grove at Royal Hawaiian Center
🕒 Wed from 5.30-6.30pm
🎟️ Free to watch
Puʻuhonua Trio Performance brings ancient Hawaiian stories to life. It’s named after the place where warriors sought refuge after breaking kapu, a sacred code of conduct.
Dressed in traditional attire, the musical trio brings rich history to the Royal Grove every Wednesday night, guiding the audience on a journey through music and song.
Hōlei Trio Performance
📍 Royal Grove at Royal Hawaiian Center
⏰ When: Every Thu from 5.30-6.30pm
🎟️ Cost: Free to watch
The Hōlei Trio is a Hawaiian music group celebrated for performing both traditional and contemporary Hawaiian songs, showcasing the islands’ rich musical heritage.
Their weekly performances are presented by Malu Nui Productions, an award-winning Polynesian entertainment company, every Thursday at the Royal Grove.
Malu Nui Productions
📍 Royal Grove at Royal Hawaiian Center
🕒 Fri from 5.30-6.30pm
🎟️ Free to watch
Malu Nui Productions is an uplifting celebration of Hawaiian culture featuring hula dancing, soulful songs and the sweet sounds of ʻukulele and guitar.
Head to the Royal Grove on Friday evenings, take a seat, and enjoy Hawaiʻi tunes or join locals and kids dancing. Immerse yourself in a unique performance.
Hula Kahiko Performance
📍 Royal Grove at Royal Hawaiian Center
🕒 Sat from 5.30-6.30pm
🎟️ Free to watch
Hula Kahiko, an ancient dance honoring akua (gods) and chiefs, is one of Hawaiʻi’s most sacred and is rarely featured in typical tourist shows — making this performance special.
On Saturday nights at the Royal Grove, the Hula Kahiko Performance features mystical chanting and rhythmic beats from native instruments, it’s a show rooted in history.
3. International Market Place
The Queen’s Court at the International Market Place showcases hula shows and band performances on the ground floor.
O Nā Lani Sunset Stories Hula Show
📍 International Market Place
🕒 Mon, Wed & Fri from 6pm (Sep-Feb) & 6:30pm (Mar-Aug)
🎟️ Free to watch
The O Nā Lani Sunset Stories Hula Show tells the story of the islands via Hawaiian and Polynesian song and dance, starting at sundown with a torch-lighting ceremony.
The show continues on the ground floor main stage, where Hawaiian songs, chants, rituals and dances are performed beneath a centuries-old banyan tree.
Royal Hawaiian Band
📍 International Market Place
🕒 Thu from 12-12:45pm
🎟️ Free to watch
Once known as the “King’s Band,” the Royal Hawaiian Band has entertained audiences in Hawaiʻi and worldwide since its founding by King Kamehameha III in 1836.
Their music celebrates Hawaiʻi and beyond, featuring polkas, waltzes, marches and royal compositions, giving listeners a nostalgic insight into Hawaiʻi’s past.
INSIDE TIP: The Royal Hawaiian Band performs at many other venues on Oʻahu including the Kapiʻolani Park Bandstand, Ala Moana Center and ʻIolani Palace. Check their calendar for upcoming events.
4. Waikiki Beach Walk
Waikiki Beach Walk offers a vibrant retail zone with an outdoor garden stage hosting hula shows and live entertainment.
Kū Haʻaheo
📍 Waikīkī Beach Walk Plaza
🕒 Tue from 4:30-6pm
🎟️ Free to watch
Kū Haʻaheo is an entertaining concert by Kamanawa, an award-winning musical duo made up of Blaine Kia and Kalei Kahalewai, accompanied by Blaine’s family.
The show includes Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Mālie, a hula company, showcasing traditional hula dancing and beautiful songs, sharing the true spirit of Aloha.
5. Ala Moana Center
Ala Moana Centerstage, located in the world’s largest open-air shopping mall, presents hula shows and other live shows.
Daily Hula Show
📍 Ala Moana Centerstage
🕒 Daily from 5-5.20pm
🎟️ Free to watch
The Daily Hula Show on Centerstage introduces the art of hula, both the ancient kahiko dance and the modern ‘auana style, complete with colorful costumes and leis.
It’s a wonderful way to experience island culture through music and dance. There’s also a Keiki Hula Show for kids that takes the stage on Sundays at 1pm.
Pau Hana Music Series
📍 Ala Moana Center ‘Ewa Wing Stage
🕒 Daily from 5:30-6:30pm
🎟️ Free to watch
Pau Hana Music Series on the ʻEwa Wing Stage highlights a mix of pop, R&B, rock, soul and Hawaiian music with artists like Makamae, Moon Kahele, Sienna and more.
In addition to regular performances, enjoy ad-hoc events throughout the year including Koko’s Hula, King’s Collective and the Honolulu Festival.
INSIDE TIP: There are many other performances held at Ala Moana Center on the Ala Moana Centerstage and ʻEwa Wing Stage. Check their calendar for upcoming events.
In summary, Waikīkī’s free music and hula shows offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with Hawaiʻi’s rich
