Free Hula Shows on Oahu: Your Weekly Calendar
You can’t visit Oahu and NOT see a hula show!
I spent 9 years living on the island of Oahu, and I never got tired of hula shows. And I loved being able to catch one whenever I had the chance – no reservations, and they’re always free!
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Hula is a living expression of Hawai‘i’s stories and spirit. Rooted in ceremonies that date back centuries, the dance began as a sacred way to honor Hawaiian deities and share legends of the islands’ people.
Today, watching a hula performance means experiencing the music, language, and tradition that has kept Hawaiian culture alive. It’s one of the most memorable ways to connect with the true heart of Oahu. You’re going to love it.
And regardless of your budget, there are no shortage of opportunities for you to share the hula experience.
Here’s a full week’s schedule of the free hula shows for you to choose from. Scroll to the end for free hula lessons, lei making, and other cultural opportunities.
Monday 🌺
• Kilohana Hula Show – Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound (near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue)
Time: 9:30am–10:30am (Mon – Wed)
Highlights: Set against a stunning ocean backdrop, this performance brings together music, storytelling, and authentic instruments (including the rattle gourd); an exceptional display of world-class hula.
• O Nā Lani Sunset Stories Hula Show – International Market Place (Queen’s Court)
Time: 6:00pm (Sep–Feb) or 6:30pm (Mar–Aug)
Highlights: Torch-lighting ceremony at sundown, followed by Polynesian music and dance.
• Ala Moana Center Shows (Daily)
▶ Hula Show: 5:00–5:20pm
Highlights: Explores the world of hula by featuring both the traditional kahiko style and the modern ‘auana form.
▶ ▶ Pau Hana Music Series on the ‘Ewa Wing Stage: 5:30–6:30pm
Highlights: While not hula, the show treats you to a blend of pop, R&B, rock, soul, and Hawaiian music, with artists like Sienna, Makamae, Moon Kahele, and others.
Tuesday 🌺
• Kilohana Hula Show – Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound
Time: 9:30am–10:30am (Mon – Wed)
Highlights: Set against a stunning ocean backdrop, this performance brings together music, storytelling, and authentic instruments (including the rattle gourd) to deliver an exceptional display of world-class hula.
• Kū Haʻaheo – Waikīkī Beach Walk Plaza (outdoor stage)
Time: 4:30–6:00pm
Highlights: Award-winning duo Kamanawa perform with live hula.
• The Kawika Trask Trio – Royal Hawaiian Center (The Royal Grove)
Time: 5:30–6:30pm
Highlights: Island melodies in Hawaiian language, with explanations of each dance’s meaning.
• Kūhiō Beach Hula Show – Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound
Time: 6:30–7:30pm (Tues & Sat)
Highlights: Traditional music and hula under the stars.
• Ala Moana Center Shows (Daily)
▶ Hula Show: 5:00–5:20pm
Highlights: Explores the world of hula by featuring both the traditional kahiko style and the modern ‘auana form.
▶ ▶ Pau Hana Music Series on the ‘Ewa Wing Stage: 5:30–6:30pm
Highlights: While not hula, the show treats you to a blend of pop, R&B, rock, soul, and Hawaiian music, with artists like Sienna, Makamae, Moon Kahele, and others.
Wednesday 🌺
• Kilohana Hula Show – Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound
Time: 9:30am–10:30am (Mon-Wed)
Highlights: Set against a stunning ocean backdrop, this performance brings together music, storytelling, and authentic instruments (including the rattle gourd); an exceptional display of world-class hula.
• Puʻuhonua Trio Performance – Royal Hawaiian Center
Time: 5:30–6:30pm
Highlights: Music and storytelling inspired by ancient Hawaiian safe havens.
• The Return of Kapaemahu – Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound
Time: 6:30pm (Wednesday only)
Highlights: Dramatic retelling of a legendary Hawaiian tale.
• O Nā Lani Sunset Stories Hula Show – International Market Place
Time: 6:00pm (Sep–Feb) or 6:30pm (Mar–Aug)
• Ala Moana Center Shows (Daily)
▶ Hula Show: 5:00–5:20pm
Highlights: Explores the world of hula by featuring both the traditional kahiko style and the modern ‘auana form.
▶ ▶ Pau Hana Music Series on the ‘Ewa Wing Stage: 5:30–6:30pm
Highlights: While not hula, the show treats you to a blend of pop, R&B, rock, soul, and Hawaiian music, with artists like Sienna, Makamae, Moon Kahele, and others.
Thursday 🌺
• Royal Hawaiian Band – International Market Place
Time: 12:00–12:45pm
Highlights: Founded by King Kamehameha III, performing marches, waltzes, and more.
• Hōlei Trio Performance – Royal Hawaiian Center
Time: 5:30–6:30pm
Highlights: Blend of traditional and modern Hawaiian songs.
• Ala Moana Center Shows (Daily)
▶ Hula Show: 5:00–5:20pm
Highlights: Explores the world of hula by featuring both the traditional kahiko style and the modern ‘auana form.
▶ ▶ Pau Hana Music Series on the ‘Ewa Wing Stage: 5:30–6:30pm
Highlights: While not hula, the show treats you to a blend of pop, R&B, rock, soul, and Hawaiian music, with artists like Sienna, Makamae, Moon Kahele, and others.
Friday 🌺
• Malu Nui Productions – Royal Hawaiian Center
Time: 5:30–6:30pm
Highlights: Lively hula and soulful island tunes.
• O Nā Lani Sunset Stories Hula Show – International Market Place
Time: 6:00pm (Sep–Feb) or 6:30pm (Mar–Aug)
• Ala Moana Center Shows (Daily)
▶ Hula Show: 5:00–5:20pm
Highlights: Explores the world of hula by featuring both the traditional kahiko style and the modern ‘auana form.
▶ ▶ Pau Hana Music Series on the ‘Ewa Wing Stage: 5:30–6:30pm
Highlights: While not hula, the show treats you to a blend of pop, R&B, rock, soul, and Hawaiian music, with artists like Sienna, Makamae, Moon Kahele, and others.
Saturday 🌺
• Kūhiō Beach Hula Show – Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound
Time: 6:30–7:30pm
Highlights: Traditional music and hula under the stars.
• Hula Kahiko Performance – Royal Hawaiian Center
Time: 5:30–6:30pm
Highlights: Ancient style of hula honoring Hawaiian gods and chiefs, rarely seen in mainstream shows.
• Ala Moana Center Shows (Daily)
▶ Hula Show: 5:00–5:20pm
Highlights: Explores the world of hula by featuring both the traditional kahiko style and the modern ‘auana form.
▶ ▶ Pau Hana Music Series on the ‘Ewa Wing Stage: 5:30–6:30pm
Highlights: While not hula, the show treats you to a blend of pop, R&B, rock, soul, and Hawaiian music, with artists like Sienna, Makamae, Moon Kahele, and others.
Sunday 🌺
• Keiki (Children’s) Hula Show – Ala Moana Center
Time: 1:00pm (Sundays only)
Highlights: Young dancers sharing island culture through hula.
• Ala Moana Center Shows (Daily)
▶ Hula Show: 5:00–5:20pm
Highlights: Explores the world of hula by featuring both the traditional kahiko style and the modern ‘auana form.
▶ ▶ Pau Hana Music Series on the ‘Ewa Wing Stage: 5:30–6:30pm
Highlights: While not hula, the show treats you to a blend of pop, R&B, rock, soul, and Hawaiian music, with artists like Sienna, Makamae, Moon Kahele, and others.
Map of Show Locations
🌺 As well as the free hula shows, the Royal Hawaiian Center offers a few other fun Hawaiian activities. Unfortunately, they’re only free to Royal Hawaiian guests:
- Mondays from 11am to 12pm – Ukulele Lessons at Helumoa Hale Guest Services, ages 10+
- Tuesdays from 11am to 12pm – Hula Lessons at the Royal Grove, ages 10+
- Wednesdays from 11am to 12pm – Lauhala Weaving Lessons in Building C, Level 3 next to Waikiki Food Hall, ages 10+
- Thursdays starting at 11am – Keiki Hula Lessons just for kids, at the Royal Grove, ages 5-10 yrs
- Fridays from 11am to 12pm – Lei Making Lessons in Building C, Level 3 next to Waikiki Food Hall, ages 10+
Free to the public, the Royal Hawaiian also offers the popular Stargazing at the Heart of Waikiki. Generally held ona Sunday early in the month, the event gives you the chance to see what the moon looks like from Oahu!
The Royal Hawaiian Center is on the main street running through Waikiki, at 2201 Kalakaua Avenue. Find a map at their website.
Waimea Valley is another fantastic option for fun and unique activities on Oahu! While not all are free, but included in general admission, they provides terrific opportunities to enjoy Hawaii in ways you never imagined.
