KAANAPALI — Cirque Polynesia’s most death-defying performance may not be on its high-wire, but rather an investment into a custom-built outdoor theatre that opened last month at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. 

Seating up to 500 guests, the new venue was designed to enhance the overall Cirque Polynesia experience by creating an outdoor stage for guests to enjoy both an evening under the stars and the 75-minute performance.

Cirque Polynesia originally opened on June 1, 2009, at the Hyatt’s Monarchy Ballroom. 

This 75-minute show tells the tale of two worlds — the people of Polynesia and the magical tribe of Cirque — coming together on a tropical, stormy night.

Cirque artists from Hawaii, Russia, Germany, Kazakhstan and Moldova (Eastern Europe) perform high-wire acts, contortion, aerial illusions and acrobatics, daredevil

balancing and more, complimented by the stand-up comedy of “Vili” the warrior.

The show is offered at 300 travel desks and reservation centers throughout Maui. More than 100 shows have been staged for thousands of guests to date. 

“Cirque Polynesia’s success gave us the added confidence to build a dedicated theatre to display the magic and awe of cirque,” explained Cornell “Tuffy” Nicholas, producer of Cirque Polynesia. 

“We thought, what could be better than mesmerizing audiences with jaw-dropping cirque acts accentuated by Maui’s natural beauty?”

Construction lasted about one-and-a-half months. The distinct entrance is adorned by two oversized tikis, and the venue is enclosed by a bamboo fence for added privacy.

“As supporters and fans of the show, we’re very proud of the rapid success of Cirque Polynesia,” said Michael Jokovich, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Maui. 

“The new theatre is a terrific example of our resort’s one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, unlike any other on the island.” 

Cirque Polynesia plays Mondays through Fridays at 7 p.m. There are special rates for kama‘aina and keiki under age 12.  

For additional information, visit www.CirquePolynesia.com or call 667-4540.