HAWAII WOWING AUDIENCES IN MAUI.

Byline: - Rich Irwin

LAHAINA, Hawaii - Waves of voyagers have been washing up on Maui's shores for centuries, and the ``Ulalena'' show, presented at the Maui Myth and Magic Theatre on Front Street here, tells their story with dramatic pageantry.

This type of production - a high-tech, Las Vegas-like show - is not normally associated with the islands. Think Cirque du Soleil meets the history of Hawaii. But it is being well-received.

The $9.5 million, state-of-the-art theater opened in 1999. Its stage was built in Montreal and moved piece by piece to Maui.

The stage features four elevators, which allow the various characters in Hawaii's history to rise and fall with their prominence. A turntable is effective in the outrigger sequences, making the actors look as if they're gliding across the endless ocean.

The deep, rich colors of the scenery, achieved by using many layers of paint and varnish (in the manner of car painting), are particularly impressive.

The powerful show ties the mythology of the islands to their fascinating history. From the arrival of the first Polynesians to the landing of Captain Cook, the production relates a rich story.

The show combines traditional Butoh theater with remarkable acrobatic feats. I was overwhelmed by the scene involving the moon goddess Hina, who displayed amazing acrobatic prowess.

Notable scenes include the volcano goddess Pele, who unleashes her fury in waves of red lava that flow over the audience in three massive canopies of red fabric that you can reach up to touch.

Because the show has no narration, it helps to know a little about the island's myths and history. But the musicians, chants and vocals help fill in the gaps.

Tickets to ``Ulalena'' are priced at $45 for adults, $35 for kids ages 11 to 17, $25 for children 10 and under. Currently, the shows are presented twice nightly on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday; once nightly on Wednesday and Thursday. The theater is located at 878 Front St., Lahaina. Information and reservations: [phone] or [phone]; www.mauitheatre.com.