Heiva I Maui 2007 opening this week

The 10th Annual Tahitian Festival Heiva I Maui will be taking place this weekend from Friday August 10th to Sunday August 12, 2007. Director Lolita Eugenio, along with countless volunteers and ohana, has organized the non-profit event each year. This year will feature a tribute to Tavana.

Friday's activities begin at 6:00 pm with an opening ceremony, the tribute to Tavana, exhibitions and the Mr. & Ms. Heiva I Maui competition. Saturday the doors open at 10:00 am. Solo competition begins and runs through midday. Group competition will begin after the solo competition concludes. Results of both the solo and group competition will be announced at the end of activities. The group competition will include several styles of Tahitian dance or Ori Tahiti. Otea, aparima, ahupurotu and drumming categories will all be judged by a panel of Tahitian dance veterans.

Doors will also open Sunday at 10:00 am. with group competition continuing througout the day. The awards ceremony on Sunday will conclude the event.

Activities will be taking place at the Maui War Memorial Gymnasium. Doors open at 6:00 pm on Friday and 10:00 am on Saturday & Sunday. General admission is $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Senior and children 6-11 yrs $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Tickets are available at: Das Nutz (Maui Mall), Lahaina Music (West Maui Center), Maui Quilts (Azeka Shopping Center Makai), and Sew Special (Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center).

The event is sponsored by Maui Polynesian Tahiti Fete, County of Maui and the Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau.