Kauai Polynesian Festival honors

The 8th Annual Kauai Polynesian Festival took place in Lihue, Hawaii recently. Dance groups participated in not only Tahitian, but also Maori, Hawaiian and Samoan. Results for the Tahitian dance competition are listed below. Other results and information about the event are available on the Kauai Polynesian Festival official website. Event organizers also announced the dates for next years' event - May 21-24, 2009.

TAHITIAN GROUP OTEA
Junior Division
1. Te Hamata of Laie, HI
2. Tiare Ura O Tahiti of Kahuku, HI
3. Te Ea O Te Turama of Oahu, HI

Senior Division
1. Te Hamata of Laie, HI
2. Tiare Ura O Tahiti of Kahuku, HI

TAHITIAN GROUP OTEA BEST COSTUME:
Te Hamata of Laie, HI

TAHITIAN GROUP APARIMA
Junior Division
1. Te Ea O Te Turama of Oahu, HI

Senior Division
1. Te Hamata of Laie, HI

TAHITIAN GROUP APARIMA BEST COSTUME
Te Ea O Te Turama of Oahu, HI

TAHITIAN GROUP AHUPUROTU
Senior Division
1. Ka pa Hula O Pualani Puamelia
2. Te Hamata of Laie, HI
3. Te Ea O Te Turama of Oahu, HI

TAHITIAN DRUMMING COMPETITION:
1. Te Hamata of Laie, HI
2. Manutahi of Wahiawa, HI
3. Te Ea O Te Turama of Oahu, HI

2008 OVERALL TAHITIAN GROUP
1. Te Hamata of Laie, HI

ORI TAHITI SOLOISTS
Junior Division
Tane Ages 4-6
1. Qamdon Josue

Vahine Ages 4-6
1. Jeida Angelina Toilolo
2. Kaylee Tabangay
3. Leleaka Anakalea

Tane Ages 7-9
1. Troy Spacek

Vahine Ages 7-9
1. Tiare Naone Judd
2. Tehani Perkins
3. Dizhae Josue

Tane Ages 10-12
1. Jay Spacek
2. Zacchaus Uta
3. Tamatoa Uta

Vahine Ages 10-12
1. Maeleen Hopeau
2. Cami Keliinui
3. Sandy Hopeau

Senior Division
Tane Ages13-17
1. Moni Tiata
2. Emmsley James K. Drake
3. Rhansyn Leehong

Vahine Ages13-17
1. Chelsea Clement
2. Shayna Lei Soma
3. Lia Kaupoe

Tane Ages 18-21
1. James Taulog
2. Shane Galicia
3. Aaron Dung

Vahine Ages 18-21
1. Kauluwehiokekai Oliver
2. Cavalei Wilson
3. Kelcie Yoman

Tane Ages 22-25
1. Julian Maeva

Vahine Ages 22-25
1. Shaeja Lee
2. Leah Sausen

Tane Ages 26-30
1. Ambrose Aukustino

Vahine Ages 26-30
1. Pualani Avaeoru
2. Shannon Pauoli-Paraan
3. Alma Damo

Tane Ages 31-39
1. William Maycong

Vahine Ages 31-39
1. Belinda Miranda
2. Kehau Aina
3. Tasha Josue

Tane Ages 40 & Over
1. Gene Gabriel

Vahine Ages 40 & Over
1. Louse Sausen

TAHITIAN COUPLES COMPETITION
Junior Division
1. Tehani Perkins & Tamatoa Uta
2. Poerava Lee & Zacchaus Uta

Senior Division
1. Kirsten McCraken & Emmsley James Drake
2. Chelsea Clement & Kai Lee

OVERALL TANE & VAHINE POLYNESIA
2008 Tane Polynesia - Julian Maeva
2008 Vahine Polynesia - Kauluwehiokekai Oliver

Additional information can be found at the Kauai Polynesian Festival official website. Additional reporting at Kauai Garden Island News.