Photos for Fano Maohi's Tahiti Tamure Heiva

Photos of the recent Tahiti Tamure Heiva hosted by Fano Maohi are now available online at Gyme Images. Photographer James Atoa has a large selection of photos that he's taken of not only this event but several others. Check out his portfolio of event photos. Most are available for purchase.

Fano Maohi's Tahiti Tamure Heiva took place Saturday, August 16, 2008 at Hillcrest High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Participating groups included an exhibition of Tongan group Mohe Kono Kono and Fano Maohi both of Salt Lake City. Competing groups included Malialole (Salt Lake City, Utah), Voice of Polynesia (Provo, Utah) and Kei Alaha of Diamond Bar, California.

Te Tiare Patitifa and Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands dominate Heiva i Maui

The community came out to give strong support to this year's Heiva i Maui. Event organizer Lolita Eugenio expressed her gratitude to the participants, community, vendors and sponsors and added that "it's cultural and the whole family can enjoy." Activities took place August 8-10, 2008 in Wailuku, Maui at the War Memorial Gymnasium.

In the group category, two dance groups dominated - Te Tiare Patitifa of Wailuku, Maui under the direction of Keoni Manuel and Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands of Huntington Beach, California led by Roy Asuega and Kathy Asuega. Both have competed in several of the Heiva's and Tahiti Fete's.

Continuing on her recent titles, Chelsea Clement again claimed 1st in her age group. After winning titles in the Heiva i Kauai, Te Mahana Hiro'a o Tahiti, Kauai Polynesian Festival, and Tahiti Fete of Hilo, this talented dancer has repeatedly raised the bar.

For photos, galleries and more information, visit the event website.
Here are the results of the 2008 Heiva i Maui:

Group Results

Gracious Ladies - Te Tiare Patitifa

Jr. Aparima - Te Tiare Patitifa
Jr. 'Ote'a - Te Tiare Patitifa

Sr. Ahuroa- Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands
Sr. Aparima - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands
Sr. 'Ote'a - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands

Drumming- Te Vai Ura Nui

Combined 'Ote'a - Te Tiare Patitifa


Solo Results

Tamahine 5-8
1. Moana To'oto'o - Marania Haoragi
2. Tory Lazcano - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands
3. Kalei Freitas - Te Tiare Patitifa

Tamahine 9-12
1. Sammy McClymonds - Hitia O Te Ra
2. Jazmine Melchor - Maohi Nui
3. Kanani Asuega - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands

Tamaroa 9-12
1. Trent Nakihei - Haruru Toa
2. TJ Makoa Idemoto - Ari'i Hau Moana
3. JD Melchor - Maohi Nui

Vahine 13-17
1. Chelsea Clement - Te'E'a O Te Turama
2. Kaela Acuff - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands
3. Dayna Higa - Manutahi Tahiti

Tane 13-17
1. Kawelau Riveira - Haruru Toa
2. Keanu Asuega - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands
3. Tyler Acuff - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands

Vahine 18-24
1. Nohea Catugal - Te Tiare Patitifa
2. Pulama Petsas - Haruru Toa
3. Danielle Cadiz - Haruru Toa

Tane 18-24
1. Tavi Tenari - Te Tiare Patitifa
2. Nick Imamaura - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands
3. Jerome Epenesa - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands

Vahine 25-34
1. Eileen Ratuita - Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands
2. Kapualoke Nacua - Orama Here Hia
3. Fa'a Tenari - Te Tiare Patitifa

Tane 25-34
1. Kimo Palakiko - Te Tiare Patitifa

Tane 35 +
1. Lawakua Gabriel - Independent

Mauruuru to Lolita Eugenio, Heiva i Maui organizer, for providing the results and helping to perpetuate the art of Tahitian dance.

5th Annual Hura Tahiti dates announced

Organizer, Alex Tekurio just announced the dates for next years event. The 5th annual Hura Tahiti event will take place over the July 4th weekend, July 3-4, 2009 at Hope International University in Fullerton, California.

Tahitian dance, music, arts and crafts will again be featured to share, preserve and promote the culture. Details are being worked out as we write. Group and solo applications are available online on their website. Tentative due date for all applications is March 17, 2009.

Visit the official site for the latest information and news.

Varua Tahiti E claims Hura Tahiti Title

The competition just keeps getting better and better. That can be said of every group that attended this years' Hura Tahiti event. The heiva, hosted by the Tahitian dance group Hitia O Te Ra and Ra'atira Alex Tekurio is now in its 4th year. Event activities took place at Hope International University in Fullerton, California.

This year saw Fano Maohi of Salt Lake City, Utah claiming the top award in the junior division (Hura Ava Tau) by placing first in both Aparima and Otea. They also received a special recognition for having the best Ra'atira as well.

Overall Hura Tau (Senior Division) honors went to Varua Tahiti E of Oceanside, California led by Torea King. The group also was awarded the best costume award.

Final results for the group competition are below:

Hura Ava Tau (Junior Division)

Group Aparima
1. Fano Maohi of Salt Lake City, UT
2. Varua Hae of Huntington Beach, CA
3. Kei Alaha of Diamondbar, CA

Group Otea
1. Fano Maohi of Salt Lake City, UT
2. Varua Hae of Huntington Beach, CA
3. Kei Alaha of Diamondbar, CA

Group Overall
1. Fano Maohi of Salt Lake City, UT
2. Varua Hae of Huntington Beach, CA
3. Kei Alaha of Diamondbar, CA


Hura Tau (Senior Division)

Group Aparima
1. Varua Tahiti E of Oceanside, CA
2. Tupua of Costa Mesa, CA

Group Otea
1. Tupua of Costa Mesa, CA
2. Varua Tahiti E of Oceanside, CA

Group Ahupurotu
1. Tupua of Costa Mesa, CA
2. Varua Tahiti E of Oceanside, CA
3. Kanamu Dance Company of South Jordan, UT

Group Music
1. Tupua of Costa Mesa, CA
2. Kei Alaha of Diamondbar, CA
3. Healii's Polynesian Revue of San Diego, CA

Group Drumming
1. Tupua of Costa Mesa, CA
2. Varua Tahiti E of Oceanside, CA
3. Nonosina of Anaheim, CA

Best Ra'atira
Fano Maohi of Salt Lake City, UT

Best Costume
Varua Tahiti E of Oceanside, CA

Hura Ava Tau Overall
Fano Maohi of Salt Lake City, UT

Hura Tau Overall
Varua Tahiti E of Oceanside, CA

Hura Tahiti 2008 solo results

Hosted by the premier Tahitian dance group, Hitia O Te Ra, the Tahitian dance competition Hura Tahiti took place the last weekend of July at Hope International University in Fullerton, California.

Soloists and groups from California and Utah competed. In the end the overall soloist awards went to Justin "Froggie" Atthgan of Nemenzo who is no stranger to winning titles after winning the overall award at the Heiva i Honolulu earlier this year among others. Jeannie Case of Nonosina impressed the judges and audience alike by taking the overall vahine award. Video highlights of her performance may be found at YouTube.

Here are the results of the Hura Tahiti 2008 solo competition.

Tamahine 8-10
1. Sammy McClymonds - Independent
2. Dulce Gutierrez of APPA
3. Julie Basnett - Independent

Tamaroa 8-10
1. Arik Gaoay of Nonosina
2. Yuaki Goto of Heali'is Polynesian Revue
3. Joshua Bennett of Nonosina

Taure'area'a Vahine 11-13
1. Jonel Perez of Nemenzo
2. Kanani Salonius of Heali'is Polynesian Revue
3. Lily Nethington of Nonosina

Taure'area'a Tane 11-13
1. Garrison Kealoha Sudario of Nonosina
2. Ka'uka'uwaole Stanley of Heali'is Polynesian Revue
3. Keoni Kanoa of Heali'is Polynesian Revue

Taure'area'a Vahine 14-17
1. Stefanie Efnor of Tausala
2. Tabitha Tabbert of Heali'is Polynesian Revue
3. Victoria Goodrich of Varua Tahiti E

Taure'area'a Tane 14-17
1. Jordan Seanoa of Tupua
2. Nekoa Utai of Tupua
3. Noke Rimal of Kanamu Dance Company

Vahine 18-21
1. Lauren Macaraeg of Nonosina
2. Caroline Oh of Varua Tahiti E
3. Leolani Gallardo of Nonosina

Tane 18-21
1. Justin "Froggie" Atthgan of Nemenzo
2. Cameron Garcitos of Nonosina
3. Ryan Samn of Nemenzo

Vahine 22-26
1. Jeannie Case of Nonosina
2. Lizzy Gutierrez of Manea
3. Michelle Baker of Nemenzo

Tane 22-26
1. Sonny Shwe of Nemenzo
2. Otis of Tago Le Pasefika
3. Alvin Tapa of Tausala

Vahine 27-35
1. Desiree Woodward-Lee of Nemenzo
2. Julia Gore of Heali'is Polynesian Revue
3. Melody Seanoa of Tupua

Tane 27-35
1. Sonny Ganaden of Te Hura

Vahine 36+
1. Arleen Marcelo of Otea Api
2. Angela Villanueva of Te Hura
3. Leanne Johnston of Lokelani's Rhythm of the Island

Tane 36+
1. Tupua Seanoa of Tupua
2. Rey Manalac of Nemenzo
3. Jamel Dulolulao of Tupua

Overall Tane
Justin "Froggie" Atthgan of Nemenzo

Overall Vahine
Jeannie Case of Nonosina

Group results will be posted shortly.

Soloists shine at the 7th Annual Heiva i Kauai

Last week, Kapa'a Beach Park was the site for the 7th Annual Heiva i Kauai Ia Orana Tahiti dance competition. Audiences were treated to a premier solo competition with Chelsea Clement of Honolulu's Te ‘E’a o te Turama claiming the top soloist award. Not only did she repeat as the top dancer in her age category, she picked up the Overall Soloist award this year. This comes on the heals of titles she recently received at other events including the Tahiti Fete of Hilo and the Polynesian Cultural Center's Te Mahana Hiro'a o Tahiti.

Highlighting the event was to be an artisan and dance group from Tahiti. However, due to a recent tragic accident and health issues for the group leader, the group was not able to attend. Despite the setback, that didn't stop the event from pleasing the crowds. A sold out crafters area and continuous workshops for dancers, drummers and musicians kept everyone busy and ready for the main competition. The Kauai Garden Island newspaper reported indepth. Check out their article by reporter Dennis Fujimoto.

Here are the final results from the event:

Vahine Age 4-7
1. Kyanna Asuncion of Halau Hula o Leilani
2. Angelina Rivera of Ilima Rivera’s Hula Halau

Tane Age 7-9
1. Kai Noah Ferris of Ilima Rivera’s Hula Halau

Vahine Age 7-9
1. Vaikehu Parker of Marania Haoragi
2. Tia Takahashi of Halau Hula o Leilani
3. Sophia Rivera of Ilima Rivera’s Hula Halau

Tane Age 10-12
1. Kamuela Ferris of Ilima Rivera’s Hula Halau

Vahine Age 10-12
1. Cara Mia Kricken - Independent
2. Tahra-Lee Kaui of Halau Hula o Leilani
3. Ashley Bowman of Ilima Rivera’s Hula Halau

Tane Age 13-15
1. Emmsley-James Drake of Rohotu

Vahine Age 13-15
1. Chelsea Clement of Te ‘E’a o te Turama
2. Kirstie Pii Matias of Halau Hula o Leilani
3. Teresa Huff - Independent

Vahine Age 16-18
1. Kawahinehaaheo Oliver of Urahutia

Vahine Age 19-25
1. Lani Figaroa of Ori Uviira
2. Kauluwehiokekai Oliver of Urahutia
3. Kelcie Yomen of Urahutia

Vahine Age 26-39
1. Marie Mapa - Independent
2. Wailana Dasalia of Halau Hula o Leilani

Vahine Age 40 +
1. Louise Sausen - Independent


Overall Junior Tane
Kamuela Ferris of Ilima Rivera’s Hula Halau

Overall Junior Vahine
Cara Mia Kricken - Independent

Overall Senior Tane
Emmsley-James Drake of Rohotu

Overall Senior Vahine
Chelsea Clement of Te ‘E’a o te Turama

Kori Kori Tahiti Fete

Thanks to the helpful insight and inquiries of Vanessa Llave we were alerted to a fairly new heiva happening in Las Vegas. The Kori Kori Tahiti Fete is in its first year and takes place from Saturday November 8 to Tuesday November 11, 2008, Veteran's Day weekend, at the Del Sol High School Gymnasium (3100 E. Patrick Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89120). The event is organized by a committee of native Tahitians and Polynesians led by founder Ravahere Allred.

Highlights of the event include the "Miss Pearls of Polynesia" beauty pageant. Ravahere characterizes the contest proceedings similar to other island pageants such as the Miss Hawaii and Miss Tahiti pageants. She further explains that the event is a "fusion of cultures and a celebration of life." To help motivate contestants, she has put together among other things, a video of beauty pageant highlights, inspiration and tips. A group and solo Tahitian dancing competition will also highlight the event. It's a crowd favorite and a "must see" for any Tahitian dance event.

Unique to this event is a formal ball - The Royal Ball which will be held at the Bear's Best Country Club. The evening will celebrate and toast the new Miss Pearls of Polynesia. Reservations are required and seating is limited.

Another unique aspect to this new event is the chance for others other than the judges to vote for their favorite contestant and an opportunity to make a difference in the voting. Each ticket holder will be allowed to vote once.

Last but not least is the announcement that a portion of proceeds will be going to charity. With community service and involvement in mind, this event looks to help enrich and become a valuable memorable activity for all. We're looking forward to seeing the Kori Kori Tahiti Fete.

This event will be the last Tahitian dance competition event of 2008. Look for more information and the latest by visiting their website.