Heiva i Hawai'i debuts with Grande Performances

The Tahitian Dance community welcomed its newest event this past month ~ Heiva i Hawai'i. Fittingly it also started off the 2012 Heiva season. Produced by award-winning group Te `E`a o Te Turama and its leader, Maile Lee, Heiva i Hawai'i welcomed groups and soloists from throughout the islands to Kailua-Kona over a weekend of fun-filled dance, crafting and music.

Maile started the event because her best friend, Kula Keawekane, of Fun to Jump Kona did a Mahalo Fun Day for the `ohana's in Kona last year. They set up Inflatables and had some entertainment and invited some Vendors to enjoy the day. Later, they decided to expand and do a Tahitian Dance Competition and Mahalo Fun Day with the main focus of giving back to the community and bringing more awareness for the Tahitian culture and dance.

The 3-day event brought strong performances by local groups such as Merahi o Tapiti, Toa Here, Te Vai Ura Nui and Polynesian Paradise and a crowning of the first ever Mr and Miss Heiva i Hawaii. A wide range of local support sponsored the event as well. Those included: The Shops at Mauna Lani, Fun to Jump Kona, Earl De Leon, Show Systems Hawai`i, Loud & Clear Productions, ITA Hawai`i, West Hawai`i Screen Printers, Kaua`i Polynesian Festival, Fatu Krainer, Alofa`s Custom Instruments, Moani Lahi Designs, Camelia Temanaha, Wailana Lee, Keauhou Beach Resort, Kuma Contracting, Royal Kona Resort, Enterprise Ret a Car, and Parks & Recreation (Wes, Vic & Diego)

Official photographer, Mike Wine, of Island Tours & Activities has a gallery of photos and videos (coming soon) of the 1st Annual Heiva i Hawai'i. Photos may be purchased online in various sizes and styles.

And if you missed it this year, don't worry. Dates for next years event have already been announced. Heiva i Hawai'i 2013 will take place February 15-17, 2013 in Kailua-Kona. Visit the event website for updates as they become available.

Below is a letter from Maile Lee, producer of Heiva i Hawai'i, summarizing the event.


By Guest Contributor Maile Lee

Aloha a Ia Orana,

Heiva i Hawai`i 2012 was an awesome experience for myself and Te `E`a o Te Turama.  The three day event brought artisans, dancers and patrons from all over Hawai`i and the neighbor islands to Maka`eo in Kailua-Kona.  Malihini and Kama`aina alike were treated to the island’s finest Tahitian Dance and drumming, unique Polynesian crafts and jewelry and an awesome array of Local Grinds.

On Friday evening, February 17, 2012, we crowned our First Mr & Miss Heiva i Hawai`i at the Shops at Mauna Lani on the South Kohala Coast.

19 year old Makana Pohakuikalewa Keana`aina a Native Hawaiian speaker from Kailua-Kona played the `ukulele and sang ‘Te Tama Maohi’ to capture the hearts of the judges as well as the Mr Heiva i Hawai`i 2012 title.

Naomi Baldemero

Miss Naomi Kau`iokeaho Baldemero, proved that experience was the key in the girls competition.  Her winning ways in Tahitian dance competition for the past few years with her Award-Winning group Te Vai Ura Nui helped her to realize her goal to take the crown and become Miss Heiva i Hawai`i 2012.

Saturday, February 18, 2012, featured over 70 of Hawai`i’s finest Solo dancers from 3 years old to 40+ and fabulous. House Drummers played for nearly 2 hours non-stop as dancers in beautiful costumes and adornments wowed the judges with their technical skill and creativity.

Afternoon competition featured Tamari`i (Children’s) Group Presentations.  The audience was treated to Polynesian folklore as dancers acted out scenes depicting the Legend o Maui and Hina and the creation of the Kumu Niu, the first coconut trees of Tahiti and the story of Oro, the Master of the Sky who created Poerava ~ the Tahitian Black Pearls.

At the days end, winners were announced for the first place solo division winners as Ra`atira and their Pupu Ori contemplated and readied themselves for day 2 of competition.

Sunday, February 19, 2012, began with the Overall Solo dance off.  Tane and Vahine along with their younger counterparts vied for The Overall Tane and Vahine Soloists along with the top Tamahine and Tamaroa. Solo dance competition gave way to a cacophony of Drums as two groups from Hawai`i island competed in Drumming competition.  In the afternoon Junior Group competition got underway.  The crowd was treated to a heated battle between Pele and her sister Na Maka o Kaha`i, goddess of the Sea and the melodic story of love in Mihi au ia`oe as dancers in lovely dresses brought our days competition to a close with images of the beautiful Tahitian Vahine.

Merahi o Tapiti

When all was said and done Merahi o Tapiti and their Ra`atira Tiffany Delacruz and Corey Sibayan were the Junior group winners taking various awards including first place in drumming competition back to Hilo.  As for the Tamari`i groups it was Mahealani Lee’s Polynesian Paradise that caught the attention of the Judges.

Te Vai Ura Nui’s Naomi Baldemero, Miss Heiva I Hawai`I 2012, and Daniel Sherman captured the Tane & Vahine Overall Soloist Awards and Merahi o Tapiti’s sweetheart won the Tamahine solo award.  But it was Koari`i Atkinson-Siola who swept the judges votes when he performed a round-off back hand spring to end his Tamaroa Overall winning routine.

Results for Heiva i Hawai'i 2012

SOLO AWARDS

5-7 years old
Tamahine
1st – Katarina Piper, Polynesian Paradise
2nd – Leonahenahe Pavao, Polynesian Paradise
3rd(tie) – Aysia-Lee Jaquias, Merahi o Tapiti


3rd(tie) – Pualena Andrews, Toa Here

8 – 10 years old
Tamahine
1st – Tiani Bello, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Lokelani Diego, Toa Here
3rd – Angelina Ramirez, Toa Here

Tamaroa
1st – Anthony Kauwe, Toa Here

11 – 13 years old
Tamahine
1st – Tehani Perkins, Te Vai Ura Nui
2nd – Cassandra Kanoho, Te Vai Ura Nui
3rd – Jaysha Pavao, Toa Here

Tamaroa
1st – Koari`i Atkinson-Siola, Polynesian Paradise
2nd – Daylan Kalai, Merahi o Tapiti
3rd – Tobee Kahaola Lee, Polynesian Paradise

14 – 17 years old
Vahine
1st – Naomi Baldemero, Te Vai Ura Nui
2nd – Kelsye Curry, Merahi o Tapiti
3rd – Ryanne Richardson, Toa Here

Tane
1st – Jason Johnson, Toa Here

18 – 20 years old
Vahine
1st – Raynette Rezentes, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Mahealani Ramos, Merahi o Tapiti
3rd – Amanda Caban, Merahi o Tapiti

21 – 24 years old
Vahine
1st – Cassie Pira, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Amanda Gutierrez, Polynesian Paradise
3rd – Lilinoe Atkinson, Polynesian Paradise

Tane
1st – Quinten Vea, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Olin Caba, Merahi o Tapiti

25 – 34 years old
Vahine
1st – Kuualoha Kekuaniela, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Keaukaha Carveiro, Polynesian Paradise
3rd – Jamie Ganzagan, Toa Here

Tane
1st – John Anduha, Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Aaron Olivarez, Polynesian Paradise

35 – 40 years old
Vahine
1st – Tanya Andrews, Toa Here
2nd – Debi Vierra, Toa Here

Tane
1st – Daniel Sherman, Te Vai Ura Nui
2nd – Corey Sibayan, Merahi o Tapiti

40+ years young
Vahine
1st – Romy Salvador, Toa Here

Overall Tamahine Soloist – Tiani Bello, Merahi o Tapiti
Overall Tamaroa Soloist – Koari`i Atkinson-Siola
Overall Vahine Soloist – Naomi Baldemero, Te Vai Ura Nui
Overall Tane Soloist – Daniel Sherman, Te Vai Ura Nui

Group Awards
Tamari`i Groups

Ote`a
1st – Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Polynesian Paradise
3rd – Toa Here

Aparima
1st – Polynesian Paradise
2nd – Toa Here
3rd – Merahi o Tapiti

Best Costume Award:
Polynesian Paradise

Overall Tamari`i Group:
Polynesian Paradise

Junior Groups
   
Ote`a
1st - Merahi o Tapiti
   
Aparima
1st - Merahi O Tapiti

`Ahupurotu
1st – Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Polynesian Paradise

Drumming
1st – Merahi o Tapiti
2nd – Polynesian Paradise

Best Costume Award
Merahi o Tapiti

Overall Junior Group
Merahi o Tapiti

Photos courtesy of Mike Wine, Island Tours & Activites

Heiva i O'ahu 2011

It's been about a decade since the award winning Tahitian dance group Te Vai Ura Nui produced a heiva, but that is all going to change now. Charles and Cathy Temanaha have announced that Heiva i O'ahu will return and will be held Saturday, March 26, 2011 in Kaneohe, Hawaii at King Intermediate School. The event will feature soloists, groups and drummers competing for event titles.

The event has the standard forms and rules, all of which are available on their website. Tane and vahine soloists 5 and up may compete. Tamari'i dance groups are made up of children 12 and under. Groups will compete in Otea, Aparima and Ahupurotu. Being in the islands, an emphasis on natural fibers, flowers and leaves is expected. As always, live musicians and drumming are a must in this competitive field.

As this is the first Tahitian dance competition in the islands this year, this is a great opportunity to showcase new music, costumes and choreography. It's also a great opportunity to refine the basics and fine tune old and new groups.

In addition to the dancing and drumming; Tahitian and Polynesian arts and crafts vendors will be set up for you to visit.

Admission is $10. Children 12 and under $5. For more information, applications and details, visit the event website or contact the event producers directly at www.tevaiuranui.com

2009 Heiva i Honolulu awards

This past weekend saw an abundance of memorable Tahitian dance performances by 10 dance groups and over 150 soloists competing in the 2009 Heiva i Honolulu, March 12-14, 2009.

For 3 days the Waikiki Shell hosted the event. The first day was full of soloist performances. The first round started with an exhibition of 2-3 year olds giving us a glimps into the future of Tahitian dance. From there, dancers were brought out in age groups all the way up to 36 and above.

The second round saw at least 3 ties which forced dance offs between several dancers. It didn't get any easier for the judges from there. In the overall womens (vahine) competition, the 3 top dancers were separated by only 1 point. Two were tied (Kawahineha'aheo Oliver of Urahutia Productions and Chelsea Clement of Te 'E'a O Te Turama) and the overall vahine, Charity Offril (pictured, top) of Nemenzo, won by the single point.

On the mens (tane) side, Keawe McArthur of Maohi Nui danced his way to the top spot with Kalaniku Clark of Haruru Toa and Sonny Shwe of Nemenzo closely behind.

Groups from Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, California and Japan competed in group events on Friday and Saturday.

One of the closest contests was the drumming division. Two groups, Te Vai Ura Nui of Honolulu, HI and Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui of Waipi'o, HI had scores that were almost too close. The 3 drumming judges, all accomplished drummers in their own right, were Etua Tahauri, Hatota Tehiva, and Tahiti Nui International President Raymond Mariteragi. In the end Te Vai Ura Nui came away with the coveted title.

Each year, the groups from Japan seem to be getting better and better. This year was no exception. Tiare Heipua, from Ishikawa, Japan and under the direction of Heikapu Sabarsah claimed the Hura Ava Tau (Junior) overall division title. This is the second year that they have taken the top spot.

In the Hura Tau (Senior) overall division, 1st place went to crowd favorite Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui, under the direction of a trio of ra'atira - Kevin, Aulii, and Manarii. The Waipi'o group claimed their first title of the Perpetual trophy.

Even in unusually cold weather nights and intermitten rain showers, it was a weekend full of fun, music, food, drumming and of course, dancing. Master of ceremonies duties were handled by a great group of individuals - Cathy Teriipaia, Vaihi, and Johan Hironui Bouit - who not only guided the activities, but also made sure to educate the onlookers and let them know exactly what to look for and what was happening.

Tahiti Nui International Support staff made the event flow smoothly. Kudos to Raymond Mariteragi, Rose Perreira, Tamara Ulima, Niu Ulima, Mana Mo'o, Auntie Ho'o and the rest of the volunteers. Looking forward to March 18-20, 2010 - 8th Annual Heiva i Honolulu.

Photos of the event can be purchased at mikebambi.com
DVD's of the event can be purchased at playbackmemories.com
Video highlights can be viewed at pacificnetwork.tv

Here's the complete list of results for the event:

SOLOIST AWARDS

AGE 4-6 TAMAHINE

1.	Ku'umanu Kupau of Maohi Nui
2.	Nicole Graham of Te'e'a O Te Turama
3.	Kanoe Navares of Maohi Nui

AGE 4-6 TAMAROA

1.	Skyler Ramento of Heretama Nui

AGE 7-10 TAMAHINE

1.	Denise Robinson of Manutahi Tahiti
2.	Leslie Brooke of Manutahi Tahiti
3.	Jazmine Melchor of Maohi Nui

AGE 7-10 TAMAROA

1.	Troy Spacek of Manutahi Tahiti

AGE 11-13 TAURE'ARE'A TAMAHINE

1.	Poerava Lee of Te 'E'a O Te Turama
2.	Chloe Pojas of Manutahi Tahiti
3.	Shandy Hopeau of Tiare Ura O Tahiti

AGE 11-13 TAURE'ARE'A TAMAROA

1.	Zachary Isaac of Te Mana O Te Ra
2.	Kyle Imipono Miyasato of Merahi Productions
3.	David Alcos of Here Tama Nui

AGE 14-17 TAURE'ARE'A TAMAHINE

1.	Chelsea Clement of Te 'E'a O Te Turama
2.	Eleni Tolutau of Nonosina Hawaii
3.	Jazmine Emerson of Nonosina Hawaii

AGE 18-21 VAHINE

1.	Kawahineha'aheo Oliver of Urahutia Productions
2.	Jocelyn Belden of Haruru Toa
3.	Ana Joyce Advincula of Manutahi Tahiti

AGE 18-21 TANE

1.	Peter Flores of Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui

AGE 22-26 VAHINE

1.	Michelle Baker of Nemenzo
2.	Evlyn Rose Bustamante of Da Island Way
3.	Ai Yoneda of Tiare Heipua

AGE 22-26 TANE

1.	Keawe McArthur of Ma'ohi Nui
2.	Kalaniku Clark of Haruru Toa
3.	Sonny Shwe of Nemenzo

AGE 27-35 VAHINE

1.	Charity Offril of Te Mana O Te Ra
2.	Mi Nei K Oliver of Urahutia Productions
3.	Eleina Gomez of Paul Tavai-Latta Dancers

AGE 27-35 TANE

1.	Andre Mata'afa-Alferos of Ma'ohi Nui
2.	Jonathan Ulibas of Maohi Nui
3.	Joseph Duff of Te Mana O Te Ra

AGE 36 & ABOVE

1.	Leandra Thompson of Nemenzo
2.	Kayoko Soma of Tiare Heipua
3.	Sonia Valentines of Da Island Way

AGE 36 & ABOVE

1.	Lawakua Gabriel of Manutahi Tahiti

OVERALL VAHINE

Charity Offril of Te Mana O Te Ra

OVERALL TANE

Keawe McArthur of Ma'ohi Nui

GROUP AWARDS

JR. APARIMA

1.	Tiare Heipua
	Heikapua Sabarsah - Ishikawa, Japan
2.	Te Mau Merahi
	Kepa Aricayos - Kihei, HI
3.	Mehetia Productions
	Charelle Kahanuala Silva - Kaneohe, HI

SR. APARIMA

1.	Te Tiare Patitifa
	Keoni Manuel - Wailuku, HI

JR. AHUPUROTU

1.	Tiare Heipua
	Heikapua Sabarsah - Ishikawa, Japan
2.	Tokariga Kalokemele
	Yuko Imai - Chikasaki, Japan
3.	Te Mau Merahi
	Kepa Aricayos - Kihei, HI

SR. AHUPUROTU

1.	Te Mana O Te Ra
	Lisa & Ray Aguilar - Walnut Creek, CA
2.	Marania Haoragi
	Tahia Parker - Honolulu, HI
3.	Te Tiare Patitifa
	Keoni Manuel - Wailuku, HI

MAMA RUAU AHUPUROTU

	Tiare Heipua
	Heikapua Sabarsah - Ishikawa, Japan

SR. DRUMMING

1.	Te Vai Ura Nui
	Tyrone Temanaha Jr. - Honolulu, HI
2.	Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui
	Kevin & Auli'i - Honolulu, HI

HURA AVA TAU - JUNIOR OVERALL

1.	Tiare Heipua
	Heikapua Sabarsah - Ishikawa, Japan
2.	Merahi Productions featuring Tiare Apetahi
	Tiffany DelaCruz & Seisha Tobosa - Hilo, HI

HURA TAU - SENIOR OVERALL

1.	Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui
	Kevin & Auli'i - Honolulu, HI
2.	Te Tiare Patitifa
	Keoni Manuel - Wailuku, HI

COSTUME

	Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui
	Kevin & Auli'i - Honolulu, HI

RA'ATIRA

	Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui
	Kevin & Auli'i - Honolulu, HI

PERPETUAL TROPHY - JUNIOR

	Tiare Heipua
	Heikapua Sabarsah - Ishikawa, Japan

PERPETUAL TROPHY - SENIOR

	Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui
	Kevin, Auli'i and Manarii - Honolulu, HI

Hawaiian Merrie Monarch Festival features Te Vai Ura Nui exhibition

The recent victory of Charles and Cathy Temanaha's Te Vai Ura Nui Tahitian dance group has opened up an opportunity for the group to perform at Hawaii's premier Hula competition in Hilo, Hawaii - The Merrie Monarch Festival. This wasn't the first time that the group performed at the festival, but it's been four years since their last performance there.

The group repeated their award-winning performance from last month's Heiva i Honolulu. Choreographed by the Temanaha's, it is a love story called "Manino and Fanovai." It tells of an ancient Tahitian tale where the men are fishing while the women wait on the shore. When the men return with the speared fish, the women greet and surround them as if to make a living net.

As they return, a brave young fisherman catches the eye of a young maiden. He makes his desire known but her father doesn't approve. The father believes that the young man will not be able to provide for his daughter. Yet, the couples love continues to grown and is seen as they perform a couples' dance together. The young man's friends show their support by performing rigorous haka and the girls show their approval as well by performing a slow and graceful aparima. It all comes to a happy ending as the couple is married and all celebrate the new couples' life together.

With so much passion for their performance and desire to tell a story, it's no wonder Te Vai Ura Nui came away with top honors at the competition last month.

To perform at Hawaii's Merrie Monarch Festival is seen as a great privilege. The festival's main activities run Thursday (Miss Aloha Hula), Friday (Hula Kahiko) and Saturday (Hula Au'wana) April 3-5, 2008.

Heiva i Honolulu 2008 Group Results

With more than a thousand in attendance, Te Vai Ura Nui of Honolulu, Hawaii, ran away with the coveted overall trophy at this years Heiva i Honolulu. Saturday's performances included Nonosina Hawaii of Laie, Hawaii, and Maohi Nui of Aiea, Hawaii. Both competed in the Senior category.

The overall soloists competition began the afternoon activities. Tehinamai Mataele of Maohi Nui and Justin "Froggie" Atangan of Nemenzo came away with the vahine and tane titles.

Maohi Nui started the group portion of the program and featured a very poised and crowd-pleasing ahupurotu.

They were followed by a touching performance by Nonosina Hawaii performing an ahupurotu of a story telling of the young sister who was lost to the Mariteragi family. The performance was especially personal as Sunday Mariteragi, the mother, performed with the group.

Maohi Nui heated up the competition with fire-wielding tane warriors and energetic vahine dancing their wedding themed otea and paoa. They shared a beautiful aparima and finished off with a climatic ending.

Nonosina Hawaii continued the family theme and brought out all ages of performers. From the 4 yr olds all the way to their most senior members, they all participated and revved up the crowd.

In the end, however, it was Te Vai Ura Nui, who had performed the night before, who came away with the top honors. So without further ado, here's the final results of the group competition. Visit the Tahiti Nui International website for additional details.

OVERALL

VAHINE
Tehinamai Mataele of Ma'ohi Nui

TANE
Justin "Froggie" Atangan of Nemenzo


GROUP AWARDS

HURA AVA TAU - JUNIOR LEVEL
1. Tiare Heipua (Ishikawa, Japan)
Ra’atira – Heikapua Sabarsah & Pualani Horiuchi
2. Kawai’ Ola I Kahikina (Tokyo, Japan)
Ra’atira – Shiho Tomida

HURA TAU - SENIOR LEVEL
1. Te Vai Ura Nui (Honolulu, Oahu)
Ra’atira – Charlie and Cathy Temanaha
2. Ma’ohi Nui (Pearl City, Oahu)
Ra’atira – Mervin Lilo
3. Nonosina Hawaii (Laie, Oahu)
Ra’atira - Jon Raymond and Tiani Mariteragi

COSTUME
Te Vai Ura Nui (Honolulu, HI)
Ra’atira – Charlie & Cathy Temanaha

RA'ATIRA
Nonosina Hawaii (Laie, Hawaii)
Ra’atira – Jon Raymond and Tiani Mariteragi

TAMARI'I APARIMA
Tokariga/Kalokemelemele (Chikasaki, Japan)
Ra’atira – Yuko Imai

VAHINE JR. APARIMA
Tokariga/Kalokemelemele (Chikasaki, Japan)
Ra’atira – Yuko Imai

JR. AHUPUROTU
1. Tiare Heipua (Ishikawa, Japan)
Ra’atira – Heikapua Sabarsah & Pualani Horiuchi
2. Kawai ‘Ola I Kahikina (Tokyo, Japan)
Ra’atira – Shiho Tomida
3. Marania Haoragi (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Ra’atira – Tahia Parker & Tukua Foster

SR. AHUPUROTU
1. Nonosina Hawaii (Laie, Oahu)
Ra’atira – Jon Raymond and Tiani Mariteragi
2. Ma’ohi Nui (Pearl City, Oahu)
Ra’atira – Mervyn Lilo

MAMA RUAU AHUPUROTU
Kawai’ Ola I Kahikina (Tokyo, Japan)
Ra’atira – Shino Tomida

SR. DRUMMING
Ma’ohi Nui (Pearl City, Oahu)
Ra’atira – Mervyn Lilo

Te Vai Ura Nui roars back with a win at Heiva i Honolulu

With a huge crowd made up of supporters, onlookers, tourists, guests and vendors, last night saw the overall group award at the 2008 Heiva i Honolulu go to Te Vai Ura Nui of Honolulu, Hawaii. It was a return for the group to compete in group competition and they definitely showed that they hadn't lost their touch. Competing last on Friday, they were in competition with Nonosina Hawaii of Laie, Hawaii and Maohi Nui of Aiea, Hawaii in the senior division. Both groups showed strong performances on Saturday.

Te Vai Ura Nui was founded in 1987 by Charles and Cathy Temanaha in Honolulu, Hawaii. They have succeeded in winning the overall trophy in many competitions and have always been noted for their authentic and stunning costumes.