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.

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