Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui on Hawaii News Now

If you are on Oahu or can catch Honolulu's KFVE Monday morning, you might recognize the Tahitian dance group Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui. Some of their dancers, musicians and ra'atira will be performing live at 8:20 am. The group is the 2009 defending Hura Tau (Sr) Overall group and will be competing with some of the best groups around at this years upcoming Heiva i Honolulu later this week, March 18-20 at the Waikiki Shell.

It's an exciting time for Tahitian dance as this is the first major event of the new year. It's also one of the largest events as well. Fourteen groups from Hawaii, Japan and the mainland, will be performing over the three day festival and competition. Along with group competition, soloists will also be vying for the coveted overall title.

Tickets for the event are $15, $10 for children (4-10). Available at the Waikiki Shell box office, Blaisdell Ticket outlets in Macy's and the box office at the Blaisdell Center. Online, you can find tickets at ticketmaster.com

Check out the Hawaii News Now video here »

Heiva i Honolulu expands-adds 4th day!

With the amount of groups participating in this years' Heiva i Honolulu exceeding capacity, the event has announced the addition of a fourth day to its schedule. The event will start on Wednesday, March 17th and run to Saturday, the 20th. Soloists will compete on the first day and groups will compete the following three days.

This is a full schedule with a balanced mix of groups. There are multiple groups competing in each event so there isn't anything that can be taken for granted. Competition is heating up. Many of last years 1st place groups and dancers are coming back to defend their titles and many groups that haven't competed for years are back to challenge.

The schedule is tight so group practice time on stage is limited. However, a large practice area in the adjoining Kapiolani Park is reserved for dance groups throughout the event and the Kapiolani bandstand. The large structure can house most any group and may be used. It's first come first served as a public open air venue.

Applications and rules/regulations are available online but will be updated shortly with additional information regarding the additional day. Check back soon.

Workshops are being planned for Sunday, March 21 so the Spring Break week is full of activity. Details to be announced shortly. And Polynesian handicraft vendors will be showing their unique offerings, many of which are not available in stores.

Heiva i Honolulu is produced by Tahiti Nui International and takes place annually at the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu, Hawaii. The event will run March 17-20, 2010. General Admission tickets are available at the Blaisdell box office, online and other ticket outlets to be announced shortly.

Sponsors for the event include Aloha Hula Supply, Polynesian Cultural Center, Black Pearl Designs, Wahine Toa Designs, Tihati Productions, City & County of Honolulu, Cabana Vacation Suites and Tahiti Imports. Additional Sponsors to be announced shortly.

Counting down to Heiva i Honolulu 2010

In just a couple of weeks, the Heiva i Honolulu new 2010 website will be going live. Applications for vendors, dance groups and soloists will be available for the March 18-20, 2010 event at the Waikiki Shell.

Several major dance groups both in Hawaii and the mainland have indicated that they are preparing to come to next years event to compete.

Tahiti Nui International, the organizer behind the event is also looking to have a few additional exhibition performances for Polynesian groups not wanting to compete but wanting to participate in the event.

This years featured dancer is Te Mana O Te Ra's Charity Offril, who was the 2009 Overall Vahine Soloist. Details about the event will be forthcoming.

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

Countdown to Heiva i Honolulu

Waikiki is known as a tourist hub, but come this weekend it will be much more. The 2009 Heiva i Honolulu will be happening at the Waikiki Shell - March 12-14, 2009. 10 dance groups and over 150 soloist are readying their costumes, routines and music for the 7th annual event.

This past weekend we just happened to be in the center of Kaneohe and heard the distinct sounds of Tahitian drumming complete with a symphony of toere, fa'atete, pahu and Tahitian ukulele and songs. No doubt hips were swaying. WHAT AM I SAYING? Shaking! Talking with some of the stores around, it seems they have been practicing for this event for at least 4-6 months. That's a great sign of dedication. Looking forward to seeing the performances.

Tahiti Nui International is the producer of the event. Now in its 7th year, Raymond Mariteragi and Rose Perreira have brought several dance groups, soloists, sponsors and vendors together for the event. Both have long been integral parts of the Tahitian community acting not only as producers, but also artisans, judges and leaders.

Complete detailed program is now available online on the official site and blog. Take a look. The event is even partnered up with the Honolulu Festival.

Groups participating include:

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

Marania Haoragi
Tahia Parker - Honolulu, HI

Mehetia Productions
Charelle Kahanuala Silva - Kaneohe, HI

Merahi Productions featuring Tiare Apetahi
Tiffany DelaCruz & Seisha Toboza - Hilo, HI

Te Mana O Te Ra
Lisa & Ray Aguilar - Walnut Creek, CA

Te Mau Merahi
Kepa Aricayos - Kihei, HI

Te Tiare Patitifa
Keoni Manuel - Wailuku, HI

Te Vai Ura Nui
Tyrone Temanaha Jr. - Honolulu, HI

Tiare Heipua
Heikapua Sabarsah - Ishikawa, Japan

Tokariga Kalokemelemele
Yuko Imai - Chikasaki, Japan

Heiva i Honolulu tickets on sale February 25

Tahiti Nui International has announced that general admission tickets will be going on sale February 25 for the 2009 Heiva i Honolulu. Tickets will be available at the Neil S. Blaisdell Center ticket box office, Ticketmaster Hawaii locations, ticketmaster.com, all Times Supermarkets and the BYU Hawaii ticket office.

General admission tickets will be $15 (11 yrs old and up), $10 (4-10 yrs old), and children 3 and under free admission.

Heiva i Honolulu will again be hosted at the historic Waikiki Shell in Honolulu from March 12-14, 2009. Activities will take place 4-9:30 pm each night. The solo competition will take place on Thursday, group competition will take place on Friday and Saturday.

Along with the announcement, new promotional materials featuring Savanna Alcosiba of Heretama Nui are now available on the website. She was a soloist award winner at last years event.

The heiva is taking place among a number of other festivities happening in Waikiki that weekend. It is presented in part by the Honolulu Festival.

Heiva i Honolulu 2009

Tahiti Nui International just updated their website with information, applications and updates for their March 12-14, 2009 Heiva i Honolulu event at the Waikiki Shell. The Waikiki event is the first US event next year. Currently there are 23 major Tahitian dance events scheduled for 2009 throughout the US, Tahiti, Japan and Mexico. In addition to the dance competition, plans are underway for workshops and cultural exhibits and exhibition performances. Book your reservations early and get ready for a great year for Tahitian dance.

Visit the Tahiti Nui International website for all the latest information.

Heiva I Honolulu 2008 date update

Tahiti Nui International has adjusted the dates for the 2008 event in Waikiki. The Heiva I Honolulu was previously scheduled for March 19-21, 2008 but because of conflicting schedules, it was decided to move it to March 13-15, 2008. The Waikiki Shell will still be the hosting location. Event officials are working on cooperative movements with travel industry representatives to accommodate participating groups and guests. More information to come as it becomes available.

Heiva I Honolulu will be the first major dance competition of the 2008 season. Watch for new information and new look to their website coming soon.

Heiva I Honolulu 2008 date announcement

Black Pearl Designs is privileged to announce the event dates for Tahiti Nui International's Heiva I Honolulu 2008. The event will take place March 19-21, 2008 (Event organizers moved event dates to March 13-15, 2008, consult official site or view our updated calendar for the latest information. Dates and details are subject to change according to individual event organizations) at the Waikiki Shell. Event co-director, Rose Perreira, announced the dates after returning from Japan from Heiva I Honolulu's sister event - Heiva I Japan. TNI also produces the Heiva I Tahiti International in Papeete, Tahiti.

Details and information will be forthcoming. Check the official site for upcoming updates, applications, travel & accommodation packages and vendor information.