Saturday, March 15, 2008

Heiva i Honolulu 2008 solo results

Heiva i Honolulu is concluding this evening. Three days of competition will culminate tonight in awarding excellence in Tahitian dancing. With an audience of approximately 500 spectators per night, dancers have performed with a great competitive spirit. The level of intensity, execution and poise has definitely been raised.

Over 100 soloists competed on Thursday from Hawaii, California and Japan mainly. A large contigent of Japanese based groups has come this year to compete and as you can see below, they have done very well, giving the home crowd groups serious competition.

Friday saw Here Tama Nui of Honolulu, Marania Haoragi of Honolulu, Nonosina Japan/Kawai Ola I Ka Hikina of Tokyo, Japan, Tiare Heipua of Komatsu, Japan, Tokaringa/Kalokemelemele of Tokyo, Japan and Te Vai Ura Nui of Honolulu compete. This evening will see local established groups including Nonosina Hawaii and Maohi Nui.

Craft vendors are plentiful and rare finds are to be found. Tahitian ukuleles, black pearls and shell jewelry, Tahitian pareos, Maori poi balls, Polynesian apparel, Samoan carvings, and Tahitian drums are just a sampling of the items you'll find.

Event organizers, Rose Perreira and Raymond Mariteragi make sure that things have run as smooth as possible. In all, 15 groups, 18 vendors and countless volunteers and support staff are participating this year.


SOLOIST AWARDS

AGE 4-6 TAMAHINE
1. Kanoe Navares of Manutahi
2. Teorihere Toves-Ramento of Heretama Nui
3. Nicole Graham of Te E'a O Te Turama

AGE 4-6 TAMAROA
1. Skyler Ramos of Heretama Nui
2. Mykle Keni of Nonosina Hawaii
3. Seau Maiava of Ma'ohi Nui

AGE 7-10 TAMAHINE
1. Tomomi Iguchi of Kalokemelemele Hula Studio
2. Lia Fa'apisa Thompson of Nemenzo
3. Brooke Leslie of Manutahi

AGE 7-10 TAMAROA
1. Ethan Magalei of Nonosina Hawaii
2. Troy Spacek of Manutahi
3. Jay Spacek of Manutahi

AGE 11-13 TAURE'ARE'A
1. Kourtney Kaopuiki of Heretama Nui
2. Shoko Tokuda of Kalokemelemele Hula Studio
3. Naehuokala Meyer of Marania Hoaragi

AGE 11-13 TAURE'ARE'A
1. Mason Manuma of Ma'ohi Nui
2. JD Melchor of Manutahi

AGE 14-17 TAURE'ARE'A
1. Shayna Lei Soma of Tiare Ura O Tahiti
2. Savanna Alcosiba of Heretama Nui
3. Monique Orton of Nonosina Hawaii

AGE 14-17 TAURE'ARE'A
1. Mosiah Manuma of Ma'ohi Nui
2. LJ Mariteragi of Nonosina Hawaii

AGE 18-21 VAHINE
1. Tehinamai Mataele of Ma'ohi Nui
2. Ashley Jardine of Te Tiare Patitifa
3. Ayumi Asano of Kalokemelemele Hula Studio

AGE 18-21 TANE
1. Justin "Froggie" Atangan of Nemenzo
2. Peter Flores of Te Vai Ura Nui

AGE 22-26 VAHINE
1. Michelle Baker of Nemenzo
2. Jet'aime Alcos of Tiare Ura O Tahiti
3. Meghan Bridges Steffen of Te Ariki Nui

AGE 22-26 TANE
1. Brandon Keawe McArthur of Ma'ohi Nui
2. Manarii Gauthier of Te Vai Ura Nui
3. Sonny Shwe of Nemenzo

AGE 27-35 VAHINE
1. Kalei Guillory of Te Vai Ura Nui
2. Kayoko Soma of Tiare Heipua
3. Ayuka Hattori of Tiare Heipua

AGE 27-35 TANE
1. Edward Pula of Ma'ohi Nui
2. Kala Latuselu of Ma'ohi Nui
3. Brandon Oka of Ari'i Hau Moana

AGE 36 & ABOVE TA'ATA PA'ARI
1. Leandra Thompson of Nemenzo
2. Kamaile Sniffen of Te Ariki Nui
3. Belinda Miranda of Manutahi

Saturday, March 01, 2008

Manutahi in 2008 Macy's Parade

Things are going to heat up New York come Thanksgiving day. Manutahi Tahiti, whose reach includes groups on Oahu, Maui, Moloka'i, Texas and Florida, has been invited to participate in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade, as a national tradition, has long been considered the unofficial kickoff to the Christmas holiday shopping season and is seen by millions throughout the country.

Fundraising is being done by all branches of their group to cover the costs. Alma Damo, head of Promotions/Marketing announced that "Over 100 of our members, from our group and sister groups combined, will be traveling to the BIG APPLE to nationally televise the beauty and art of Tahitian Dancing."

One of the groups most visible fundraising activities is their recent Tahitian dance calendar. Available at Hawaiiana stores and through the group itself, the calendar features Manutahi Tahiti dancers in action in tropical locales. Call 808 222-4346 or email to get your copy.

Manutahi Tahiti is headed by Pola Teriipaia and headquartered in Wahiawa, Hawaii. She is an accomplished Ori Tahiti dancer, frequent judge at Tahitian dance competitions and comes from a long tradition of Tahitian cultural leaders. Her group consistently places high in Tahitian dance competitions.

Manutahi Tahiti also just announced that their 2nd Tahitian Solo Dance Competition will take place Saturday, April 19, 2008 at Waimea Falls Park. For more details and information, please see their website.

Manutahi Tahitian Solo Dance Competition

The long awaited and anticipated announcement for Manutahi's Tahitian dance competition has been confirmed.

Waimea Falls Park will be the site of Manutahi Tahiti's 2nd Tahitian Solo Dance Competition on Saturday, April 19, 2008. Sponsored by Polanesia and Waimea Falls Park, activities will take place at the Pikake Lounge. Doors will open at 9:30am and exhibition events will start the event at 10:00am.

Entry into the event will only be $5 per person (children 5-11 are $2 and under 5 are free). Admission to the park itself is included so participants and spectators can make a day activity for the whole family.

For more information, visit the Manutahi Tahiti website for applications, vendor information, and questions. Contact Pola Teriipaia at 808-222-4346 or email manutahidance@hotmail.com

Manutahi Tahiti, based in Wahiawa, is the host organization. The group has recently expanded to Maui and Moloka'i as well as the mainland in Humble, Texas and Orlando, Florida.

Waimea Falls Park recently became managed by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) company Hiipaka LLC.

Friday, February 15, 2008

29th Annual Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete Press Release

29TH Annual KIKI RAINA TAHITI FETE
Tahitian Dance Competition and Cultural Festival
www.kikiraina.com

Merced County Fairgrounds – March 14, 15, 16, 2008

The 29th Annual Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete will be held at the Merced County Fairgrounds. The longest existing, annually held, Tahitian Dance and Cultural Festival outside of French Polynesia will be on Friday, March 14 from 9am – 9pm, Saturday the 15th, from 9am – 9pm and on Sunday the 16th from 9am – 6pm.

Those who enjoy a rich experience in traditional culture and dance will be enthralled by Friday’s presentation of the Solo Dance Competition eliminations and Saturday’s finalist performances, ranging in ages of 4 thru adult, beginners thru professional, both men’s and women’s categories. Friday’s event also includes the Maeva Merced Polynesian Pageant, where lovely ladies and handsome gentlemen compete for the prestigious title of Miss and Mr. Maeva Merced. During the pageant, the Ahuroa (more formal Aparima dance style) Competition will be judged, as well as the Masters solo category finals.

The Solo Dancer Finals will be held on Saturday as well as the Group Drumming Competition, featuring the most accomplished Tahitian Drumming groups in our area.

On Sunday morning, First Place winners of the Professional Soloists will compete for the Overall Vahine and Tane “Best Dancer Awards”. Also, Couples in Costume will take the floor with their colorful regalia and exciting duets! The afternoon will wind up with the Tamari’i (children), Amateur and Professional Groups demonstrating their proficiency in the marvelous ‘Ote’a drum dances and the lively Aparima of Tahiti Nui!
The very best Island Style FOOD will be available throughout the event as well as authentic flower and Polynesian Craft Booths for your shopping pleasure.

TICKET INFORMATION

Age 13 thru Adult - $15 advanced sale $17 at the door Child age 5 thru 12yrs - $10 advanced sale $12 at the door 3day pass, advanced sale only - adult $35, Child $25

For more information, Call Pacifica at 209 726-1925 between 10am and 6pm, Mon thru Sat. Advance sale tickets may be purchased through March 13th. Tickets are limited.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Merced Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete 2008

There's a big happening on the March 14-16 weekend in Merced, California. Tahitian dance groups throughout the area and beyond will be competing in the longest running Tahitian dance event outside of Tahiti. The Merce Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete is organized by long time cultural supporter Becky Manandic who also runs her Polynesian store - Pacifica, in Merced. In her store you'll be able to peruse through unique Polynesian jewelry, pareos, Hawaiiana and a selection of island crafts and gifts. If you are in the area, feel free to visit and get the inside scoop about the event from her personally.

The competition will begin with a traditional solo competition and followed up in the evening with the Maeva Merced Pageant where tane (men) and vahine (women) compete for the coveted titles of Mr. and Miss Maeva Merced.

On Saturday and Sunday, group competition commences, cultural demonstrations, crafts and island foods, and soloist finals take the stage. Groups will compete in a number of categories including aparima, otea, ahuroa, drumming. Activities on Sunday will conclude with a tamari'i (children) exhibition.

The Merced Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete is located at the Merced County Fairgrounds. Tickets are available at Pacifica or by calling 209-726-1925 from 10am and 6pm PDT. Visit the official website for details.

Monday, January 07, 2008

Heiva i Honolulu 2008 update

Check out the new Heiva i Honolulu web pages. With more information and details, applications, group tickets, and resources, the Tahiti Nui International website is updating and upgrading to provide a more comprehensive and informative resource of Tahitian dance.

Heiva i Honolulu 2008 will be the first Heiva of the year happening on March 13-15. Check back soon for purchasing general admission tickets.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Manutahi Tahitian dance calendar

I've been meaning to post this to the blog but keep forgetting. I remember later but am nowhere near a computer or my note pad. I've been following the Manutahi Tahiti group website and emailing occasionally about their planned Heiva on Maui (by the way, no news on that).

However, they have offered a new 2008 Tahitian dance calendar. It's a fundraiser for their group that will fund a non-profit student scholarship. Photographs are by local photographer Andrew Bryant Simms. The price is $15. To purchase the calendars, call them at (808) 561-4342. Please let them know where you heard about it.

The calendar features vahine dancers from the group on location throughout the islands and fittingly has month names in both English and Tahitian.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

New updates for 2008 Tahitian dance events

Mele Kalikimaka. As you take in the hustle & bustle, excitement, music and thoughts this holiday season, you might have noticed that we didn't update as often. It's been a busy season for our online store and it's kept us away for a bit. But now that Christmas has passed and our load is a little lighter, we're back to updating and bringing the latest info about the upcoming events. Tahitian events are gearing up for 2008.

New event updates include the Fano Maohi, Heiva i Reno, Heiva i Maui and the Tahiti Fete of Utah. With most events now updated with confirmed dates, 2008 is shaping up to be a banner year with more events and more opportunity for groups around the nation. With the amount of groups who are increasingly finding our directory/calendar, comes more convenience for groups to schedule their events and attract dancers to participate.

Fano Maohi marketing manager, Danny Tupua has recently advised us of the new 2008 date. Moving from July to April, this year's event is one of the first of the year. The Fano Maohi Heiva will run from April 25-26, 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah at Granite Park High.

Utah's other Tahitian dance competition, Tahiti Fete of Utah, has also announced their 2008 date. The 4th annual event will take place October 16-18, 2008 in West Valley City. Details about the activities will be forthcoming. This past year, the event was free to the public.

Heiva i Reno will take place on August 1, 2008. The event will be 1 day. A second day (August 2) will feature Hawaiian Hula.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Tahitian Dance calendar update

The year 2007 has showed tremendous growth in the Tahitian dance. Competition events are growing not only in numbers but also in strength and competitors. Coordination is continually improving and eventually we hope to see a world competition. Dancer quality and creativity is also always improving.

This year saw 12 major competition events and 2008 will see at least that many. More than half have confirmed dates and/or locations. Confirmed events will take place in Hawaii, California, Nevada, Utah, Florida, Tahiti and Japan. Many young dance groups who have not competed in the major events are maturing and planning to participate in the near future.

As all this activity is continually growing we are working to make as much of that information available. Here is an updated calendar of Tahitian dance events. Check our website or blog for updates and as always, check the official event websites for more details if available.

March 13-15, 2008
Heiva i Honolulu Honolulu, HI

March 14-16, 2008
Merced Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete Merced, CA

March 29, 2008
Tamari'i Tahiti Fete Orlando, FL

May 22-25, 2008
Kauai Polynesian Festival Lihue, HI

May 24-25, 2008
Tahiti Taurua Nui i Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV

July 4-7, 2008
Tahiti Fete of San Jose San Jose, CA

July 25-26, 2008
Hura Tahiti Cerritos, CA

July 2008
Te Mahana Hiro'a o Tahiti Laie, HI

July 2008
Fano Maohi Salt Lake City, UT

July 2008
Heiva i Tahiti Papeete, Tahiti

July 2008
Heiva International i Tahiti Papeete, Tahiti

August 2-3, 2008
Heiva i Kauai Kapaa, HI

August 30-31, 2008
Tahiti Heiva - Japan Tokyo, Japan

August 31, 2008
Heiva i Japan Tokyo, Japan

August 2008
Heiva i Reno Reno, NV

August 2008
Heiva i Maui Wailuku, HI

September 2008
Tarena Tahiti Daly City, CA

September 2008
Pacific Islander Festival San Diego, CA

October 2008
Tahiti Fete of Hilo Hilo, HI

October 2008
Tahiti Fete of Utah West Valley City, UT

2008
Manutahi Tahiti Honolulu, HI

All dates and locations are subject to change according to each individual event director.

Friday, November 09, 2007

2008 Tahiti Nui Heiva I Japan

One of the most exciting and rapidly expanding Tahitian dance event is the Heiva I Japan. With local dance groups eagerly joining up to compete, organizers Kenzo Tanaka and Ayumi Sugiyama recently announced the dates for the 3rd Annual Heiva I Japan. Activities will take place August 31, 2008 in Tokyo at the Meilpark Hall Hotel.

As a sister event to Heiva I Honolulu, it builds upon a growing interest in Japan for Tahitian dance. Now in its third year, the event has become an exciting addition to the Tahitian dance competition family.

Ticket information, applications and deadline information are available on the official website. Competition categories include solo and group Ori Tahiti, Ahupurotu, Aparima, Otea and Tamarii (children) and Tupuna (senior). Ori Tahiti soloist Meimi Horiuchi (pictured top left) of the dance group Tiare Heipua and overall soloist Momoko Hoshihara (pictured below left) of Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara will be among other competitors ready to defend their titles. The activities include exhibition performances. Check back often for updates. We're also providing a computer translated version of the Japanese website for those who cannot read Japanese.

For a complete look at all major Tahitian dance events, visit our website, Black Pearl Designs, for the complete list of Heiva and Tahiti Fete.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

2008 Hura Tahiti

Cerritos, California will once again transform into a Tahitian cultural paradise July 25-26, 2008 for the 4th Annual Hura Tahiti competition. Dance groups througout California, Hawaii, and the mainland will participate in group, solo and drumming competitions. Event organizer, Alex Tekurio announced "there will be 2 groups from Tahiti that will participate in our Hura Tahiti and we will have 2 categories for groups – professional and amateur."

More details, applications, and ticket information will be posted as it becomes available.

For a complete list of up-to-date information on Heiva & Tahiti Fete and Tahitian dance groups throughout the nation, visit our website.

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

2008 Tahiti Taurua Nui I Las Vegas

Tamaeva Arii, Inc. recently announced that the 2008 Tahiti Taurua Nui I Las Vegas will be offering a thrilling weekend of dance competition in the Entertainment Capital of the World - Las Vegas! Participating dance groups will be competing in group, solo, drumming, couples, and himene (singing) categories.

The fifth annual Tahiti Taurua Nui I Las Vegas will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 24th & 25th, 2008 (Memorial Day weekend) at the COX Pavilion at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

Monday, November 05, 2007

2008 Merced Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete

Event organizer Becky Manandic has announced that the 2008 Merced Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete will take place March 14-16, 2008. The Merced County Fairgrounds will again serve as the location for the competition and activities.

This event is distinguished as the longest existing Tahitian Dance and Cultural Festival held outside of French Polynesia. As such it also serves as one of the first major competitions of the year.

Organizers are working on finalizing applications and event program. Visit the official site for updates and information needed to participate and purchase tickets.

For more information and a schedule of all Tahitian Dance events throughout the country, visit our website - Black Pearl Designs.

Saturday, November 03, 2007

2007 Heiva I Reno group results

The group competition results for the 2007 Heiva I Reno have been hard to find but we finally were able to locate a source who had most of the information.

Group Competition
Ta'ata Pa'ari Overall
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA

Ta'ata Pa'ari Otea
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA
2. Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA
3. Te Mau Ta'ata Anuanua of Merced, CA

Jr. Otea
1. Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA
2. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA
3. Motu'aina of Danville, CA

Ta'ata Pa'ari Aparima
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA
2. Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA
3. Motu'aina of Danville, CA

Jr. Aparima
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA
2. Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA
3. Motu'aina of Danville, CA

Couples
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA
2. Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
3. E Honu Iti E of Tracy, CA

Contemporary Drumming
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA

Traditional Drumming
1. Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA

Language
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA

Costume
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA

Music
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA

Theme
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA

Leadership
1. Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA

Participating Groups
E Honu Iti E of Tracy, CA
Hiva Nui of Stockton, CA
Hui Tama Nui of Vallejo, CA
Makamae Melia O Polynesia of Elk Grove, CA
Manava Polynesia of Fountain Valley, CA
Motu'aina of Danville, CA
Nemenzo of Daly City, CA
Na Hoku Mai Kanoelani of Stockton, CA
Ote'a Api of Reno, NV
Te Mau Ta'ata Anuanua of Merced, CA

Friday, November 02, 2007

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.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

2007 Tahiti Fete of Utah results

The last major heiva for 2007 took place last weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Tahiti Fete of Utah marked a close to the 2007 event schedule. 10 dance groups from Hawaii, California, Colorado and Utah participated. In the end, Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA came away with the overall group trophy.

Group Competition:

Overall Group
Tina's Ports of Paradise – Oxnard, CA

Advanced
1. Tina's Ports of Paradise – Oxnard, CA
2. Tehamata – Laie, HI

Intermediate
1. Peu Porinetia – Salt Lake City, UT
2. Malialole – Salt Lake City, UT

CD (recorded music/drumming)
1. Kanamu Productions South Jordan, UT


Drumming Competition:

1. The Voice of Polynesia Orem, UT
2. Tina's Ports of Paradise – Oxnard, CA


Solo Competition:

Exhibition (Ages 1-4)
Malialole Hafoka
Tiamauri Haiola
Tialofa Alofipo
Socrates Alofipo
Sampson Alofipo
Malcaylah Tupua
Fetulagi Leiataua

VAHINE 5-7
1. Teuila Alofipo
2. Alize Amosa
3. Ciara Schumaker

TANE 5-7
1. Fagupo Hafoka
2. Kalux Manuo
3. Sione Angilau

VAHINE 8-10
1. Pepa Malieitulua
2. Alexis Tamamasui
3. Noa Sofele

TANE 8-10
1. Daniel Tuitama – Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA

VAHINE 11-13
1. Pumbaa Levu
2. Lynette Kichiro
3. Leilua Malieitulua

TANE 11-13
1. Thomas Tuitama – Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA
2. Inoke Rimal

VAHINE 14-15
1. Mariah Malieitulua
2. Kilisitina Vainuku – Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA
3. Kulia Wilson

TANE 14-15
1. Chase Schumaker
2. Richee Vakapuna

VAHINE 16-18
1. Cherise Fano
2. Tiana Schumaker
3. Kahi Uperesa

TANE 16-18
1. Julius Aiono

VAHINE 19-25
1. Lorraine Koo
2. Lessa Fonua
3. Ana Andal

TANE 19-25
1. Edgar Limon – Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA
2. Andrew Tuitama – Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA

VAHINE 26 and up
1. Tofu Alofipo
2. Liana AhQuin
3. Salamasina Vainuku – Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA

TANE 26 and up
1. Tony Vainuku – Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA


Participating Groups
Fano Maohi of Salt Lake City, UT
Kanamu Productions of South Jordan, UT
Peu Porinetia of Salt Lake City, UT
Tina's Ports of Paradise of Oxnard, CA
Kei Alaha of Diamond Bar, CA
Tamali'i of Hayward, CA
Hitia O Te Ra of Garden Grove, CA
Paific Pride & Island Hearts of Colorado Springs, CO
Tehamata of Laie, HI
The Voice of Polynesia of Orem, UT


Judging Panel
Papi Teri'ipaia – Master Judge
Lucy Fonoimoana
Merehau Kamai
Danny Tupua
Jay Medeiros
Remy Tekurio
Luana Philipon
Roiti Sylva
Patricia Wilson
Claudine Peters

For more information and photos of the event, check the official
Tahiti Fete of Utah website.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

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.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

2007 Tahiti Fete of Hilo solo results

Results for the 2007 Tahiti Fete of Hilo solo competition are now available. This marks the seventh year that this event has taken place. 1000 tickets were sold for Saturdays event at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo. Approximately 150 solo dancers and several groups from throughout the islands competed. Group competition started on Saturday and concluded on Sunday. When official group results are announced we will post. We want to congratulate all dancers and groups that participated.

Of the group results, we know that Te Hamata of Laie, HI placed 2nd for both Otea and Aparima and 3rd for Ahuroa and Music. Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI placed 1st for Overall Group and Otea. Mauruuru to Poehere for the onsite info.

Here's also a flickr photo gallery of the 2007 event:


VAHINE 5-8

1. Ku'uleinani de Guzman – Te Ariki Nui of Honolulu, HI
2. Ku'uleihi'ilani Mederios – Te 'E'a o Te Turama of Honolulu, HI
3. Chloe Cezar – Tiare Ura O Tahiti of Hau'ula, HI

TANE 9-12

1. J.D. Melchor – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI
2. Ian Almeida – Independent

VAHINE 9-12

1. Chelsey Madrona – Te Vai Ura Nui of Honolulu, HI
2. Maeleen Hopean – Tiare Ura O Tahiti of Hau'ula, HI
3. Mariah Tanaka – Te Ariki Nui of Honolulu, HI

TANE 13-15

1. Mosiah Manuma – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI

VAHINE 13-15

1. Chelsea Clement – Te 'E'a o Te Turama of Honolulu, HI
2. Charzelle McAngus – Manutahi Tahiti of Wahiawa, HI
3. Cory-Ann Kahalewai Pedro – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI

VAHINE 16-18

1. Dayna Higa – Manutahi Tahiti of Wahiawa, HI
2. Jaime Bush – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI
3. Jazmin Segui – Te Ariki Nui of Honolulu, HI

TANE 19-24

1. Brandon Keawe McArthur – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI

VAHINE 19-24

1. Agnes Matila – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI
2. Meghan Bridges-Steffan – Te Ariki Nui of Honolulu, HI
3. Ashley Holck – Mehetia Productions of Kaneohe, HI

TANE 25-34

1. Mervyn Lilo – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI
2. Edward Pula – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI
3. Jonathan Ulibas – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI

VAHINE 25-34

1. Tiffany DelaCruz – To'a Here
2. Lauli'a Ah Wong – Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI
3. Keaukaha Carveiro – Polynesian Paradise of Santa Fe Springs, CA

TANE 35-49

1. Guiller Evangelista – Ari'i Hau Moana of Kahului, HI

VAHINE 35-49

1. Maikekula Keawekane – Polynesian Paradise of Santa Fe Springs, CA
2. Arleen Marcelo – Otea Api of Fremont, CA
3. Brenda Malick – Puahi's Polynesian Dancers of Temecula, CA

TANE 50+

1. Keoki Kaikana – Keola Pono No Na Kupuna of Hilo, HI

VAHINE 50+

1. Rita Santana – Manutahi Tahiti of Wahiawa, HI
2. Pi'ilani Rodrigues – Keola Pono No Na Kupuna of Hilo, HI
3. Hilda Rodriguez – Independent

Participating Groups:

Ari'i Hau Moana of Kahului, HI
Keola Pono No Na Kupuna of Hilo, HIManutahi Tahiti of Wahiawa, HI
Ma'ohi Nui of Honolulu, HI
Mehetia Productions of Kaneohe, HI
Otea Api of Fremont, CA
Puahi's Polynesian Dancers of Temecula, CA
Te Ariki Nui of Honolulu, HI
Te 'E'a o Te Turama of Honolulu, HI
Te Hamata of Laie, HI
Te Tiare Patitifa of Wailuku, HI
Te Vai Ura Nui of Honolulu, HI
Tiare Ura O Tahiti of Hau'ula, HI
To'a Here

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Tahiti Fete of Hilo information

The Tahiti Fete of Hilo will be taking place this weekend, October 6-7, 2007. Activities will take place at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm both days. Tickets are $12 per day (adults), $9 for seniors and children 2-12. Two day passes are available for $20 (adults) and $16 for seniors and children.

2006 photos on flickr

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Results for the 2007 Heiva I Japan

The 2nd Annual Heiva I Japan took place this past weekend featuring groups from throughout Japan. Event organizers Kenzo Tanaka and Ayumi Sugiyama of Treasure Island Corporation along with Rose Perreira of Tahiti Nui International brought together an event that is quickly becoming a premier Tahitian heiva. Word of mouth and a growing interest of Tahitian dance in Japan have contributed to the success of the event. The success has prompted more plans for next years event.

Treasure Island Corporation also produces a number of other high profile events promoting the hula including the King Kamehameha Hula Competition (Japan), the Makana Aloha Festival, the Maui Festival and the Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition (Japan).

Results of the 2007 competition:

Ori Tahiti (Solo)
Junior Ori (4-12 yrs)
1. Meimi Horiuchi (Tiare Heipua)
2. Tomomi Iguchi (Tokariga/Kalokemelemele Hula Studio)
3. Miyu Mitsuhashi (Tiare Heipua)
4. Shouko Tokuda (Tokariga/Kalokemelemele Hula Studio)

Junior Ori (13-17 yrs)
1. Hanae Ogura (Studio Malama)

Senior Ori (18-28 yrs)
1. Ayumi Asano (Tokariga/Kalokemelemele Hula Studio)
2. Kanako Furuya (Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara)
3. Maki Yoshimoto (Studio Malama)
4. Atsuko Usui (Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara)

Senior Ori (29-39 yrs)
1. Momoko Hoshihara (Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara)
2. Miki Yamada (Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara)
3. Asami Miura (Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara)
4. Ako Kubora (Studio Malama)

Senior Ori Tane (29-39 yrs)
1. Takeshi Miyajima (Studio Malama)

Senior Ori (40 yrs over)
1. (tie) Ku'uleinani Hashimoto (Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara)
1. (tie) Hideko Fukushima (Studio Malama)

Ori Tahiti Overall
Momoko Hoshihara (Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara)

Group
Tupuna Ahupurotu
1. Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara

Ahupurotu
1. Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara
2. Tiare Heipua

Ote'a
1. Tokariga/Kelokemelemele Hula Studio

Keiki Aparima
1. Tokariga/Kalokemelemele Hula Studio
2. Hula Halau Kahula o Hawaii

Aparima
1. Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara
2. Tokariga/Kalokemelemele Hula Studio

Participating dance groups:
Hula Halau Kahula o Hawaii
Studio Malama
Te Pupu 'Ori Mehanaokara
Tiare Heipua
Tokariga /Kalokemelemele Hula Studio