Description: Heiva I Kaua`i Ia Orana Tahiti: International Tahitian Dance Competition
drums (1974) hand drums (16) polynesian music (4) tahitian dance competition (1) polynesian drums (1) tahitian drums (1) hula instruments (1) hawai`ian music (1) tahitian dance events (1) hula dance events (1)
In 2023, Heiva I Kaua`i celebrates the 21st anniversary of a unique, exciting and colorful Tahitian dance and drumming competition. This annual event provides a venue for performers of all ages to present their talent, skill and cultural knowledge to an audience of more than 1000 attendees daily! On Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6, from 9am to 5pm, come and enjoy this community-sponsored, family-centered celebration of Tahitian culture at the Kapa`a Beach Park (4-1464 Kuhio Highway). Participants from H
After opening ceremonies, solo competition is held on Saturday, starting with the youngest age groups and continuing through adults, until the championship dance-offs in the afternoon. Solo categories include traditional otea vahine and tane, for junior, senior and master (age 26+) divisions. Group categories include otea, aparima, ahupurotu and drumming. Heiva I Kaua`i offers an amateur/youth group category for contestants under age 19. Group competition is scheduled for Sunday.
Vendors offer an extensive array of Tahitian and other Pacific Island gifts, jewelry, art, woodwork and clothing. Food vendors sell a variety of ethnic foods. Artists provide demonstrations of Polynesian crafts.