Heiva I Hawaii returns to Kailua-Kona this weekend for three straight days of competition and festivities showcasing Tahitian dance and culture. ADVERTISING Heiva I Hawaii returns to Kailua-Kona this weekend for three straight days of competition and festivities showcasing Tahitian
Heiva I Hawaii returns to Kailua-Kona this weekend for three straight days of competition and festivities showcasing Tahitian dance and culture.
The free community event will feature youth and adult beauty pageants; solo, couples and group competitions; and an arts and crafts market at Hawaii County’s Kekuaokalani Gymnasium. It is hosted by Te Ea o Te Turama and Fun to Jump Kona.
The festivities get underway at 6 p.m. this evening with the Mr. and Miss Heiva and Junior Mr. and Miss Heiva pageants showcasing adults and kids in Polynesian casual wear, talent and evening wear categories.
Saturday marks the first day of official competition with soloists, ranging in age from 2 to 40-plus, taking the spotlight starting at 10 a.m. and continuing until 3 p.m. The day will also feature couples competing in the couples category where two must dance in unison and complement each other in skill and style. Group presentations will begin Saturday and continue on Sunday.
Starting at 10 a.m. Sunday, Saturday’s top soloists will compete for one of four crowns: tamahine (girls), tamaroa (boys), tane (men) and vahine (women). Group presentations will also continue and the event will conclude with an awards ceremony. Groups may compete in one or more of the following categories: Otea, Aparima, and Ahuroa.
On both Saturday and Sunday, the parking lot outside the gym will host Polynesian artisans and crafters, as well as vendors with grinds.
Te Ea o Te Turama, which literally translates to “the pathway to enlightenment,” is a group aimed at perpetuating and preserving the culture, history and heritage of Polynesia.
Info: www.heivaihawaii.com. ■
