22nd Annual Heiva i Kauai International Tahitian Dance & Fireknife Competition

In 2024, Heiva I Kauai celebrates the 22nd 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 2,500 attendees daily! On Saturday and Sunday, August 3 and 4, 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 Hawai`i, the Mainland, Taiwan and Japan, with a range in age from toddler to elder, perform solo and group competition and exhibition dances portraying legends and stories of Tahiti. Event admission is $8 at the door. Children aged 12 and under are admitted free.

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.

On Saturday evening we will be joined by iSiva FireKnife Crew as they will be hosting their “PO AFI” Samoan Fireknife competition open to all ages. Gates open at 6:00pm; competition and awards to follow. Admission $5 at the gate. Children 12 and under FREE. (admission is separate from Hevia I Kaua’i). For rules, application, and information, email: isivafireknifecrew@gmail.com or visit them under the cultural tent at the Heiva.

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.

Heiva I Kaua`i is grateful for support from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kauai Visitors Bureau and the Kapa`a business community. This event is ADA accessible. Persons in need of auxiliary aid to take part, please call the number below at least 7 days before the event. For information call 808-822-9447.