Hundreds of dancers, drummers and cultural practitioners from Hawaiʻi, throughout the mainland and around the world are expected to gather on Kauaʻi’s east side for the 24th anniversary Heiva I Kauaʻi Tahitian Dance Festival.
The annual dance and drumming competition is Aug. 1-2 at Kapaʻa Beach Park. Performers of all ages will entertain and complete for estimated audience of more than 1,400 people each day.
Organizers describe the event as a community-sponsored, family-centered celebration of Tahitian culture that showcases both artistic talent and cultural knowledge. Festivities will run throughout the day at the beachfront venue on Kūhiō Highway.
Solo dancers will kick off the competition following opening ceremonies Aug. 1, beginning with the youngest participants and continuing through adult divisions.
Championship dance-offs are scheduled that afternoon.
Solo categories include traditional otea performances for both female and male dancers in junior, senior, and master divisions.
Group competition is scheduled Aug. 2, featuring the traditional, fast-paced drum dance ʻōteʻa, Tahitian storytelling and miming dance ʻaparima, gentle, slower version of ʻaparima called ʻahu purotu and drumming categories.
Amateur and youth divisions for group contestants younger than 19 years old also are included.
Performances will portray traditional legends, stories and cultural themes from Tahiti.
More than 45 vendor booths, offering Tahitian and Pacific Island-inspired gifts, jewelry, artwork, wood carvings and clothing, will be available in addition to the competition for those who attend.
Food vendors will provide a variety of ethnic cuisine, while artists and cultural practitioners will demonstrate traditional Polynesian crafts throughout the weekend.
A silent auction featuring donations from local businesses and creators is also planned from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days.
Admission is $8 at the door; keiki 12 years old and younger are free.
Citizen Volunteer Greg Askew said support from Kauaʻi County and Kapaʻa business community helped sustain the event for more than two decades.
