KAPA‘A — Tahitian and Samoan culture were showcased over the weekend, as the Heiva i Kaua‘i Committee led by Tahitian wood carver Tepairu Manea hosted the 22nd Heiva i Kaua‘i at Kapa‘a Beach Park.
Thousands of people flowed through the entry gates to watch two days of Tahitian dance and drumming competition enhanced with the return of Tahitian vendors, who offered the unique Made In Tahiti clothing, jewelry and even Tahitian massage.
Midpoint during the Tahitian showcase, the Samoan fireknife took the stage on Saturday night presented by the Michael Drake ‘ohana.
Mel Rapozo, who helped to emcee the Saturday night fireknife, said on Sunday there was a young girl from California who became the first female to enter the Po Afi competition.
“She was pretty good,” Rapozo said. “That created some work for the judges.”
On the Tahitian dance stage, solo dancers in both tane and vahine categories tied up the stage, reserving the honor for the groups to take the stage on Sunday in competitive phases that included aparima, otea, ahupurotu, and drumming.
Some of those groups came from as far away as Taiwan with their accompaniment of enthusiastic flag wavers. Other groups include calling California home and a halau from the Big Island.
Citizen Volunteer Greg Askew said there was a historic 44-vendor lineup to supplement the return of vendors offering handmade Tahitian clothing and craft items, and jewelery.
Local demonstrations and exhibits beyond the iSiva Fireknife Crew included the Kaua‘i Artisan Guild with Kumu Kaeo, lauhala weaving, Ni‘ihau shell, bamboo nose flute and Tahitian woodcarving, including having toere and Tahitian ‘ukulele available for purchase.
Local vendors offered special plate lunches with helpings of shave ice and assorted cold beverages.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
