Polynesian Cultural Center

Published by Ozgur Tore

Harmonious melodies and soulful chants filled the air as competitors from across the globe performed in the 11th Annual Te Manahua Maori Cultural Competition held at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC). This moving whakataetae (competition) included a Haka Hard and Poi E competition on Friday, which concluded with the Maori Performing Arts Competition today. Performers captivated the audience from start to finish with their powerful haka, mesmerizing poi and intricately detailed costumes. Dominating this year’s competition in both the Poi E and Haka Hard competition was Te Kura O Tongariro of New Zealand. Te Kohao Hawaiiki, the crowd-favorite from Laie, Hawaii took the overall title for the Maori Performing Arts Competition today. This year’s exciting competition also featured Nga Uri O Te Wai-O-Taiki of Glen Innes, Auckland, New Zealand, Te Hokioi of Laie, Hawaii, Ngati Ranana of London, England and the crowd-favorite, Te Kohao Hawaiiki of Laie, Hawaii. Poi E competitors were judged on their kakahu (attire), stage presence, execution, singing and harmony, as well as their understanding and portrayal of the lyrics they performed. Haka Hard competitors were judged on their kakahu, stage presence, emotion and mana evoked through their performance, and the preciseness and execution of their actions. Groups were evaluated in the non-aggregate categories of kahahu (attire), manukura wahine (female leaders) and manukura tane (male leaders). Each group was also judged in aggregate on whakaeke (entrance), moteatea (traditional chanting), waiata-a-ringa (action songs), waiata hou (original song compositions), poi (graceful dance implement with the twirling ball on end of string), haka (male posture dance) and their whakawatea (exit). “The mana could be felt from every competitor throughout the whakataetae,” said Seamus Fitzgerald, organizer of the event and manager of the Maori village at the PCC. “It’s truly amazing to have groups from all over the world gather at the PCC to showcase this amazing culture. In all of their performances, competitors exuded immense pride and represented the vibrant wairua (spirit) of the Maori culture, which is really what the PCC is all about, giving everyone a deeper understanding and appreciation of all of the cultures that make up Polynesia.” This event was sponsored in part by the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the City and County of Honolulu. Listed below are the complete results from the 11th Annual Te Manahua Maori Cultural Competition. RESULTS Haka Hard 1.    Te Kura O Tongariro – Turangi, New Zealand 2.    Hoiho Porangi – Laie, Hawaii and New Zealand 3.    Ngati Rongomai – Maori Village at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie, Hawaii Poi-E 1.    Te Kura O Tongariro – Turangi, New Zealand 2.    Ngati Rongomai – Maori Village at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie, Hawaii 3.    Halau O Mamo – Kauai Maori Performing Arts Competition 1.    Te Kohau Hawaiiki – Laie, Hawaii 2.    Ngati Ranana – London, England 3.    Ke Ura o Tongariro – Turangi, New Zealand

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Please check PCC’s facebook, youtube and twitter pages on far right of screen to follow the action…

Tonight’s Senior Semi-Finalists are:

Malakai Lavata’i, Lopeti Tu’ua, Fili Mafiti, Mikaele Oloa, Dana Teai, Joseph Cadousteau, Richard Siolosega, Vaelaaa Iloa, Martin Tevaga, Kaniala Charles

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The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) will give KSSK Perry and Price Show patrons, Ala Moana Shopping Center and Windward Mall shoppers a special preview of the brand new show Ha: Breath of Life, on Saturday, April 10. Throughout the day PCC will also be giving away free tickets to the critically acclaimed night show. Since its debut to a standing ovation last year Ha has captivated audiences through its telling of every man’s story.

The full day of performances will start on the Perry and Price Show at Jimmy Buffet’s at The Beachcomber from 8:15 a.m., this will be followed by noon performances at Ala Moana Shopping Center’s Center Stage, the final performances will take place from 3 p.m. at Windward Mall’s Center Court.

A lucky few will win a dinner and show package, each valid for four people. Others will also have a chance to win various, free Ha merchandise, including t-shirts, USB drives, and more.

“Saturday, April 10 will be a great chance for people to get a taste of Ha: Breath of Life,” said Raymond Magalei, director of marketing for the PCC. “Ha: Breath of Life is a truly amazing show unlike anything that’s ever been done. Since Ha premiered last year we have seen a large increase in guests from both visitors as well as kama’aina. It’s nice to see so many locals coming out and enjoying the show.”

The Ha: Breath of Life performances are being held in conjunction with two current kama’aina specials now available at the PCC. The Kama’aina Spring Special offers Hawai’i residents seating at Ha: Breath of Life for a special low rate of $25, which includes a free dinner at the Gateway Buffet prior to the show.

The second offer is on the Kama’aina Annual Pass, which provides Hawai’i residents many benefits that extend beyond unlimited gate admission to all island villages and exhibits for one year from date of purchase. Pass holders are also entitled to free seating to the PCC’s new evening show, Ha: Breath of Life (upon availability); and a 20% discount on admission for visiting friends and family. Additional benefits include complimentary parking, free admission to select special events such as the World Fireknife Championships in May and Haunted Lagoon in October. For a limited time Hawai’i residents can get 50 percent off the Kama’aina Annual Pass. Coupons for the Kama’aina Annual Pass Special are available at participating Zippy’s and 7-Eleven outlets or by booking online at www.Polynesia.com. Both specials are valid through April 30, 2010.

With a cast of more than 100 performers, Ha: Breath of Life tells every man’s story through the life of a Polynesian man named Mana. The multi-million dollar production follows Mana on his journey through the universal life themes of boyhood, young love, respect and responsibility. From the apprehension of youth, to the stirrings of young love, and even the sorrow of death, Ha takes the audience on an emotion-filled ride through the sights and sounds of Polynesia.

Founded in 1963 as a non-profit organization, the PCC has entertained more than 34 million visitors, while preserving and portraying the culture, arts and crafts of Polynesia. In addition, the PCC has provided financial assistance to 17,000 young people from more than 70 different countries while they attend Brigham Young University-Hawai’i. As a non-profit organization, 100 percent of PCC’s revenue is used for daily operations and to support education.

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2010 Fire Knife Championship News

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The Halau O Na Pua Kukui group, under the direction of kumu hula Ed Collier, performs during the Polynesian Cultural Center’s 20th annual Moanikeala Hula Festival in Laie, Hawaii, on January 16, 2010. The festival honors the PCC’s first kumu hula, Aunty Sally Moanikeala Wood Naluai, who taught hundreds of PCC performers from 1963-81, when she retired (she passed away in January 2000). For more information on the PCC or the Moanikeala Hula Festival, please go to: http://www.polynesia.com

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Ilima Hula Studio, the halau hula under the direction of kumu hula Lani Girl Kaleiki-Ahlo, performs during the Polynesian Cultural Center’s 20th annual Moanikeala Hula Festival in Laie, Hawaii, on January 16, 2010. The festival honors the PCC’s first kumu hula, Aunty Sally Moanikeala Wood Naluai, who taught hundreds of PCC performers from 1963-81, when she retired (she passed away in January 2000). For more information on the PCC or the Moanikeala Hula Festival, please go to: http://www.polynesia.com

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The Halau O Na Pua Kukui group, under the direction of kumu hula Ed Collier, performs during the Polynesian Cultural Center’s 20th annual Moanikeala Hula Festival in Laie, Hawaii, on January 16, 2010. The festival honors the PCC’s first kumu hula, Aunty Sally Moanikeala Wood Naluai, who taught hundreds of PCC performers from 1963-81, when she retired (she passed away in January 2000). For more information on the PCC or the Moanikeala Hula Festival, please go to: http://www.polynesia.com

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The Halau Hula O Kekela group, under the direction of kumu hula Kela Miller of Laie, performs during the Polynesian Cultural Center’s 20th annual Moanikeala Hula Festival in Laie, Hawaii, on January 16, 2010. The festival honors the PCC’s first kumu hula, Aunty Sally Moanikeala Wood Naluai, who taught hundreds of PCC performers from 1963-81, when she retired (she passed away in January 2000). For more information on the PCC or the Moanikeala Hula Festival, please go to: http://www.polynesia.com

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The Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, under the direction of kumu hula Joan S. Lindsey, performs during the Polynesian Cultural Center’s 20th annual Moanikeala Hula Festival in Laie, Hawaii, on January 16, 2010. The festival honors the PCC’s first kumu hula, Aunty Sally Moanikeala Wood Naluai, who taught hundreds of PCC performers from 1963-81, when she retired (she passed away in January 2000). For more information on the PCC or the Moanikeala Hula Festival, please go to: http://www.polynesia.com

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Ka Pa Nani O Lilinoe halau hula, under the direction of kumu hula Lilinoe Lindsey, performs during the Polynesian Cultural Center’s 20th annual Moanikeala Hula Festival in Laie, Hawaii, on January 16, 2010. The festival honors the PCC’s first kumu hula, Aunty Sally Moanikeala Wood Naluai, who taught hundreds of PCC performers from 1963-81, when she retired (she passed away in January 2000). For more information on the PCC or the Moanikeala Hula Festival, please go to: http://www.polynesia.com

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