Polynesian Cultural Center Hosts 28th Annual World Fireknife Championship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2020
Fiery competition combines ancient warrior dance with a modern flair
WHAT:
We Are Samoa Festival, Hawaii’s largest Samoan cultural gathering and premier showcase of Samoa’s traditions will be held at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The Festival is highlighted by two major events celebrating the cultural traditions of the Samoan people the World Fireknife Championships and the High School Samoan Cultural Arts Festival.
28th Annual World Fireknife Championships
Talented fireknife dancers from across the United States as well as Samoa, Tahiti, Japan, and Australia will come together at the Polynesian Cultural Center for four nights of heated competition. From as young as six years old to the most experienced and celebrated performers, competitors will compete in their respective divisions seeking to win the coveted title of World Fireknife Champion. Attendees will be treated to a cultural experience unlike any other, and the best of the best will be crowned a World Champion in Women, Junior and Senior Divisions.
High School Samoan Cultural Arts Festival
Hawaii high school students of Samoan ancestry will demonstrate their knowledge of Samoa’s culture by competing in a series of traditional practices including protocol and speech making, basket weaving, coconut husking and fire making, costuming, poise, dance and interpretation.
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 6 – Saturday, May 9
28th Annual World Fireknife Championships
- Wednesday, May 6, 8:00 p.m. – Hale Ohana
Women’s Division: Preliminary Rounds - Thursday, May 7, 6:30 p.m. – Hale Aloha
Women’s Division: Finals
Senior Division (ages 18+): Preliminary Rounds - Friday, May 8, 6:30 p.m. – Hale Aloha
Junior/Intermediate Division: Finals
Senior Division: Semi-Finals - Saturday, May 9, 7:30 p.m. – Pacific Theater
Senior Division Finals and Crowning
Three finalists will compete during the intermission of the evening show, Ha: Breath of Life. The champion will be announced at the conclusion of the evening show at 9:00 p.m.
High School Samoan Cultural Arts Festival
Saturday, May 9, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Pacific Theater
WHERE:
Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway, Laie, Hawaii
ADMISSION:
Event tickets to attend the first three nights of competition for the World Fireknife Championships, May 6-9, are $10 for adults, $6 for keiki (children; ages 5-11).
Tickets for the Senior Division Finals of the World Fireknife Championships on May 9 during intermission of the evening show, Ha: Breath of Life, start at $64.95 for general admission, special pricing is offered to Ohana Club members. The ticket cost includes admission to the evening show.
For more information, call the box office at (800) 367-7060 or visit www.polynesia.com. In Hawaii, call (808) 293-3333. To receive updates, event invitations and promotions, join the Ohana Club for free here.
ABOUT POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER
Located on Oahu’s beautiful North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is the only cultural tourist attraction of its kind in the world and a favorite of all visitors to Hawaii. An engaging, interactive celebration showcasing the people, culture, arts and crafts of Polynesia, the PCC has entertained millions of visitors from around the world since opening in 1963. A non-profit organization, 100 percent of PCC’s revenue goes to daily operations and to support the education of its student-employees from neighboring Brigham Young University-Hawaii. For more information, visit www.Polynesia.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Samantha Tsui
Anthology Marketing Group
(808) 539-3440
Samantha.Tsui@anthologygroup.com
Kellene Young
Anthology Marketing Group
(808) 539-3489
Kellene.Young@anthologygroup.com