Hale Motu‘apuaka Of ‘Aiea Wins 2022 World Fireknife Championship

Motu‘apuaka is the first ever Grand Slam Winner of the World Fireknife Championships

May 12, 2022 – Lā‘ie, Hawai‘i – Tonight, Hale Motu‘apuaka was crowned the 2022 World Fireknife Champion at the Polynesian Cultural Center. After competing against the best of the best, Motu‘apuaka takes the title of World Fireknife Champion in 2018, 2021 and now 2022 with outstanding performances. 

Motu‘apuaka’s victory concluded the four-day We Are Samoa Festival. As Hawaii’s largest annual Samoan cultural celebration, the festival featured two divisions of fireknife competitions, We Are Samoa Fealofani Day, and daily exhibits of Samoan culture and artwork throughout the Polynesian Cultural Center. Motu‘apuaka from ‘Aiea, Hawai‘i competed against Lopati Leaso (2nd place) of Los Angeles, California and Joseph Cadousteau (3rd place) of Tahiti to win the elite Men’s Division of the World Fireknife Championships. Tonight’s championship round was a continuation from Wednesday night’s intense opening round that began with 18 contestants. 

Alfred Grace, President and CEO of the Polynesian Cultural Center, said, “Hale is the first ever grand slam winner – winning in the Junior, Intermediate and Men’s Divisions over the years and continues to demonstrate incredible skills throughout his performances. He is an eccentric and lively fireknife dancer who represents his culture well. We congratulate him on a winning performance and his dedication to fireknife.“

Now in its 29th year, the World Fireknife Championship was established by the Polynesian Cultural Center in 1993 to showcase this proud Samoan tradition and encourage future generations to perpetuate this amazing combination of artistry, skill, and bravery. Fire-knifedancing is rooted in the Samoan ailao, a warrior knife dance traditionally performed before battle utilizing the nifo oti, or “tooth of death.”

This year’s World Fireknife Championship featured competitions in two divisions. In addition to Motu‘apuaka winning the Men’s Division, Mose Lilo, 14, of ‘Ewa Beach, Hawaiʻi, won the Intermediate Division (ages 12-17) and Elway Tora, 11, of Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi won the Junior Division (ages 6-11).

For more information about the World Fireknife Championship, visit www.worldfireknife.com.

For information about the Polynesian Cultural Center or to make reservations, visit www.polynesia.com, or call (800) 367-7060. In Hawai‘i, call 293-3333.

Photo and Video Courtesy: Polynesian Cultural Center
Link to download: www.dropbox.com/sh/4m99xyoro83oket/AAAPD5-kTZ8UAPVLBiFbUqcoa?dl=0
Link to download: www.dropbox.com/sh/7o22x7bryzz0t4y/AAC6Rled0DNW04MeLZErpBBfa?dl=0

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.

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