Four-Time Champion Hale Motuapuaka Reclaims 2025 World Fireknife Crown At The Polynesian Cultural Center

May 16, 2025 – Lā‘ie, Hawai‘i – Four-time champion Hale Motuapuaka earned the title of 2025 World Fireknife Champion at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), rising to the top after competing against some of the world’s best. His exceptional performances throughout the event solidified his place as this year’s champion.

Motuapuaka’s win marked a powerful conclusion to the four-day We Are Samoa Festival, Hawai‘i’s largest annual celebration of Samoan culture. The festival featured four divisions of fireknife competition, the We Are Samoa High School Arts Festival, and daily cultural exhibits and artwork displays throughout the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Hale Motuapuaka of Wahiawā, HI competed against Joseph Cadousteau (2nd place) of Papeete, Tahiti and Malakai Don Lavatai (3rd place) of Pago Pago, American Samoa to win the elite Men’s Division of the World Fireknife Championships. The championship round was a continuation from Wednesday night’s intense opening round that began with 20 contestants.

Now in its 32nd year, the World Fireknife Championship was founded by PCC in 1993 to honor and preserve the proud tradition of Samoan fireknife dancing. This thrilling art form blends skill, artistry, and courage, and continues to inspire new generations to carry it forward. Rooted in the ancient Samoan ailao—a warrior’s knife dance performed before battle—the modern fireknife performance pays tribute to its origins with the use of the nifo oti, or “tooth of death.” This year’s World Fireknife Championship featured competitions in four divisions. In addition to Motuapuaka winning the Men’s Division, Moeatalagi Schwenke of Sydney, AU won the Women’s Division, Haukea Moua of Punaauia, Tahiti won the Intermediate Division (ages 12-17) and Keanu Tap Toliniu of Seattle, WA 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. To receive updates, event invitations and promotions, join the ʻOhana Club for free here.

Video Courtesy: Polynesian Cultural Center Link to download: www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/qunkq4khf94wewbxty0nr/ADtevyKjMFqM_Sv1fMIpYqk?rlkey=gfis02h46hcn4me40k72mgkn4&dl=0 

ABOUT POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER
Located on O‘ahu’s beautiful North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is the only cultural attraction of its kind in the world and a favorite of both locals and visitors to Hawai‘i. 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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