Monday, March 26, 2012 0 comments

Heretama Nui dancers
Heiva i Honolulu reigning title holder, Heretama Nui of Pearl City, Hawaii, led by ra'atira (group leader) brothers Allen Ramento and Christopher Ramento, returned to the Waikiki Shell this past weekend and defended their title amid a competition field that included powerhouse groups Maohi Nui and Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui. With over 150 dancers on stage, Heretama Nui came away with their second overall title (Grand Champion) in a row with a performance based on a theme telling of an ancient legend of Pearl Harbor (Pu'uloa).

In addition to the Grand Champion title, Heretama Nui also had 1st place awards in the Hura Tau Drumming and original Aparima categories.

However, it wasn't all Heretama Nui at the awards ceremony. Maohi Nui and Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui both gave solid performances in competing for the title. Maohi Nui claimed 1st place for the Vahine Ahupurotu and came in second for the Original Aparima and Ote'a. While Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui was awarded 2nd place for drumming in the very competitive and creative category.

In the Hura Ava Tau division, Tamatoa of Kaneohe, Hawaii claimed the Grand Champion title dancing, drumming and singing to a theme based on the Hawaiian legend of Pele (Goddess of fire).

Vahine of the group Tamatoa
The Hura Ava Tau division also saw debuts of new groups, Te Mahana O Te Ra (Ku'uleinani Hashimoto) and Puahinano (Pualani Horiuchi), both from Japan. In addition, Te Hei Ura returned this year and competed in the Overall Ote'a category for the first time.

Locally, two new groups also competed this year. Tahiti Mana, led by Manarii Gauthier and Te Iriatai Ora (Keali'i Bush) debuted with memorable Ahupurotu performances.

A full rundown of the results for both groups and soloists is available on the results page of the website.

Here's a synopsis of the Heretama Nui program (as printed in the 2012 event program).

Theme: Matou teie te mau tamari'i O Pu'uroa e, O Ka'ahupahau te ma'o o to matou ai'a e
We are the children of Pu'uloa and Ka'ahupahau is the great shark of our land...

Heretama Nui has chosen to bring honor and glory to their home district of Pu'uloa with the story
of Ka'ahupahau of Pu'uloa. Pu'uloa is the ancient name of the lochs of Pearl Harbor located in the
Ewa moku (land division) of central O'ahu. Ka'ahupahau is the shark goddess that guards the waters
of Pu'uloa. She was accompanied by her younger brother Kahi'uka. These two sharks are revered as
'aumakua or family guardians of the people of Ewa. However Ka'ahupahau and Kahi'uka were once of human form.

The legend tells us of a particular day, the grandmother and two children were out fetching the kou flowers of One'ula.(Ewa Beach). While on the excursion, they became separated and lost. Several days had passed and the grandmother was in distress and agony over the loss of the children. She cried out to the gods and pleaded that they would care for the children and to return them to her. The gods heard her plea and all the while the children were safe upon the shores of Pu'uloa.

The two children were greatly admired by the gods. Ka'ahupahau was a beautiful girl with streaks of
red hair and Kahi'uka was very tall and had shiny skin.The gods loved the children and transformed
them into sharks.

One day, the grandmother noticed two large sharks in the ocean. At first she was frighten. She
remained still and motionless as the sharks swam around her.The grandmother realized that these
sharks were kind and did not want to hurt her. As she came closer to the sharks they made eye contact.
The grandmother recognized the softness of the sharks eyes and called out. "Ka'ahupahau!!!"
She then pointed out to the larger shark and called out "Kahi'uka!!!" The grandmother was reunited
with her mo'opuna (grandchildren) as they returned to her in the spirit form as the guardians of
Pu'uloa and the people of Ewa.This is the story of Ka'ahupahau of Pu'uloa and how they became the
  'aumakua of the people of Ewa.

Sunday, March 18, 2012 0 comments
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Mauruuru roa to all participants of Heiva I Honolulu 2012, held at the Waikiki Shell, March 15th through the 17th. Each year the investment of time and monies to produce such an event is always overshadowed by the experience of watching each solo contestant and group take the stage with just as much investment into costuming, music, drum, and dance that surpass the prior year. The solo competition acts as a gauge of the individual skill level at Heiva I Honolulu and this year proved that with time and practice each of you have progressed immensely, as our head judge from Tahiti noted. The crowds at the Waikiki Shell were wow-ed this year by our group performances, as were the Tahiti Nui International staff. Participating groups this year showcased programs that has the Tahitian people looking across miles of ocean, waiting for their opportunity to see you do the same in Tahiti. We appreciate each of you for your dedication to the tahitian culture.


We would also like to thank the vendors for their continued support, perpetuating the tahitian culture through their artwork and craftsmanship. It is our hope that the experience is as rewarding for you as it is for us. And to our sponsors who help us in producing Heiva I Honolulu, we appreciate your years of commitment to our organization.


We were fortunate to have beautiful Hawaii sun and cool nights this week after two weeks of heavy rains, thunder, and lightning. We are appreciative of our judges, who braved the heat and savored the cool evenings. We are also indebted to the Minister of Culture of Tahiti for his support of events outside of French Polynesia that edify and perpetuate the Tahitian culture. We are even more appreciative of our special guests who added "celebrity" to our event, Mayor Peter Carlisle of Honolulu for his quick "hello" and his dance presentation and Hawai's very own, reigning Mrs. America, Lara Fonoimoana, as co-host and assisting with our Awards Ceremony.


Lastly, there are no words that would relay the deep amount of gratitude we have for the loyalty and devotion of our staff and volunteers to the event. From the front of house to the back of house as far as the back parking entry, we feel your commitment through your hard work.


As we close this decade of Heiva I Honolulu, we look forward to many more with the hope of generating a growing interest in our culture and traditions.


Mauruuru roa,


Tahiti Nui International

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The sounds and rhythms of Tahiti were heard throughout Waikiki on the final day of Heiva I Honolulu. Tahiti Nui International hosted it's final day of tahitian dance competition at the Waikiki Shell, Saturday, March 17, 2012. The full day event began near 10:30 am with all first place winners by age category moving forward to compete for the title and prize of best male and best female tahitian dancer of Heiva I Honolulu 2012. The remainder of the day transitioned through the Senior Group Division categories of Vahine Ahupurotu, Aparima, Drumming, and Otea.

Four of Hawaii's premier tahitian dance troupes shook the Waikiki Shell with drumbeats that echoed beyond it's gates into Waikiki, beckoning all to come. By the end of the night, a capacity filled Waikiki Shell became host to the BEST show in Waikiki that evening, with thirty minute Otea programs by Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui, Maohi Nui, and Heretama Nui. Highlighting the evening with many awards, the group Tamatoa of Kaneohe took home the title of Grand Champion in the Junior Group Division, while Heretama Nui, the "people of Pu'uloa", in the Senior Group Division swept first place in Drumming, Raatira, and Otea, as well as the Grand Champion of their group division.

Saturday, March 17, 2012 0 comments


If you're not at the Waikiki Shell today, Saturday, March 17, 2012, you will miss out on the event of the year!


Heiva I Honolulu will present the BEST Tahitian dance groups outside of Tahiti! Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui, Maohi Nui, Te Iriatai Ora, and the reigning Champion of Heiva I Honolulu, Heretama Nui. Drum rhythms shake up the Kapiolani area of Waikiki as groups showcase their Apariama, Drumming, and Otea presentations!

Lara Fonoimoana, Mrs. America 2011, will be here shortly to co-host the evening's events with Kathy Teriipaia. Mayor Peter Carlisle stopped by with a surprise visit between events!

Come to the Waikiki Shell for the best event this side of Honolulu!






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Friday night ended in colorful spectacle as Tamatoa took the Waikiki Shell stage performing their Otea presentation of Pele's Journey translated into tahitian dance, song, and drum at Heiva I Honolulu's second day of tahitian dance competition.

Tahitian solo dancers, groups, artists, and craftsman gathered again at the Waikiki Shell Friday for Heiva I Honolulu's Solo Competition Awards Ceremony and a day filled with Tahitian group presentations. Japan, represented three of the five groups in the Junior Division traveling from Osaka (Te Hei Ura), Tokyo (Te Mahana O Te Ra), and Okinawa (Puahinano). Hawaii rounded out the junior division group presentations with groups hailing from Kaneohe (Tamatoa) and Honolulu (Tahiti Mana).


Highlighting the morning in the Solo Awards Ceremony were the first place winners from Thursday's events. These winners will return to the Waikiki Shell stage for yet another competition vying for the titles of Overall Best Male and Overall Best Female dancer and award prizes valued at $3000.

(Tickest are sold at the Waikiki Shell Box Office one hour prior to gates opening, continuing throughout the day. General Admission $15 Adult, $10 Child, under 4 no charge.)


Friday, March 16, 2012 0 comments

TAMARI'I DIVSION


4-6 Tamahine

1st Place Dionisia Robinson / Manutahi
2nd Place Quynn Bonilla / Maohi Nui
3rd Place Chardonnay Kinimaka / Maohi Nui

4-6 Tamaroa

1st Place Saige Marienthal / Here Tama Nui
2nd Place Matagi Lilo / Maohi Nui
3rd Place Jamie Wond / Here Tama Nui

7-10 Tamahine

1st Place Nicole Graham / Tamatoa
2nd Place Alana Nicely / Here Tama Nui
3rd Place Chasmine Drumeller / Manutahi
4th Place Hana Fujisaki / Tokariga Kaloke Mele Mele

7-10 Tamaroa

1st Place Jiovanni Tafisi / Maohi Nui
2nd Place Alize Kinimaka / Maohi Nui
3rd Place Kainoa-Sagon Sumaoang / Manutahi

TAURE'ARE'A DIVISION

11-13 Tamahine

1st Place Nagisa Takizawa / Tokariga Kaloke Mele Mele
2nd Place Tehani Perkins / Te Vai Ura Nui
3rd Place Cassandra Kanoho / Te Vai Ura Nui
4th Place Brooke Leslie / HereTama Nui

11-13 Tamaroa

1st Place Kailana Savonitman / Tamatea Nui O Kauai

14-17 Tamahine

1st Place Naomi Baldomero / Te Vai Ura Nui
2nd Place Kayli Taniguchi / Here Tama Nui
3rd Place Sammy McClymonds / Hitia O Te Ra

14-17 Tamaroa

1st Place Zacchaeus Uta / Te Vai Ura Nui
2nd Place Tamatoa Uta / Te Vai Ura Nui

VAHINE & TANE DIVISION

18-21 Vahine

1st Place Poerava Goo / Tahiti toa
2nd Place Chelsea Clement / Maohi Nui
3rd Place Charzelle Fuller-McAngus / Maohi Nui

18-21 Tane

1st Place Okuto Horiuchi / Puahinano
2nd Place Keanu-Neil Mesiona / Manutahi
3rd Place Tripler Fiapai / Maeva I Patitifa

22-26 Vahine

1st Place Pua Baker / Maohi Nui
2nd Place Ayumi Asano / Tokariga Kaloke Mele Mele
3rd Place Shantee Hookano / Te Iriatai Ora

22-26 Tane

1st Place Shane Galicia / Tiare Ura O Tahiti
2nd Place Peter Flores / Tahiti Toa
3rd Place Takafumi "Teva" Gima / Puahinano

27-35 Vahine

1st Place Agnes Manuma / Maohi Nui
2nd Place Maki Ito / Hei Tiare Tahiti
3rd Place Ronelle Dement / Te Iriatai Ora
4th Place Nihaniya Sam Fong / Te Iriatai Ora

27-35 Tane

1st Place Manarii Gauthier / Tahiti Mana
2nd Place Julian Maeva / Maeva I Patitifa
3rd Place Daniel Sherman / Te Vai Ura Nui

36-45 Vahine

1st Place Belinda Miranda / Manutahi
2nd Place Analyn Koeger / Maeva I Patitifa
3rd Place Kozue Oumuma / Hei Tiare Tahiti

36-45 Tane

1st Place Lawakua Gabriel / Manutahi

46 and more Vahine

1st Place Hei Tiare Komatsu / Hei Tiare Tahiti
2nd Place Pualani Horiuchi / Puahinano
3rd Place Chizuko Seta / Te Mahana O Te Ra



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PLAYBACK MEMORIES is Heiva I Honolulu's professional videographer, producing an incredible 3 day video pack, sold by the day as well online. This year, Playback brings to Honolulu equipment to update the quality with HD video and a boom with sound and video panning the Waikiki Shell stage! Click on their name below and link directly to their website! Heiva I Honolulu 2012 videos are available to order immediately, however, production will take a few weeks.


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partly cloudy with scattered showers...CHECK it out by the hour at


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A brief set of showers blanketed the southern most area of Oahu yesterday morning, as solo competitors of Heiva I Honolulu arrived at the Waikiki Shell. Nearly, 180 soloists took the stage by age, vying for top awards of this year's Solo Competition. Opening the event ceremony, Heremoana Maamaatuaiahutapu, Director of the House of Culture of Tahiti presented a traditional orero and blessing.

Thursday's ten hour long solo competition comprised of contestants from around the globe, closed out their final age category shake down at sunset to the drum sounds of world famous, Maeva I Patitifa, a tahitian music group from Laie, Hawaii. Friday will hold the solo competition awards ceremony, as well as the Junior Group Division presentations. Group presentations will consist of the Otea, fast hip shaking movements, the Aparima and Ahupurotu, fluid dance to "live" contemporary tahitian music, and Drumming.

Celebrating their 10th Anniversary, Tahiti Nui has returned to Honolulu and the Waikiki Shell showcasing solo performers, group presentations, and craft vendors Thursday, Friday, and Saturday this week.

(Tickest are sold at the Waikiki Shell Box Office one hour prior to gates opening, continuing throughout the day. General Admission $15 Adult, $10 Child, under 4 no charge.)



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GO TO MIKEBAMBI.COM FOR PHOTOS


Mike has been Heiva I Honolulu's photographer for many years. His photos have graced our website, souvenir programs, media submissions, and our very own marketing material.

Thursday, March 15, 2012 0 comments



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In awe at the Waikiki Shell as I get a preview of what is to come. Groups came ready to work hard beginning at 3pm to 10pm. Te Hei Ura, Te Mahana O Te Ra, Puahinano, Tahiti Mana and Tamatoa took the rehearsal stage into the evening with the senior groups Te Iriata'i, Heretamanui, and Maohi Nui behind them. Unfortunately, we let time slip by with a couple of groups and Maohi Nui got the short end closing the evening with less rehearsal time. Hopefully, that can be made up later tonight after the Solo Program. I can't wait to see them in full costume and music!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012 0 comments

In 2005, “Heiva I Honolulu” took wings and began to take shape in Japan.  Partnering with Treasure Island of Japan, “Heiva I Japan” took root in Tokyo and continues annually today, celebrating its 5th Anniversary in September of 2011.

Tahiti Nui International’s “Heiva” concept took flight yet again in 2007.  Under the direction of the current Minister of Culture, Natache Taharua, Tahiti Nui International was invited to host “Heiva I Tahiti” Solo Competition in July, during the week of Tahiti’s own Heiva Laureat presentation and awards.  Filling the Grand Theatre of the House of Culture in Papeete with a captive audience, soloists who previously competed at the Waikiki Shell, took stage in an event that would be the first of its kind.  Groups from Hawaii, California, Canada, and Japan brought their solo dancers to Tahiti in cooperation with Tahiti Nui International, The House of Culture, and the Heiva I Tahiti Committee.  These same groups were invited to showcase their otea, aparima, and ahupurotu or hura presentations at Toata, the premier venue of Tahiti’s own Heiva events which captivated a sold out crowd of locals and visitors to Tahiti.  The Toata stage was also the venue for Tahiti Nui International’s Heiva I Tahiti Solo Competition Overall Solo event, where the first place soloists of each age category competed for the titles of Overall Tane and Overall Vahine.  Since this event, the House of Culture of French Polynesia, under the direction of the Minister of Culture has continued to host similar events and created one of their own, Hura Tapairu.

Following such a historical moment in Tahitian dance history, “Heiva I Honolulu” was brought home to the Waikiki Shell stage from 2008 to 2010, recapturing the excitement and grandeur of its origin.  The momentum over the years, took Tahiti Nui International and its “Heiva” program in 2011 to Las Vegas, Nevada.  Tahiti Nui International hosted its first annual “Heiva I Las Vegas” in September of 2011 at the Cashman Center Theatre.

We're looking to more great moments and memories in the coming years ahead. Tahiti e imua!

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SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2012 the Waikiki Shell will host the best event in Honolulu ~ Heiva I Honolulu 2012 Senior Division Group night and Awards Ceremony.


WARNING: There are three events in Waikiki this day, two of which will either close down Kalakaua or contraflow street traffic in the area. The Kapiolani Parking lot will be full all day long. Be prepared to come early and stay all day.


Monday, March 12, 2012 0 comments

Te mau hoa here e, manava e ia ora I to tatou nei farereira’a I te fenua o to tatou mau tupuna.


Welcome to HEIVA I HONOLULU week! Many have arrived from Japan, the mainland, and Tahiti! Our very own head judge Heremoana Maamaatuaiahutapu arrived in yesterday morning on Hawaiian Airlines. Representing Tahiti's Minister of Culture and the House of Culture of French Polynesia, Heremoana brings with him the spirit and tradition of Tahiti itself.

Many Tahiti Nui volunteers arrive this week from Japan and the continental U.S. Our Tahiti Nui staff will be present at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel beginning Wednesday of this week, should you have any last minute questions or needs. For any needs prior, please contact Tahiti Nui at (808) 732-7342 (office). Mana Mo'o (808)397-4880 (cell).

Remember, group admission tickets should have been pre-ordered and will be available for pickup at the Group Entrance & Registration at The Waikiki Shell front entry, along with solo entry participant registration. The Waikiki Shell gates will open daily at 9:00am. General Admission can be purchased at the Waikiki Shell box office, also located at the front entrance of the Waikiki Shell. During the Heiva i Honolulu event, seating is OPEN, no reserved seating, unless otherwise designated by Tahiti Nui International to accommodate the disabled and elderly.

WARNING: Parking SATURDAY will be difficult with three other events taking place at or near the Waikiki Shell, including the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Kalakaua from 2pm - 4pm. Kalakaua and Monsarrat near the Waikiki Shell will be closed or controlled traffic from 12pm to 4pm. Saturday morning, there is the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes down Kalakaua and around Kapiolani Park, as well as the UH Beach Volleyball 2012 Open at Queens Beach. Come early, find parking, and expect to stay the day at the Waikiki Shell.

FOOD will be available at the Heiva this year. Two local food vendors will be participating this year. HuliHuli Hawaii, a non-profit group will bring on-site hulihuli chicken and Shaved Ice to Heiva this year, along side Kimo's Akamai Catering offering a tahitian lunch and dinner plate (all proceeds going to sponsor local sports in Hawaii). In addition, Centerplate of Hawaii will have their on-site options available to participants.

CRAFT vendors are coming from around the globe as well. We have craft vendors coming from Tahiti and the continental U.S. to join our local polynesian artisans at the Waikiki Shell this year. One of Tahiti's renown designers is traveling thousands of miles to introduce her latest french polynesian fashion wear to Hawaii and Heiva participants.

The BEST GROUPS of Hawaii have committed many hours of rehearsal and costume making in preparation for their showcase Friday and/or Saturday. The biggest Tahitian dance groups of Hawaii will be present to "beat" the competition. Groups out of Japan have decided to join the "heat" and have sent their best.

Celebrating our 10th Anniversary, special guests will be present throughout the Heiva, including former participant of Heiva and the reigning Mrs. America, Lara Fonoimoana as co-host of Saturday evening's events! We look forward to an event of enjoyment for all!

The current outline of events are as follows (a detailed program schedule will be available in pdf on the Heiva I Honolulu 2012 web page or CLICK HERE):

Thursday, March 15
Solo Competition
900am to 900pm
Lunch and dinner breaks

Friday, March 16
Junior Group Division events
Solo Competition Awards Ceremony
900am to 900pm
Lunch and dinner breaks

Saturday, March 17
Senior Group Division Events
Solo Overall competition (1st place winners compete for overall male and female)
Awards Ceremony
930am to 900pm
Lunch and dinner breaks


Thursday, March 8, 2012 0 comments

“Heiva I Honolulu’s” greatest moments are characterized by its accomplishments over the years.

In 2003, following the foundation of Tahiti Nui International with the cooperation of the government of Tahiti, it’s Minister of Culture and the Mayor of Honolulu, “Heiva I Honolulu” took shape. Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris was bestowed the Tahitian name Heipuni Mataarii by Tahiti’s reknown language professor Mako Tevane. Tahiti’s Minister of Culture sent a representative to Hawaii to attend the “Heiva I Honolulu” event. Heremoana Maamaatuaiahutapu, Director of the House of Culture of French Polynesia, has since acted as Head Judge over “Heiva I Honolulu”.

Although not the only festival of its type in Hawaii, “Heiva I Honolulu” took on a new role, as the first of its caliber. In this same year, the first Group Overall recognition in the Senior Division was awarded to Nonosina of California, as the first Group Overall recognition in the Junior Division was awarded to Nonosina of Hawaii.

Sensationalizing this inaugural event, Tahiti Nui International, with the assistance of the Tahitian government, hosted Les Grands Ballet’s “Varua”, filling the Waikiki Shell’s capacity. This performance echoed the great beginnings of Tahitian dance in Hawaii and across the world.

In 2004, the growth of “Heiva I Honolulu” took on exponential numbers, featuring reknown groups representing Hawaii, North America, and now Japan.

The growth and recognition continued in 2005, when Tahiti Nui International hosted the award winning group “O Tahiti E” who featured their Grand Champion performance of “Te Muhu a Fenua”, “The Murmurs of the Land”. “Heiva I Honolulu” 2005 recognized newly elected Mayor Mufi Hanneman, who opened the ceremonies and attended the Awards night, drawing incredible capacity numbers to the Waikiki Shell yet another year.

In 2005, “Heiva I Honolulu” took wings and began to take shape in Japan. Partnering with Treasure Island of Japan, “Heiva I Japan” took root in Tokyo and continues annually today, celebrating its 5th Anniversary in September of 2011.

Tahiti Nui International’s “Heiva” concept took flight yet again in 2007. Under the direction of the current Minister of Culture, NatacheTaharua, Tahiti Nui International was invited to host “Heiva I Tahiti” Solo Competition in July, during the week of Tahiti’s own Heiva Laureat presentation and awards. Filling the Grand Theatre of the House of Culture in Papeete with a captive audience, soloists who previously competed at the Waikiki Shell, took stage in an event that would be the first of its kind. Groups from Hawaii, California, Canada, and Japan brought their soloist dancers to Tahiti in cooperation with Tahiti Nui International, The House of Culture, and the Heiva I Tahiti Committee. These same groups were invited to showcase their otea, aparima, and ahupurotu or hura presentations at Toata, the premier venue of Tahiti’s own Heiva events which captivated a sold out crowd of locals and visitors to Tahiti. The Toata stage was also the venue for Tahiti Nui International’s Heiva I Tahiti Solo Competition Overall Soloits event, where the first place soloists of each age category competes for the titles of Overall Tane and Overall Vahine. Since this event, the House of Culture of French Polynesia, under the direction of the Minister of Culture has continued to host similar events and created one of their own, Hura Tapairu.

Following such a historical moment in Tahitian dance history, “Heiva I Honolulu” was brought home to the Waikiki Shell stage from 2008 to 2010, recapturing the excitement and grandeur of its origin. The momentum over the years, took Tahiti Nui International and its “Heiva” program in 2011 to Las Vegas, Nevada. Tahiti Nui International hosted its first annual “Heiva I Las Vegas” in September of 2011 at the Cashman Center Theatre.

This year will celebrate not only the 10th anniversary of Tahiti Nui International and Heiva, but also the first year in which Tahiti Nui International will host all three events in one year: Heiva I Honolulu, Heiva I Japan, and Heiva I Las Vegas!