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!