PCC STAGES NINTH ANNUAL MAORI COMPETITION

Te Manahua 2009 — the Polynesian Cultural Center's tenth annual whakataetae kapa haka or competition in traditional New Zealand Maori songs and dances — will be held:

Saturday, August 8th, 9:00am, PCC Hale Kuai Theater

Our Maori name for this special event — Te Manahua, which means “to bloom” as with a flower or understanding — refers to the growing interest in keeping kapa haka alive and thriving.

Starting in 2007 our Te Manahua festival began alternating between junior and senior group appearances each year; but as the worldwide tourism industry struggles this year with economic and other challenges, Te Manahua 2009 will temporarily change formats again to:

1. Starting at 9 a.m., an exhibition of kapa haka by several groups in the Hale Kuai. The morning program will also include...
2. Haka Hard: Sometimes described as a war dance, anyone who watches a good haka quickly realizes the actions are designed to get adrenaline pumping and the participants keyed for action. Usually performed by men, Te Manahua 2009 will include a women’s group in Haka Hard.
3. Poi E: The skilled twirling of poi balls, which are simultaneously used as percussion instruments to mimic the sights and sounds of nature as well as devices to improve dexterity and help remember important tribal knowledge.
4. Distinguished Maori cultural judges from New Zealand will provide each group with feedback.
5. At 1 p.m. the action moves to the Aotearoa village for various activities, including a mau rakau or traditional weapons display, and...Cultural workshops conducted by both Polynesian Cultural Center cultural experts and the visiting judges from New Zealand.

Admission to Te Manahua 2009 is included in the price of a regular Polynesian Cultural Center admission ticket or package. Admission to the morning event only is $10 for adults, ages 16 and up, and $8 for children ages 5-15.

Admission is free to Kamaaina Annual Pass holders and tamariki (children) under age five. With Hawaii’s U.S. Statehood celebration this year, the PCC offers 50 percent off the cost of our Kamaaina Annual Pass — only $20 (proof of Hawaii residency is required).

For more information or to make reservations, please call the Polynesian Cultural Center ticket office at 1-800-367-7060 tollfree from the U.S. mainland and Canada. In Hawaii call 808-293-3333.

Read more about previous Te Manahua Celebrations...

Find out more about previous Te Manahua winners...

Watch video clips of pervious performances...