It is a state holiday which honors Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole. There is also the Prince Kuhio Celebrations. Held every March 17, the parade is a long one, running from Fort DeRussy to Kapiolani Park. For those looking for a more laidback activity, there is the St. Every March, the top kite pilots from all over the world troop to Kapiolani Park to showcase their skills. The Hawaii Challenge International Sportkite Championship is the longest-running sportkite competition in the world. See top surfers participate in a sport that is uniquely Hawaiian. Also, there is the Buffalo's Big Board Classic, a surfing competition held on Makaha Beach, Oahu. For two days, rides, food and artwork from the top island artists are showcased. The Punahou School, a private school, hosts the Punahou School Carnival. Aside from this, there is also the Great Aloha Run, which is an 8.5 mile race that runs from the Aloha Tower to the Aloha Stadium. Players from the National Football League take it to the arena to showcase their prowess.
The NFL Pro Bowl takes place during the first Sunday of February in the Aloha Stadium. Lion dances, a narcissus and bonsai exhibit, food and pageants are only some of the entertainment featured in this event. In celebration of Oahu’s diverse culture, the Chinese New Year is also held every January in Chinatown. There are also ancient Hawaiian games as well as music to increase the festivities. Another event is the Ala Wai Challenge is a quarter-mile canoe race that is designed to test the endurance of competitors. It is held in the Banzai Pipeline, in the famed North Shore of Oahu. Usually held in the first weeks of January, it is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in Hawaii. The band consists of individual Polynesian musicians that have pledged their time and commitment to assist the organization in producing a well-rounded entertainment for the Annual Festival.Watch top athletes compete in the Morey World Bodyboarding Championships. The PCA Band was formed in 2008 and recorded its first CD in 2009. Nani is skillful in teaching and interacting with children and adult learners.
As a traditional “hula” dancer, Nani is one of PCA’s guest performers and serves as a curator for the PCA portable exhibit during festivals and special events.
She has been instrumental in helping the organization achieve its educational goals. Nani has been a dedicated member since 2003 when PCA was established.
He is a firefighter and paramedic on the Pompano Beach Fire Dept. Tama is one of PCA’s dedicated board director and an asset in the process of keeping the culture alive in the everyday lives of Polynesians. He has been performing since he was a small child and is known for his creative Tama’s artistry in the Polynesian performing arts is well-known in the community, particularly in demonstrating his skill as a Samoan Fire Dancer.
He is well- versed in Polynesian culture and provides insights on how to bring the ancient, traditional and modern Polynesian expressions to PCA programs. Kava plays with the PCA Band and performs regularly at PCA’s events and program activities. He plays the guitar and ukulele and island, sings and composes Hawaiian music. She is a native of Samoa.ĭan joined PCA in 2009 is now an Artist In- Residence.
Luisa designs and makes Polynesian dance costumes, strings leis and bead work.
She is a PCA Artist In-Residence who is in charge of bringing together Polynesian dancers and working closely with musicians/drummers to develop and rehearse performances/workshop demonstrations. Luisa has been teaching dances and performs for the Tama Leao Polynesian Productions for many years. Master Dance Teacher/Polynesian Costume Designer Tama is a native of Polynesia and fluent in the Samoan and Hawaiian languages. Tama manages the PCA program activities oversees the organization’s legal matters, fundraisers and linkages with Polynesian artists. He is an advocate on behalf of Pacific Islanders and supports the work of Polynesian artists and performing groups. He is the producer and director of the Tama Leao Polynesian Production and has taken his troupe for performances throughout the United States. Tama is a well- known as a Polynesian musician, drummer, singer and dancer. PCA -Founder, President & Artistic Director