Judges
Camelia Temanaha
Camelia Temanaha was born and raised in Tahiti and began dancing Ori Tahiti at a very young age, in 1982 she moved to Hawaii along side her husband Tyrone Temanaha she began dancing, singing and mastering Pahu Drum with Te Vai Ura Nui. Today, Aunty Camelia has choreographed songs and dances in Polynesia, Japan and the U.S Mainland. Passionate about her Tahitian heritage, and culture, Aunty Camelia believes that tradition tells a colorful story about life, love, and their enduring relationship with nature.
Hirohiti Tematahotoa
Numerous award winning Director, Choreographer and Costume Designer. Giving workshops all over the world: California, Utah, North Carolina, Seattle, Portland, Vancouver WA, New York, Japan, Mexique, France, Portugal, Spain, Reunion Island, New Caledonia, and now Big Island of Hawai'i. Pleasure of judging at Heiva i Tahiti, San Jose Tahiti Fete, Kiki Raina Merced, Heiva Ma'ohi No Patitifa Sacramento, Hura Tahiti Nui, Heiva i Paris, Heiva i New Caledonia, Tahiti World Championship, Ori Nui SFO, Ori Nui Portland, and now Heiva i Hawai'i.
Healani Kimitete-Ah Mow
Healani Kimitete-Ah Mow, grew up on Hawai’i Island on the Kohala Coast. She started dancing professionally at age 6 from watching her parents on stage, interacting with visitors while teaching the culture. They were my first teachers. She would spend all her summer vacations in Pape’ete, Tahiti. Learning, listening, watching, studying the beats, and perfecting my native language. As time went on, she also loved canoe paddling and Hula. Eventually through the years we have formed a non-profit 501-©3 Organization canoe club called Kai’ Ehitu Outrigger Team since 1980. She has competed and won in several Merrie Monarch Hula Competitions, under the direction of Na Kumu Hula Nani Lim-Yap and Leialoha Lim-Amina (Halau Na Lei o Kaholoku). She has dedicated 24 years as an Alaka’i since 1988 and eventually ‘Uniki graduated in 2012. I have been a Kumu Hula for 12 years never stop learning, teaching, educating, sharing knowledge, and being a voice for our Na Tupuna and Tamari’i.
Nicolas Keoua Kaneakua
Nicolas Keoua Kaneakua of Anahola, Kauai, Ra’atira of Tumoana, started his ori Tahiti career at a young age, first by watching his father, the Late Kimo Kaneakua and later more formal training under the direction of the Late Carol Akau Casil and the Late Teitu Kameenui.
He founded Ori Uvira Tahitian Dance School from 2006 to 2022. He has produced multiple award winning soloist over the years, and he himself has won awards in the Overall Tane Division at the Kaua'i Tahiti Fete, the Kaua'i Polynesian Festival and the Heiva I Kaua'i. He had the privilege of participating in the Heiva I Tahiti in 2017 as a dancer for Toa Hiva, placing third in the Hura Ava Tau under the direction of Moon Urima. He is grateful for every opportunity afforded him and plans to continue sharing and perpetuating the Tahitian culture he loves so much, here on Kaua'i as well as through his travels throughout the world.
Charlie Temanaha
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