24th Heiva i Kaua’i Tahitian Dance Competitions

Heiva i Kauai Tahitian Dance Competition 2026

In 2026, Heiva I Kaua`i celebrates the 24th anniversary of a unique, exciting and colorful Tahitian dance and drumming competition. This annual event provides a venue for performers of all ages to present their talent, skill and cultural knowledge to an audience of more than 1,400 attendees daily! On Saturday and Sunday, August 1st and 2nd, from 9am to 5pm, come and enjoy this community-sponsored, family-centered celebration of Tahitian culture at the Kapa`a Beach Park (4-1464 Kuhio Highway). Participants from Hawai`i, the mainland and abroad, with a range in age from toddler to elder, perform solo and group competition and exhibition dances portraying legends and stories of Tahiti. Event admission is $8 at the door. Children aged 12 and under are admitted free.

After opening ceremonies, solo competitions are held on Saturday, starting with the youngest age groups and continuing through adults, until the championship dance-offs in the afternoon. Solo categories include traditional otea vahine and tane, for junior, senior and master (age 26+) divisions. Group categories include otea, aparima, ahupurotu and drumming. Heiva I Kaua`i offers an amateur/youth group category for contestants under age 19. Group competition is scheduled for Sunday.  Please see the Heiva i Kauai website for additional information at http://www.heivaikauai.com.

Over 45 vendors offer an extensive array of Tahitian and other Pacific Island gifts, jewelry, art, woodwork and clothing. Food vendors sell a variety of ethnic foods. Artists provide demonstrations of Polynesian crafts.  Silent Auction both days from 9am to 2pm with incredible offers from local businesses and creators.

Heiva i Kaua`i is grateful for support from the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Kaua’i business community. This event is ADA accessible. Persons in need of auxiliary aid to participate, please email Kate at least 7 days before the event at [email protected].  For more information, please email Kate on Kauai at [email protected].