Three Polynesian Cultural Events Highlighted by Kauai's Royal Coconut Coast Association
Kauai, Hawaii (PRWEB) July 24, 2013 -- Tahitian dance competition, launching Kauai Aloha Festivals and celebrating the many uses of Coconut (a Polynesian staple) are the focus of three separate multi-day events in Kauai’s Royal Coconut Coast region between August 3rd and October 6th. The first, on August 3rd and 4th, the Heiva I Kauai Iorana Tahiti Cultural Festival is at Kapaa Beach Park. This festival will provide two full days of Tahitian dance performances and competition. On August 30th, the Kauai Aloha Festivals season, which extends to October, kicks off with the Kauai Royal Court investiture and luau at Smith’s Tropical Paradise. This signature event demonstrates traditional protocol practiced among Polynesian alii (royalty, monarchy). The third, on October 5th and 6th, the 17th Annual Coconut Festival, celebrates the many uses and practices surrounding coconut, a vital staple among Polynesian cultures. For more information, go to the Royal Coconut Coast Association website.
The 12th Annual Heiva I Kauai Iorana Tahiti Cultural Festival, August 3rd and 4th, is a grass-roots cultural festival featuring solo and group performances in Tahitian dance along with traditional and contemporary Tahitian drumming competition. Dance exhibitions will be performed by Oahu’s award-winning Te Vai Ura Nui on both days. Polynesian artists & cultural demonstrations, island foods and Polynesian crafts are also part of the event line-up. In addition, Tahitian dance and drumming workshops are provided for all levels.
Kauai Aloha Festivals Royal Court Investiture and Luau, August 30th, launches a series of events that are part of Kauai Aloha Festivals, intended to honor and celebrate Kauai’s host culture. Located at Smiths Tropical Paradise, the investiture is an annual event, honoring the newest members of Kaua’i's 21-member royal family, selected every year to perpetuate Hawaiian cultural practices and protocol. After the investiture, the Royal Court will be treated to hookupu (gifts), mele (song) and hula. The investiture is at 5:15 p.m., followed by a special luau at Smith’s paying tribute to the Aloha Festivals season.
The 17th Annual Kauai Coconut Festival, October 5th and 6th, provides demonstrations about the many uses, by-products and history surrounding coconut, a vital staple among Polynesian cultures. The festival also provides continual entertainment, cooking demonstrations by Kauai's signature chefs, a large gathering of Kauai artisans (featuring certified Kauai Made vendors), crafters and Polynesian products. In addition there will be kooky coconut games, pie-eating contests, a coconut cook-off contest and hands-on activities.
Background: The Royal Coconut Coast Association is a non-profit corporation, officially established in late 2012. The organization acts as a central source of information about features in the Wailua to Kapaa corridor of Kauai including public and private attractions, businesses and area events.
Margy Parker, Royal Coconut Coast Association, http://royalcoconutcoast.com, 808-651-5394, [email protected]
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