Memorial Day Travel: Kauai Polynesian Festival

published on May 24, 2011 by

The Kamanawa Foundation presents its 10th annual Kauai Polynesian Festival May 26-29, 2011. When you vacation with a Kauai, Hawaii, timeshare rental over Memorial Day weekend you can enjoy this fascinating Festival that will feature Tahitian, Maori, Samoan and Hawaiian entertainment, Polynesian arts and crafts, solo and group dance competitions, food booths, workshops, and much more.

The spectacular Opening Event “A Polynesian Evening of Stars”, kicks off the festival on May 26 with an evening that includes the Polynesian Cultural Protocol Ceremony, traditional Hawaiian and contemporary entertainment, and a “South Sea Islands” fashion show.

The eagerly anticipated “U TINK U GET TALENT,” a talent contest for youth and adult singers, dancers and musicians is a new addition to the May 25 Opening Event.

As the Festival continues through the weekend, other activities include “Celebrate a Polynesian Experience,” a hands-on cultural crafts & dance activity. You’ll learn weaving techniques using the fronds of the coconut and hala tree, how to husk a coconut, traditional fire making, and spear throwing. Pros will also teach you how to dance the hula, make a ti-leaf lei, and tie a pareau sarong Polynesian style.

The dance competitions that include categories for all ages are a crowd favorite. (see photos)

New Zealand Maori traditions will pump energy into the festival with the poi ball Dances of Aotearoa dance competition followed by the Na Kupuna Hula Auwana Group Competition and Keiki/Opio/Na Wahine solo and group Hula Kahiko competition.

A Tahitian Otea dance exhibition performance by the 2011 KPF House drummers and dancers will also be held, followed by Tahitian dance competition. And, of course, the wildly popular and exciting Fire Knife dance competition will also be held in various age categories ranging from just 6 years old to adult.

Sponsors of the Kauai Polynesian Festival offer a warm Hawaiian Aloha to all Kauai residents and visitors to attend. “Your participation will support cultural awareness for our youth today and generations to come. We hope to see you there!” exudes a Festival spokesperson.

(Photo credit – directoryofkauai.net)