Te Vai Ura Nui - Polynesian Dance Ensemble

Come to the Heiva I O'ahu Tahitian Festival! [click here for more information]

Te Vai Ura Nui was founded in 1987 by Charles and Cathy Temanaha in Honolulu, Hawaii. Starting an authentic Tahitian dance group enabled young men and women to learn the cultural aspects of French Polynesia, while allowing the native Tahitians the satisfaction that their culture would be learned and portrayed in the correct way. They saw the many similarities to the Hawaiian culture and their love of Polynesia grew strong.

Te Vai Ura Nui has grown to include 40 members, and has competed in many festivals and competitions, such as the Polynesian Festival, the Kauai-Tahiti Fete, the Black Pearl Festival, the Tahiti Fete of Hilo, and the San Jose Tahiti Fete. They have succeeded in winning the Overall Trophy in these competitions and have always been noted for their authentic and stunning costumes. Individuals have grown through dancing in the solo contests, and creativity has blossomed in the drumming instrumentals.

Te Vai Ura Nui has entertained audiences from Okinawa, Japan to the French Polynesian islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, and Bora Bora. Even in French Polynesia, they were acknowledged for keeping the Tahitian culture true to itself. Sharing the culture of Tahiti has always been a priority, and members of the group are like family. Te Vai Ura Nui, which translated into English means, "The Great Flame In The Water", will continue to strive in their efforts to portray the Tahitian culture in its true origin and hope you enjoy their performance. Mahalo and Mauruuru.