Haka Hard and Poi E Competition Kicks Off the Polynesian Cultural Center's Te Manahua Festival | Arts & Culture

The following information is provided by Polynesian Cultural Center:

Tonight's Haka Hard and Poi E competition got Te Manahua started quite literally with a bang. Performers took to the stage at the Polynesian Cultural Center's (PCC) Gateway restaurant and special events venue for the small group competition, which featured the formidable haka (a male posture dance) and poi (a graceful ball fastened to a cord) routines. Performances ranged from traditional Maori waiata ringa (action songs) to custom compositions.

At the end of the night, it was Hatea with their powerful haka and elegant poi that resigned supreme in both competitions.

Haka Hard competitors were judged on their kakahu (attire), stage presence, emotion and mana (energy) evoked through their performance, and the preciseness and execution of their actions. Poi E competitors were judged on their kakahu, stage presence, execution, singing and harmony, as well as their understanding and portrayal of the lyrics they performed.

Te Manahua Festival is a three-day celebration of Maori culture and continues tomorrow at 8 p.m. with a concert by New Zealand performing artists Ria Hall and Maisey Rika and concludes Saturday at 9 a.m. with the Maori Performing Arts Competition where the talent of groups from across the globe will be on display.

Tickets to tomorrow's Maisey Rika and Ria Hall concert are $15 for general admission, $10 for Kamaaina Annual Pass holders. Saturday's Maori Performing Arts Competition are $10 for ages 12 or older; $6 for children ages 5 to 11; free for Kamaaina Annual Pass holders, full-day ticket holders and keiki age 4 or younger.

For more information on Te Manahua call the Polynesian Cultural Center's ticket office at (800) 367-7060 or visit Polynesia.com. On Oahu, call (808) 293-3333. For information on the concert visit PCCKamaaina.com.

Listed below are the complete results from the Te Manahua Haka Hard and Poi E Competition.

Results

Haka Hard

1. Hatea 2

2. BYU Hawaii Kiwi Club

3. Kahuku Kaipahua Kura

Poi E

1. Hatea

2. Wanaga Maori o Hawaii

3. Na Mamo o Haloa