Meet our Judges

Nicolas Keoua Kaneakua of Anahola, Kauai, Ra’atira of Tumoana, started his ori Tahiti career at a young age, first by watching his father, the Late Kimo Kaneakua and later more formal training under the direction of the Late Carol Akau Casil and the Late Teitu Kameenui. He founded Ori Uvira Tahitian Dance School from 2006 to 2022 and took Overall group in 2010 and 2013. He has produced multiple award winning soloist over the years, and he himself has won awards in the Overall Tane Division at the Kaua'i Tahiti Fete, the Kaua'i Polynesian Festival and here at the Heiva I Kaua'i. He had the privilege of participating in the Heiva I Tahiti in 2017 as a dancer for Toa Hiva, placing third in the Hura Ava Tau under the direction of Moon Urima (Professor of Dance at the Conservatoire De Tahiti). To date he is the Raatira for his pupu ori, Tumoana. Nicolas Keoua is grateful for every opportunity afforded him and plans to continue sharing and perpetuating the Tahitian culture he loves so much, here on Kaua'i as well as through his travels throughout the world.