Meet our Judges 2025
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.
Hirohiti Tematahotoa-Graffe is the director and choreographer for award-winning Pupu 'Ori Hanatika and Nuna’a E Hau of Tahiti. He is also a renowned judge for the largest Heiva across the world, including Heiva i Tahiti, Heiva i Paris, 'Ori Tahiti Nui Competitions, E Hura Mai, Hura Tahiti of Southern California, Ia Ora Tahiti in Mexico, and so much more. We a grateful to welcome him to Heiva i Kaua’i to share his incredible wealth of ite (knowledge), creativity, and energetic mana.
Tetautiare Tetauvahine
Wallis Punua is a Professional Polynesian Entertainer since the 1960’s to today.
Competed in first Kauai Tahiti Fete in 1976 as lead drummer for his mother Kumu Hula Ku’ulei Punua.
Ra’atira with his wife for Pupu Rohotu since 1992. Won many first place awards including twice Overwll in Kauai Tahiti Fete from 1992-1997. Kumu Hula of Halau Na Punua O Kaua’i since 1993. Producer of Polynesian Shows on Kaua’i since 1996 to present. Currently judge at Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo, Hawai’i.
Charles Temanaha