Hawaii

Te Whanaketanga 2007 In the Polynesian Cultural Center’s eighth annual Maori whakataetae (competition) and the first in its new Te Whanaketanga (developmental education) format of youth performing one year and adults in alternating years, the tamariki or children competed in the Pacific Theater on Saturday, October 13, in two categories: juniors, ages 6-12; and intermediate, ages 13-18. There was also a Laie, Hawaii-based Te Hamata "babies" group, consisting of children up to age 5, who performed first in exhibition only; and following the tamariki competition, as part of the new Te Whanaketanga format, two adult male groups participated in Haka Hard, and two adult female groups in Poi E!

Formed in 1999 by Tama Halvorsen, Shannon Niania & Alex Galea`i Based in Laie/Kaneohe Hawaii

Island activities: Five times each afternoon — at 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 and 5:30 — the Maori put on a demonstration that explains the symbolic significance of their beautiful meeting house, unique carvings, facial tattoos, the ancient origins and meanings of sticking out their tongues and twirling poi balls, and other aspects of one of Polynesia's most unusual group of people. You won't want to miss the stirring haka dance; kids will enjoy learning to play tititorea, a Maori stick game designed to develop hand-eye coordination, and kids of all ages seem to enjoy the ta moko area where they can get a temporary tattoo. Experience a Fortified Maori Pa... Aotearoa also features a historic 40-man waka taua (war canoe), a traditional watch tower, and a carver's hut with a gift shop and snack stand.