2025 SCHEDULE
2025 SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
LA MAMA Underground Theater
66 East 4th Street New York, NY 10003
OPENING CEREMONY
2:00 PM
Starting the event off with the right vibrations. Ceremonial offerings from various Moana Nui island nations and our local native cousins.
CROSS CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
4:00 PM
Lecture demonstrations and exchange with indigenous cousins, Tecumseh Caesar (Matinecock, Unkechaug, Montaukett), Shane Weeks (Shinecock), and Tahitian/Marquesan master carver Eriki Marchand.
CHILDREN’S ART & POETRY WORKSHOP
5:30 PM
Learn about the process and publishings of Samoan writer/poet, painter, and artist, Dan Taulapapa McMullin. Discover your hidden talent for writing and drawing with some fundamentals of Polynesian art. Participants will have the opportunity to display their work at the festival.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 01
A/P/A Institute at NYU 20 Cooper Square, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10003
ACTION, CLIMATE AWARENESS, ACTIVISM
7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)
Enjoy a private screening of several poignant native short films, followed by wala’au with the artists and collaborators. Featuring Dakota Camacho (ETAK, Mali’e’), Lanihuli Kanaka’ole (The Uluwehi Project), Hāwane Rios (Standing Above the Clouds), Sancia Miala Shiba Nash (Ho’oulu Hou), and Leilehua Lanzilotti (The Sky In Our Hands, Our Hands In The Sky).
*Immersive experience starting from 6:00 PM
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 02
Judson Memorial Church 55 Washington Square South New York, NY 10012
AN EVENING OF MUSIC, DANCE, & POETRY
7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)
Connect with our histories, our ancestry, and Moanan virtuosity. Poetry Reading and special performance of Dan Taulapapa McMullin’s Auē Away, classical selections by TJ Keanu Tario, a Hawaiian Piano virtuoso, and a world premiere of Dance Suite from Lili’u, a collaboration between Grammy nominated, Hawaiian composer Leilehua Lanzilotti and acclaimed Ta’ata Moana Nui choreographer Anthony Aiu. The suite includes a libretto translated into `Olelo Hawaii by Kahanuola Solatorio, clothing designs by Manaola Yap, and Te Ao Mana dancers.
Following the performances, there will be a short Q & A with the artists.
*Doors Open at 6:00 PM for attendees to engage with artists and additional collaborators on site, including traditional Hawaiian kakau (tattoo) artist Kawika Au, and Tahitian/Marquesan carver Eriki Marchand.
Friday, OCTOBER 03
LA MAMA Underground Theater
66 East 4th Street New York, NY 10003
ORI TAHITI MASTER CLASSES
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from very skilled practitioners, teachers, and mentors in the field of Ori Tahiti. Space is limited, register early. Bring your pareu, a bottle of water, and a towel. To maintain a focused class without disruptions, please refrain from taking photos or videos, your instructor may provide time at the end of class for this. Our special guests this year are Aruho’ia Biret, Kehaulani Changuy, Poerani Germain, and Francky Tehiva
Classes Offered: Ori Technique, Duet Choreo, Ote’a Choreo, and Aparima Choreo.
TRANS PACIFIC GLAM
7:00 PM
Come throw your back out laughing, you will be gagged, and enjoy dedicated time for queernesia. Let our talented queens and queers put a smile on your face, just be, and let loose as they showcase their amazing innate abilities. Special appearances by Makoa Kalai, Odessa Mann, Kauila Kanaka’ole, and others.
*Be sure to leave yourself extra time to explore the hallways, filled with unforgettable art by visionary artists from our very own Pacific Islander community. Featuring Kapulei Flores, Mahinahina Choy-Ellis, Reuben Paterson, Carolyn Kuali’i, Gisela McDaniel.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 04
Judson Memorial Church 55 Washington Square South New York, NY 10012
ORI TAHITI COMPETITION
12:00 - 5:00 PM
Be ready for an exciting day of energetic dancing, pulsating drums, and lively cheers. The Ori Tahiti competition features an international lineup of soloists, duets, and groups. A special mauruuru to our master carver Eriki Marchand for offering hand carved wooden trophy masterpieces. Winners will be privileged take home one of these beautiful works of art.
*The awards ceremony will follow the competition.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 05
LA MAMA Underground Theater
66 East 4th Street New York, NY 10003
MOANA NUI WORKSHOPS
12:00 - 5:00 PM
This year’s lineup of Moana Nui workshops does not disappoint, as usual!
The morning and afternoon include: Ori Tahiti Tamari’i (Children’s Tahitian Dance), Ukulele and Singing/Kanikapila, Siva Samoa, Art & Writing, Tahitian Drumming, and Konane (Hawaiian Checkers)
CLOSING PA’INA
6:30 PM
A final community celebration to close our special time together. Enjoy drinks, interactive activities, special performances, door prizes, silent auctions, good music and dancing.