Hawaiian & Polynesian Community in New York City

Te Ao Mana is NYC's Polynesian cultural arts collective - gathering, dancing, and carrying the spirit of the Pacific Islands into the heart of this city since 2016.

We are happy to celebrate 10 AMAZING YEARS of dynamic Pacific Island representation in NYC. We have spent the last decade building, learning, creating, and connecting. We share this milestone with you and thank you for being part of our journey.

Who Are We?

Te Ao Mana is a Polynesian cultural organization based in New York City, building ʻohana through community gatherings, dance, song and shared practice rooted in the traditions of Hawaiʻi, Tahiti, Samoa, and the wider Pacific. With over 40,000 Pacific Islanders calling this city home, we exist to keep our culture alive and our community strong. We welcome Pacific Islanders at every stage of their journey, and all who come in the spirit of aloha.

Find Your Ohana in NYC

People gathered in a park, sitting on the grass, some with musical instruments and there (Tahitian log drums). Background shows tall buildings and trees.
A diverse group of people gathered by a shoreline, some wearing floral wreaths and colorful clothing, possibly participating in a cultural or spiritual ceremony.

Whether you grew up on the islands or in the diaspora, there is a place for you to connect here. Te Ao Mana offers Hula, Ori Tahiti, and Siva Samoa classes, cultural workshops, and community gatherings that bring Pacific Islanders and those who love island culture together in New York City.

Person in traditional colorful headdress and attire posing with two children outdoors near teepees.
Group of people posing in front of a building with a 'KŪKULU: Pillars Standing Together' sign, wearing a variety of outfits including traditional and modern styles.

Some of our most memorable and touching experiences and greatest learning comes from our collaborations and working with the native and indigenous communities we associate with. We learn so much from each other, how alike some of our traditions are and always eager to find new ways to support and uplift each other.

Four individuals in traditional and modern attire in front of a backdrop with cultural logos and indigenous symbols.
A group of people gathered around a campfire, one person playing a drum, and another person standing, seemingly involved in cultural or traditional activity, with tents in the background.
Crowd gathered on a sandy riverbank near a bridge, observing a ceremony or event under a clear sky with trees around.
People participating in an outdoor ceremony under a canopy, surrounded by potted plants and an audience.

Specialized Movement Practices

Dive into cultural learning through movement. Register for classes and learn the fundamentals of our traditional dance practices and their foundational value. Follow us on social media to stay posted on new classes, and updates.

Ori Tahiti Fall Session

Siva Samoa Workshop

Hula Workshop

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Connect with yourself and cultural traditions while learning.

Benefits:

  • Warm Body and Mind

  • Good Fun With Friends

  • Cardiovascular Workout

  • Cultural Grounding & Connection

  • Technical Training

  • Neuromuscular Plasticity

Two people wearing traditional Polynesian costumes on a bridge with city skyline in the background.

Performance

Performers in nature, one with tribal tattoos and floral costume, another veiled with colorful flowers, expressive pose, outdoor setting.
Two women performing a Tahitian dance outdoors, wearing strapless tops and pare (skirts), with shell necklaces and bracelets, people in the background.
Four dancers in innovative Polynesian attire performing outdoors, wearing colorful skirts and elaborate headdresses, surrounded by lush green trees.

Rooted in tradition and creatively innovating choreography, the group draws on their rich ancestry and focuses on connecting with their tupuna (ancestors), ancient genius, while simultaneously navigating its contemporary application.

Established in 2016 by Founders/Directors Anthony Aiu and Kaina Quenga, Te Ao Mana expands the presence of Polynesian culture worldwide through the creation of new work, specialized classes, workshops, and performances.

Where You've Seen Us
People performing a dance or theatrical piece in a hall, surrounded by an audience seated on the floor.

Tatou Festival

Every year, Te Ao Mana produces Tatou Festival, New York City's first and foremost Pacific Island festival. Featuring an Ori Tahiti competition, showcase performances, fashion exhibitions, film screenings, master classes and cultural workshops, and an artisan market, Tatou brings the spirit of Moana Nui to the heart of New York.

Learn About Tatou Festival
Group of four people posing in Times Square, New York City, with colorful billboards and a crowd in the background.

Causes

From Maui wildfires to Kona Low flood recovery, when Hawaiʻi and the Pacific hurt, New York's island community shows up. Te Ao Mana connects our ʻohana here in the city with relief efforts, advocacy, and action for the people and places we love most.

“If not you, then who?

And if not now, then when?”

-Anake Pua Case

Large group of people outdoors making triangle hand gestures, holding signs supporting Mauna Kea, with diverse attire and cultural outfits.
Group of people dancing at Union Square with statue and trees in the background.
Protest flyer for Mauna Kea support event at Washington Square Park, NYC on August 16, 2019, from 4 PM to 7 PM. Features a photo of people holding signs and flags.
People in traditional Polynesian attire at a cultural street event.
Group of activists holding signs supporting Mauna Kea with Hawaiian flag at a public square.
Group of people protesting on a road near a mountain, holding signs supporting Mauna Kea.
Group of people in costume, including a person dressed as a mermaid with red hair, surrounded by others, one person shirtless holding a paper fan. Crowd in background taking photos.
Group of people holding signs supporting Mauna Kea, featuring messages like "We Are Mauna Kea," "Protect Mauna Kea," "Aloha Aina."
Group of people at a protest, some holding signs supporting Mauna Kea and in opposition of TMT (Thirty Meter Telescope).
Models in traditional Polynesian tapa with long fabric patterns on rainbow-colored steps in a park.
Group of people holding signs in a protest, standing on a street with trees and buildings in the background, on a sunny day.

Support Pacific Island Culture in New York City

Te Ao Mana is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation funds free community events, cultural education, and programming that keeps Pacific Islander voices visible in New York City. Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference.

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