Mānava O Polynesia

04/30/2026

There is still time to donate! ANYTHING helps. A huge thank you to the organizers, performers, vendors, volunteers and supporters who put this together on behalf of the state of Colorado. The repair and replacement of homes and farms is going to take quite some time. Scan the QR code to donate and show aloha for the islands of Hawaii. Big MAHALO to all.

✨ ALL PAU ✨

04/18/2026

04/18/2026

The mālama 'āina (care for the hand) fundraiser event is one day away and we're doing a fun competition among
the Colorado hālaus (dance schools). Will you help Mānava O Polynesia (MOP) will bring rights while raising money for a great cause? You have the chance to directly impact Hawaiian natives who have lost so much.

A big MAHALO NUI LOA to all of you who have offered to donate your time for this fundraiser. Our community needs us and it is so amazing to see how we all come together to kākoʻo (support) when called upon.

The main purpose of this event is to raise as much funds as possible so that we can make the biggest impact possible. So, all hālau (dance schools) are participating to see which hālau can raise the most funds over the next several days. Whatever hālau that is able to raise the most would be announced at 8pm on Sundayʻs event and will "win" bragging rights of being the best fundraiser. All in good fun and for a good cause! Any little bit helps!

If you would like to make a donation in MOP's name , please use the QR code on the event flyer or this link to our Mālama ʻĀina donation page: https://givebutter.com/malama-aina-fundraiser-uljzmt
IMPORTANT: BE SURE TO NOTE "MOP" IN THE "MESSAGE" SECTION TO BE COUNTED PROPERLY.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us and supporting the flood victims. Māhalo!

04/14/2026

Please consider donating and\or attending this spectacular event where the Colorado community is coming together to provide relief and kokua (help) for people affected by the flood. If you can't attend, scan the QR code on the flyer to donate. Māhalo! Mānava O Polynesia will be performing at 4:05pm but there is a whole lineup of talented, caring performers. Watch them all at this free event! Māhalo MeleOli for organizing this!

03/25/2026

Congratulations to all our 2026 Tahitian ‘Ori Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete contestants!

We’re incredibly proud of our 10 dancers for representing Mānava O Polynesia with courage, dedication, and pride-your growth and spirit inspire us all. We can’t wait to welcome even more dancers in the future!

Māuruuru roa to Ta’ere Tia’i, Sheila Marie Crowley-Zell, and our instructors Alyssa Zell and Francisco Carmona for your unwavering support and guidance.

Shoutout to Naomi, Lele, Margaret, and Jocelyn for their powerful ‘Ori freestyle performances-your growth as dancers have been phenomenal!

Special congratulations to our placing dancers:

•AJ - 1st (7-9 Boys, Beginner)
•Trevor - 2nd (7-9 Boys, Beginner)
•Aaron - 1st (10-12 Boys, Beginner)
•Cillian - 1st (13-15 Boys, Beginner)
•Alyssa - 3rd (20-24 Women, Beginner)
•Francisco - 3rd (35-44 Men, Advanced)

Please join us in celebrating our Mānava family!

03/25/2026

Congratulations to all of our 2026 Tahitian ‘Ori Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete competition contestants!

We had an incredible group of 10 participants, and each of you represented Manava O Polynesia with pride. We are so proud of you for stepping outside your comfort zone—your courage and dedication inspire all of us.
We look forward to seeing even more dancers join in the future!

A heartfelt thank you to Ta'ere Tia'i for your unending aloha and support, Sheila Marie Crowley-Zell for being the ultimate stage mom at every show and competition, and our Tahitian instructors, Alyssa Zell and Francisco Carmona, for your guidance, preparation, and unwavering commitment to our dancers.

A huge shoutout to Naomi, Lele, Margaret, and Jocelyn for having the courage to step out and perform your ‘Ori freestyle. The growth you each showed throughout this process was phenomenal! The competition was fierce this year, but it’s truly about the journey.

The following Mānava O Polynesia dancers placed in their respective age divisions:

AJ – 1st Place, 7–9 Boys (Beginner)

Trevor – 2nd Place, 7–9 Boys (Beginner)

Aaron – 1st Place, 10–12 Boys (Beginner)

Cillian – 1st Place, 13–15 Boys (Beginner)

Alyssa – 3rd Place, 20–24 Women (Beginner)

Francisco – 3rd Place, 35–44 Men (Advanced)

Please help us congratulate them all! I

03/20/2026

For the first time since 2018, Manava O Polynesia is traveling to Merced, California to proudly represent Colorado at the 45th annual Kiki Raina Tahitian Dance (‘Ori) Competition.

This year, we are honored to have nine dedicated competitors performing under the guidance of our Tahitian instructors, Alyssa Zell and Francisco Carmona. Each dancer has committed countless hours to preparation—training rigorously, practicing with intention, and thoughtfully creating costumes that reflect the unique story they will bring to life on stage.

Learning to properly perform ‘Ori to live drumming is no small feat. It requires discipline, passion, and a deep connection to the rhythm and tradition—and these dancers have embraced every part of that journey.

Please join us in wishing Aaròn, AJ, Alei, Alyssa, Cillian, Jocelyn, Margaret, Naomi, and Trevor an incredible experience, safe travels, and unforgettable moments at this competition of a lifetime.


We are so proud of each and every one of you!