Heat Is On For World Fireknife Competition

Kyle Galdeira
Wednesday - May 11, 2011
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Champion Mikaele Oloa prepares to defend his division title. Photo from Polynesian Cultural Center.

While some athletes exaggerate about the “heat” of competition, participants in this week’s 19th Annual World Fireknife Champ-ion-ships truly have the competitive fire within.

Polynesian Cultural Center again hosts the event May 11-14 in Hale Aloha Theater (7:45 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and in Pacific Theater at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday). Dancers from across the Pacific will intertwine acrobatics, aspects of the Samoan culture and death-defying tricks as they vie for titles.

Three-time champion David Galeai returns to compete in the men’s division, as does the 2008 winner Viavia (VJ) Tiumalu. Two-time Junior Division (ages 12-17) champion Rex Tiumalu will compete with the men.

Reigning champ Preston Weber will defend his title in the 12-17 age group of the junior competition, and will be challenged by a field that includes six returning foes. Two-time champion Hale Motuapuaka aims to hold on to his crown in the 6-11 age group.


One group division features brothers and reigning champions Jaz and Uamana Castillo. And the family of Brandonlee, Jeurell and Malakai Lavatai will represent American Samoa, also in a group category.

In addition to the fireknife competition, visitors can enjoy the Samoan High School Arts Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The showcase features Hawaii high school students demonstrating cultural knowledge of Samoan traditions as well as basket weaving, coconut husking and fire making.


For more information on the contest and its history, or to purchase tickets, call 293-3333 or log on to Polynesia.com.

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