Local delegation in Hawaii taking part in FestPAC 2024

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa delegation for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture is in Honolulu for the event that brings together artists, performers, and cultural ambassadors from across the Pacific region to celebrate and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Pacific Islands.

The American Samoa group, led by Fuata Tiumalu, includes traditional dancers, musicians, and artists who are excited to share the unique traditions and culture of American Samoa with the broader Pacific community. Their participation highlights American Samoa’s commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage while fostering regional unity and collaboration.

"We are honored to be part of this significant event. The Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture is a vital platform for showcasing the diversity and richness of our cultures. It provides an invaluable opportunity for cultural exchange and strengthens the bonds between our Pacific nations," Tiumalu said. Throughout the festival, the American Samoa delegation will participate in various performances, workshops, and exhibitions, highlighting traditional Samoan dance, music, crafts, and storytelling.

The American Samoa delegation is grateful to the organizers of the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture for their dedication and efforts in bringing this event to fruition. They are excited to contribute to the festival’s success and to celebrate the shared heritage and collective future of the Pacific Islands.

2024 FestPac schedule of events which are spread throughout different venues and stages on the island of Oahu — Hawaii Convention Center, Bishop Museum, Capital Modern, Ala Moana Center, Kawaiaha’o Church, Our Kakaʻako, Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort (Kani Ka Pila Grille), Pālama Settlement, Polynesian Cultural Center, Royal Hawaiian Center, University of Hawaiʻi- West Oʻahu, Waikiki Beach Walk, and Windward Mall.

TODAY AT FestPAC

HAWAII CONVENTION CENTER — 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. — The Festival Village comprises more than 20 hale [fale], one for each participating nation to serve as the primary location for cultural exchange. Cultural practitioners will be demonstrating weaving, traditional cloth, weaponry, fishhooks, adornment, and more.

Other key features of the Festival Village include Mauloa, the 29-foot long single-hull coastal sailing canoe, an interactive immersive experience, and a 60-foot Star Compass.

Within the Festival Village will be the main FestPAC performance stage, where all 27 nations will perform heritage dance, contemporary music, choral singing, fashion shows, and more, throughout the 10 days.

HAWAII CONVENTION CENTER — 8:30 A.M. TO 10 A.M. —The City and County of Honolulu will conduct a Sister City signing with Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

BISHOP MUSEUM — 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. — Carving demonstration will include Hoe Uli (large steering paddle), Kiʻi Kanaloa or god of the ocean (Taʻaroa, Tangaroa, Tangaloa), and Waʻa Kaulua (double hulled canoe).

Indigenous tattoo practitioners from various Pacific nations will proudly showcase their heritage art and share techniques.

HAWAII CONVENTION CENTER — 7:30 P.M. TO 9 P.M. (Doors open at 7 p.m.) — On behalf of the 13th FestPAC, Manaola Yap has curated an exclusive Fashion Showcase that celebrates the shared stories, practices, and arts that connect our diverse heritages. The fashion showcase will feature runway shows by Nakeʻu Awai, Lotus and Lime, and MANAOLA, artisan creations by Nalani Kanakaʻole and Taupōuri Tangarō, and a cultural demonstration by Hālau Kekuhi.

CAPITOL MODERN — 5 P.M. TO 10 P.M. — PILINA is a retrospective multimedia exhibition that commemorates the 50th Anniversary of FestPAC. The exhibition includes a photographic exhibition, ephemera and select cultural heritage objects.

ONGOING DAILY EVENTS:

• The Festival Village will be open daily at the Hawaii Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Carving and Tattoo demonstrations will be available daily at Bishop Museum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
• FestPAC 50th Anniversary exhibit will be open daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Capitol Modern.
• Renowned artists from various nations will showcase traditional dances, music, and contemporary performances, daily, at various stages across Oʻahu. Venues will include Ala Moana Center, Kawaiaha’o Church, Our Kakaʻako, Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort (Kani Ka Pila Grille), Pālama Settlement, Polynesian Cultural Center, Royal Hawaiian Center, University of Hawaiʻi - West Oʻahu, Waikiki Beach Walk, and Windward Mall.

THOUGH THE EVENTS ARE FREE, ATTENDEES WILL NEED TO REGISTER VIA ETICKET HAWAII.

FestPAC will run on Oahu to June 16.

(Source for schedule: Hawaii News Now)