The Nā Pua 'Āhihi Lehua Mai Pihanakalani cultural group from Hawai‘i is currently in Rarotonga on a week-long cultural exchange visit that has brought about deeper connections and rekindled ancestral ties across Polynesia.

Team manager Auli’i Heine Hirahara (née Kalaqma-Pai’āina) says the purpose of the visit is grounded in connection and cultural learning.

“Our goal is to engage in cultural exchange and discover the similarities with our ‘ohana cousins throughout Polynesia,” she said.

“This is the first place we felt strongly drawn to visit, especially through our connection with Tevaerangi Worthington Lopez, her ‘ohana, and the Koteka-Wiki family. I truly feel that God and my tupuna are guiding us on this path.”

The group is made up of 37 dancers, four musicians, and numerous cultural practitioners - including weavers, a lo‘i kalo (taro patch) specialist, and a historian - all supported by around 60 participants in total.

“For many of us, this is not just about performing, but also about reconnecting with our identity. Some of our students traced their genealogy and found ancestral ties to Rarotonga and Aitutaki,” Hirahara shared. “It’s about relearning ourselves and deepening our understanding by talking with the people here. More knowledge is always better.”

The group is also embracing local experiences.

On Monday and Tuesday, they spent time with Kōrero O Te 'Ōrau, Inc. an environmental non-governmental organisation (NGO) at  Uritaua House in Avatiu where they helped prepare an umu, explored the valleys, and even went fishing.

“My heart is full,” Hirahara said, expressing deep gratitude to Dr. Teina Rongo and his wife Jackie for hosting the students.

Last night (Tuesday), the group had the chance to watch a performance by the local Akirata Cultural Dance Group at the Islander Hotel.

On Thursday (tomorrow) evening, the group will perform at the Islander Hotel, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern Hawaiian dance.

“This is a family affair -  both women and men will dance. It’s our expression of aloha, sweet melody, and respect for Rarotonga,” Hirahara said. “We love your dance too.”

Their final performance will take place at the Punanga Nui Market on Saturday morning at 9.30am, where the public is invited to enjoy the cultural celebration and spirit of aloha. Today, the group will also tour the Cook Islands National Museum as part of their learning journey.

“This is my first time in Rarotonga,” Hirahara added. “This island is very dear to me because of my closeness to the Worthington ‘ohana. This is the right time, and I know we are meant to be here.”