RESULTS
2024 WORLD FIREKNIFE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
MEN'S DIVISION
Tafili Galea’i of Laie, Hawaii
Champion
Fumiya Matsushima of Fukushima, Japan
1st Runner-up
Jacktai Laban of Apia, Samoa
2nd Runner-up
WOMEN'S DIVISION
Aliyah Galea‘i-Ava of Laie, Hawaii
Champion
Silhouette Lemana Mauga-Sagaiga of Olympia, Washington
1st Runner-up
Chandae Galea‘i-Ava of Laie, Hawaii
2nd Runner-up
INTERMEDIATE: 12-17
Haukea Moua of Puna’auia, Tahiti
Champion
Carmine Taetuna-Fautanu of Kealakekua, Hawaii
1st Runner-up
Akilei Netane Malo of Orlando, Florida
2nd Runner -up
JUNIOR: 6-11
Manasseh Tuliloa of Laie, Hawaii
Champion
Mosese Volavola of Kahuku, Hawaii
1st Runner-up
Keanu Tap Toliniu of Seattle, Washington
2nd Runner-up
PAST RESULTS
Men's Division
Women's Division
Intermediate: 12-17
Junior: 6-11
Duets & Group
We Are Samoa
Men's Division
MEN’S DIVISION
| 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Champion: | Falaniko Penesa, Puipaa, Samoa | |
| 1st runner-up: | Hale Motu’apuaka, Aiea, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Matagi Lilo, Ewa Beach | |
| 2022 | ||
| Champion: | Hale Motu’apuaka, Aiea, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Lopati Leaso, Los Angeles, California | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Joseph Cadousteau, Tahiti/Oregon | |
| 2021 | ||
| Champion: | Hale Motu’apuaka, Aiea, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Mikaele Oloa, Waialua, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Kepanipa’a Damaso, Waikoloa, Hawaii | |
| 2019 | ||
| Champion: | Falaniko Penesa, Puipaa, Samoa | |
| 1st runner-up: | Mikaele Oloa, Waialua, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Joseph Cadousteau, Tahiti/Oregon | |
| 2018 | ||
| Champion: | Hale Motu’apuaka, Aiea, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Matsushima Yuya, Fukushima, Japan | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Joseph Cadousteau, Papeete, Tahiti | |
| 2017 | ||
| Champion: | Falaniko Penesa, Puipaa, Samoa | |
| 1st runner-up: | Mikaele Oloa, Waialua, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Kepanipa’a Damasao, Waikoloa, Hawaii | |
| 2016 | ||
| Champion: | Mikaele Oloa, Waialua, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Falaniko Penesa, Puipaa, Samoa | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Matuni Vaiaoga, Orlando, Florida | |
| 2015 | ||
| Champion: | Joseph Cadousteau, Papeete, Tahiti | |
| 1st runner-up: | Mikaele Oloa, Waialua, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Viavia (VJ) Tiumalu, Orlando, Florida | |
| 2014 | ||
| Champion: | Viavia (VJ) Tiumalu, Orlando, Florida | |
| 1st runner-up: | Falaniko Penesa, Puipaa, Samoa | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Malo “Mj” Mata’u, Laie, Oahu | |
| 2013 | ||
| Champion: | Joseph Cadousteau, Papeete, Tahiti | |
| 2nd (tie): | Mikaele Oloa, Waialua, Hawaii | |
| 2nd (tie): | Malo “Mj” Mata’u of Laie, Oahu | |
| 2012 | ||
| Champion: | Joseph Cadousteau, Papeete, Tahiti | |
| 1st runner-up: | Mikaele Oloa, Waialua, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Viavia (VJ) Tiumalu, Orlando, Florida | |
| 2011 | ||
| Champion: | Viavia (VJ) Tiumalu, Florida | |
| 1st runner-up: | Julian Maeva, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | David Galeai, Hawaii | |
| 2010 | ||
| Champion: | Mikaele Oloa, Waialua, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Joseph Cadousteau, Papeete, Tahiti | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Fili Mafiti, Apia, Samoa | |
| 2009 | ||
| Champion: | Mikaele Oloa, Waialua, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Joseph Cadousteau, Papeete, Tahiti | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Viavia “VJ” Tiumalu Jr., Orlando, Florida | |
| 2008 | ||
| Champion: | Viavia “VJ” Tiumalu Jr., Orlando, Florida | |
| 1st runner-up: | Mikaele Oloa, Waialua, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Joseph Cadousteau, Papeete, Tahiti | |
| 2007 | ||
| Champion: | Andrew “Umi” Sexton, Orlando, Florida | |
| 1st runner-up: | Joseph Cadousteau, Papeete, Tahiti | |
| 2nd runner-up: | David Galea’i, Laie, Hawaii | |
| 2006 | ||
| Champion: | Mikaele Oloa, Orlando, Florida | |
| 1st runner-up: | Joseph Cadousteau, Papeete, Tahiti | |
| 2nd runner-up: | David Galea’i, Laie, Hawaii | |
| 2005 | ||
| Champion: | Mikaele Oloa, Orlando, Florida | |
| 1st runner-up: | Hogan To’omalatai, Siumu, Samoa | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Brandon ‘Fue’ Maneafaiga, Waianae, O’ahu | |
| 2004 | ||
| Champion: | Alex Galeai, Laie, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Tuione Tovo, Henderson, Nevada | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Jerome Slade, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii | |
| 2003 | ||
| Champion: | David Galeai, Cook Islands | |
| 1st runner-up: | Tamaru Colombel, Tahiti | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Alex Galeai, Laie, Hawaii | |
| 2002 | ||
| Champion: | Pati Levasa, Samoa | |
| 1st runner-up: | Conan Higa, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | David Galeai, Cook Islands | |
| 2001 | Champion: | Pati Levasa, Samoa |
| 2000 | Champion: | David Galea’i, Cook Islands |
| 1999 | Champion: | David Galeai, Cook Islands |
| 1998 | Champion: | Pati Levasa, Samoa |
| 1997 | Champion: | Pati Levasa, Samoa |
| 1996 | Champion: | Ifi So’o, Maui, Hawaii |
| 1995 | Champion: | Ifi So’o, Maui, Hawaii |
| 1994 | Champion: | Ifi So’o, Maui, Hawaii |
| 1993 | Champion: | Tauasa Sielu Avea, Laie, Hawaii |
| 1st runner-up: | Tuione Tovo, Laie, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | So’o Tufaga, Laie, Hawaii |
Women's Division
WOMEN’S DIVISION
| 2023 | |
|---|---|
| Champion: | Jeralee Galeai, Laie, Hawaii |
| 1st runner-up: | Aaliyah Ava, Laie, Hawaii |
| 2nd runner-up: | Hoku Matalasi Canto, Altadena, California |
| 2019 | |
| Champion: | Jeralee Galeai, Laie, Hawaii |
| 1st runner-up: | Moemoana Schwenke, Sydney, Australia |
| 2nd runner-up: | Huang Sih Ping, Taiwan |
Intermediate: 12-17
INTERMEDIATE DIVISION: 12-17
| 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Champion: | Cyson Lanikaula Woodward, Kapa’a, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Haukea Moua, Tahiti | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Akilei Netane Malo, Orlando, Florida | |
| 2022 | ||
| Champion: | Moses Lilo, Ewa Beach, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Matagi Lilo, Ewa Beach, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Mamalu Lilo, Ewa Beach, Hawaii | |
| 2021 | ||
| Champion: | Isa’ako Milford, Punalu’u, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Toa’alii Milford, Punalu’u, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Kekai Nielsen Gabacason, Kaneohe, Hawaii | |
| 2019 | ||
| Champion: | Matagi Lilo of Ewa Beach, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Vincent Galeai of Laie, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Isa’ako Milford of Laie, Hawaii | |
| 2018 | ||
| Champion: | Jeralee Galeai, Laie, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Isa’ako Milford, Laie, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Walter Leota, Apia, Samoa | |
| 2017 | ||
| Champion: | Jeralee Galeai, Laie, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Justyce Edmons, Sydney, Australia | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Hunter Nery, Waialua, Hawaii | |
| 2016 | ||
| Champion: | Hale Motu’apuaka, Aiea, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Jeralee Galeai, Laie, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Hunter Nery, Waialua, Hawaii | |
| 2015 | ||
| Champion: | Hale Motu’apuaka | |
| 1st runner-up: | Jeralee Galeai | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Achilles Tafiti | |
| 2014 | ||
| Champion: | Hale Motu’apuaka | |
| 1st runner-up: | Wallen Te’o | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Hunter Nery | |
| 2013 | ||
| Champion: | Achilles Tafiti, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Hale Motu’apuaka, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Wallen Te’o, Hawaii | |
| 2012 | ||
| Champion: | Preston Weber Ft. Lauderdale, Florida | |
| 1st runner-up: | Hale Motuapuaka Aiea, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Achilles Tafiti, Hawaii | |
| 2011 | ||
| Champion: | Malo “MJ” Matau, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Keenan Chung, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Achilles Tafiti, Hawaii | |
| 2010 | ||
| Champion: | Rex Tiumalu, Florida i | |
| 1st runner-up: | Keenan Chung, Kaneohe, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Malo “MJ” Mata’u, Hawaii | |
| 2009 | ||
| Champion: | Rex Tiumalu, Florida | |
| 1st runner-up: | Julius Tafiti, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Justeen Castillo, Hawaii | |
| 2008 | ||
| Champion: | Julius Tafiti, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Brandonlee Lavatai, Samoa | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Rex Tiumalu, Florida | |
| 2006 | ||
| Champion: | Viavia Tiumalu, Florida | |
| 1st runner-up: | Julius Tafiti, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Malakai Lavatai, Samoa | |
| 2005 | ||
| Champion: | Viavia Tiumalu, Florida | |
| 1st runner-up: | Malakai Lavatai, Samoa | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Jeurell Lavatai, Samoa | |
| 2004 | ||
| Champion: | Jaz Castillo, Hawaii | |
| 1st runner-up: | Mikaele Oloa, Florida | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Malakai Lavatai, Samoa | |
| 2003 | ||
| Champion: | Melenie Lesoa Samoa | |
| 1st runner-up: | Mikaele Oloa Florida | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Anelu Lakopo, Samoa | |
| 2002 | ||
| Champion: | Melenie Lesoa, Samoa | |
| 1st runner-up: | Micah Kapono Naruo, Hawaii | |
| 2nd runner-up: | Martin Tevaga, Hawaii | |
| 1998 | Champion: | Jotham Slade, Hawaii |
| 1997 | Champion: | Sakaio Pupuali’i |
| 1996 | Champion: | Trumaine Oto |
| 1995 | Champion: | Salatielu Brown |
Junior: 6-11
JUNIOR DIVISION: 6-11
| 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Champion: | Kalivati Volavola Jr., Laie, Hawaii | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Mosese Volavola, Laie, Hawaii | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | King Jirah Tanuvasa, Ewa Beach, Hawaii | ||
| 2022 | |||
| Champion: | Elway Tora, Laie, Hawaii | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Kalivati “KJ” Volavola, Laie, Hawaii | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Manasseh Tuliloa, Laie, Hawaii | ||
| 2021 | |||
| Champion: | Joe Milford, Punalu’u, Hawaii | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Elway Tora, Laie, Tahiti | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Vincent Galeai, Laie, Hawaii | ||
| 2019 | |||
| Champion: | Mose Lilo, Ewa beach, Hawaii | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Haukea Moua, Papeete, Tahiti | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Mamalu Lio, Eva Beach, Hawaii | ||
| 2018 | |||
| Champion: | Mose Lilo, Ewa beach, Hawaii | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Carmine Taetuna-Fautanu, Kealakekua, Hawaii | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Toa Tevaga, Kaneohe, Hawaii | ||
| 2017 | |||
| Champion: | Matagi Lilio, Ewa Beach, Hawaii | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Mose Lilo, Ewa Beach, Hawaii | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Isa’ako Milford, Punaluu, Hawaii | ||
| 2016 | |||
| Champion: | Isa’ako Milford, Punaluu, Hawaii | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Mose Lilo, Ewa Beach, Hawaii | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Matagi Lilo, Ewa Beach, Hawaii | ||
| 2015 | |||
| Champion: | Matagi Lilo, Ewa Beach, Hawaii | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Isa’ako Milford, Punaluu, Hawaii | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Moses Lilo, Ewa Beach, Hawaii | ||
| 2014 | |||
| Champion: | Dayton Solitamali Daong, Waipahu, Hawaii | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Vincent Galeai, Laie, Hawaii | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Moses Lilo, Ewa Beach, Hawaii | ||
| 2013 | |||
| Champion: | Dayton Daoang, Waipahu, Hawaii | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Aaliyah Ava, Laie, Hawaii | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Chandae Ava, Laie, Hawaii | ||
| 2012 | |||
| Champion: | KJ Ahloy, Laie, Hawaii | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Kekoa Lagunte, Waialua, Hawaii | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Johnathon Fiu, Kahuku, Hawaii | ||
| 2011 | |||
| Champion: | Hale Motu’apuaka, Hawaii | ||
| 1st runner-up: | James “KJ” Ahloy, Hawaii | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Desmond Talia, Hawaii | ||
| 2010 | |||
| Champion: | Preston Weber, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Achilles Tafiti, Hawaii | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Hale Motuapuaka, Hawaii | ||
| 2009 | |||
| Champion: | Hale Motuapuaka, Hawaii | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Achilles Tafiti, Hawaii | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Desmond Talia, Hawaii | ||
| 2008 | |||
| Co-Champion: | Hale Motuapuaka, Hawaii | ||
| Co-Champion: | Achillies Tafiti | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Wallen Leititoa Teo | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Desmond Talia | ||
| 2006 | |||
| Champion: | Rex Tiumalu, Florida | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Kahikina Moise, Tahiti | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Hale Motuapuaka, Hawaii | ||
| 2005 | |||
| Champion: | Dallin Muti, Hawaii | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Larry “Tui” Tuileta, Hawaii | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Philip Mauigoa, Florida | ||
| 2004 | |||
| Champion: | Joshua Hebron, Florida | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Julius Tafiti, Hawaii | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Marcus “The Man” Muti, Hawaii | ||
| 2003 | |||
| Champion: | Jacko Pupualii, Samoa | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Barry Lesoa, Samoa | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Julius Tafiti, Hawaii | ||
| 2002 | |||
| Co-Champion: | Barry Lesoa, Samoa | ||
| Co-Champion: | Kamaehu Arakaki-Fukui, Hawaii | ||
| 1st runner-up: | Julius Tafiti, Hawaii | ||
| 2nd runner-up: | Tennessee Su’esu’e, Utah |
Duets & Group
DUETS & GROUP DIVISION
| 2013 | |
|---|---|
| Champion: | KJ Ahloy, Quest Ava, Malik Ava and Alex Galea’i of Laie, Oahu |
| 1st runner-up: | Aaliyah Ava, Chandae Ava and Jeralee Galea’i of Laie, Oahu |
| 2012 | |
| Champion: | Mose Lilo, Ewa beach, Hawaii |
| 1st runner-up: | Haukea Moua, Papeete, Tahiti |
| 2nd runner-up: | Mamalu Lio, Eva Beach, Hawaii |
| 2011 | |
| Champion: | Mose Lilo, Ewa beach, Hawaii |
| 1st runner-up: | Carmine Taetuna-Fautanu, Kealakekua, Hawaii |
| 2nd runner-up: | Toa Tevaga, Kaneohe, Hawaii |
| 2010 | |
| Champion: | Matagi Lilio, Ewa Beach, Hawaii |
| 1st runner-up: | Mose Lilo, Ewa Beach, Hawaii |
| 2nd runner-up: | Isa’ako Milford, Punaluu, Hawaii |
| 2009 | |
| Champion: | Isa’ako Milford, Punaluu, Hawaii |
| 1st runner-up: | Mose Lilo, Ewa Beach, Hawaii |
| 2nd runner-up: | Matagi Lilo, Ewa Beach, Hawaii |
| 2008 | |
| Champion: | Matagi Lilo, Ewa Beach, Hawaii |
| 1st runner-up: | Isa’ako Milford, Punaluu, Hawaii |
| 2nd runner-up: | Moses Lilo, Ewa Beach, Hawaii |
We Are Samoa
WE ARE SAMOA
| 2014 | Changed from competition to festival format. | |
| 2013 | ||
| Champion: | Radford High School | |
| 1st: | Kapolei High School | |
| 2nd: | Farrington High School | |
| The competition was brought back this year as part of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s 50th anniversary celebration (1963-2013). In addition, donations made during the respective taualuga dances as well as a honararium from the Polynesian Cultural Center went to each participating school. | ||
| 2012- 2008 | In the spirit of fealofani – friendship – no competitions were held. | |
| 2007 | ||
| Champion: | Kahuku High School | |
| 1st: | Radford High School | |
| 2nd: | Waipahu High School | |
| 2006 | ||
| Champion: | Kahuku High School | |
| 1st: | Farrington | |
| 2nd: | Moanalua High School | |
| 2005 | ||
| Champion: | Kahuku High School | |
| 1st: | Farrington High School | |
| 2nd: | Waipahu High School | |
| 2004 | ||
| Champion: | Farrington High School | |
| 1st: | Kahuku High School | |
| 2nd: | Waipahu High School | |
| College | Champion: | BYU-Hawaii |
| 1st: | American Samoa Community College | |
| 2nd: | Chaminade | |
| 2002 | ||
| Champion: | Kahuku High School | |
| 1st: | Waianae High School | |
| 2nd: | Radford High School | |
TICKET INFORMATION
For more information or to make reservations, call the Polynesian Cultural Center ticket office at (808) 293-3333.
OUR SPONSORS
TAFITI AIGA
SAMUTA & SIELA AVEA
