‘We Are Polynesia’ Wraps Up May Day in Kaunakakai

All elementary schools throughout Molokai — Kaunakakai, Kilohana, Kualapu’u and Maunaloa — celebrated May Day with well-rehearsed shows of cuteness while validating the island’s cultural identity and heritage. Top right photo by Dewitt Jones, remaining photos by Marissa Motas

By Léo Azambuja

An impressive display of cuteness and cultural affirmation by kindergarteners and elementary school students from Kaunakakai Elementary School before hundreds of parents, relatives and friends closed this year’s May Day celebrations last week.

“Let us begin the dancing and excitement by traveling to Tahiti. The kindergarteners from kumu Tere Neuhart and Ms. Kini will begin the dancing. The kindergartners will entertain you with a fun number entitled Tahiti, Tahiti,” the emcee for the school’s 2026 May Day Program said before the first of 11 performances May 15.

This year’s theme for Kaunakakai School’s May Day, “We Are Polynesia,” took the audience through several Polynesian cultures, including Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand and, of course, Hawaii. 

All performances — from kindergarten to 6th grade — were dedicated to kumu Teresita Neuhart, who teaches kindergarten at the school.

Large tents surrounded the school’s grassy area where the kids performed, providing a much-welcomed shade from the blistering heat. But parents still crammed in the open areas under the sun to secure a good spot to photograph or record their kids’ performances. 

One at a time, all different grades took the main stage to perform. After the kindergartners and the first graders, who represented Tonga, the second graders performed to “Sasa,” paying homage to Samoa.

“That was amazing. What a great dance,” the emcee said, praising the second-grade students who danced under the guidance of Kumu Busby and Mrs. Bicoy.

The third graders, representing the Cook Islands, performed to “Tukuna Taku Mauri” right before the Hawaiian Royal Court took the stage to represent the Hawaiian Islands.

“Let’s give a cheer for the costume makers,” the emcee said, adding the “beautiful, colorful” costumes were all homemade.

King Isaius Lopes and all the princes from different islands performed to “Honomuni.”  The Court danced to “Beauty Aʻo Molokai.” Queen Naleiauliʻi Kaʻai performed to “Lei Pakalana.” Closing the section representing Hawaiʻi, the royal staff and all past queens danced to “He Mele No Hina.”

Following the Royal Court’s presentations, fourth graders represented Fiji with their performance, and the fifth and sixth graders paid homage to New Zealand.

Kaunakakai School’s May Day celebrations was the last of all schools islandwide. Kilohana, Kualapuʻu and Maunaloa elementary schools, and Molokai High School held their May Day celebrations earlier in May.