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ABOUT US |
 Fano Maohi, the journey of the Polynesian people is a cultural organization seeking to share, preserve, and promote our culture and heritage. Fano Moahi seeks to provide opportunities of learning through arts, crafts, food, language, music and dance. To fulfill this cultural continuity, we aim to preserve our traditions and share it with the world.
Fano Maohi will organize annual cultural events where
arts, crafts and language workshops will be held. The
annual cultural events will also celebrate dance, music
and foods from the islands. We have established a
scholarship fund for those who show an interest in the
Polynesian cultures. Scholarships will be awarded to
those who achieve the highest standards established by
our organization.
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Danny and Leima Tupua
(Founder)
Danny was born and raised in Tahiti, He attended Church College of Hawaii where he met his wife Leima Muti of Tonga. He had performed at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Tihati, Sea Life Park, John Roles , Don Ho, Pii’lani Watkins , Germaine Productions and Island Magic at the Kuilima Hotel . He and his wife moved to Utah in 1979 and made Utah their home. They have five children and twelve grand children, He is the founder of Pioneer Youth & Adult Community Services servicing and PYACS Towing/Recovery Services. Danny has served in various community boards and committees such as the Governor Polynesian Council, Iosepa Historical, Utah State Evaluation Committee, Society of Polynesia of Utah , Utah Youth Provider Association, Utah Gang Prevention , MCRC, and numerous LDS youth programs. Danny has been the voice of Tahiti in Utah since 1979 on KRCL 91FM Voice of Polynesia. |
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Tiare
Olevao
Tiare Clementine Olevao is the eldest daughter of Danny & Leima Tupua of Salt Lake City, Utah. Tiare is a well known performer throughout the Salt Lake City valley who learned the art of Polynesian dancing through her parents and family. She has been dancing with her father since she was 9 years old, a “late bloomer”. Tiare is the founder of Ashton Property Investments company and the director of Pioneer Youth & Adult Community Services, a company that was founded by her father serving abused and neglected children and troubled Family. Tiare and her companies are the main sponsor and contributor to Fano Maohi and the Tongan competition. She is married to Kautai Olevao of Kahuku, Hawaii an AFL football player for the Utah Blaze. They have five lovely children Lana, Bronson, Ashton, Cecilia, and Katinia. Tiare is the co-founder of Fano Maohi of Utah |
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Nephi & Leoni Raihauti
Leoni Munanui Raihauti, Co-Founder of Fano Maohi was
born in Kahuku, Hawaii while her parents were attending
Church College of Hawaii. She learned her Tahitian
heritage from her parents as well as her extended
family. Leoni started dancing at the age of 3 years old
and has entertained all over the western United States.
Her parents kept her close to the culture by continuous
teaching, frequent trips home and by having her showcase
their culture to others. She is a skilled choreographer
and teacher of Tahitian dance. Leoni helps organize many
community events. She is married to Nephi Raihauti, who
hails from Ua Pou, Marquesas and is the lead musician
for Fano Maohi. Together they excel in promoting their
heritage from Tahiti to Utah through composing music and
dances. They have three sons, Jordan, Teave and
Teikiviihenua. |
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Tekehu &
Henriette Munanui
Tekehu Munanui was born in the Tuamotu Archipelago of
Tahiti on the island of Hao. He moved to the main island
of Tahiti in his youth. He is passionate about the
Tahitian language and was able to make it his career,
interpreting Tahitian for over 30 years. He attended CCH,
now BYU Hawaii where he met his wife Henriette from
Raiatea, Tahiti. Her love of the dance, music, language
and food has been an inspiration to her children.
Henriette has also intrepreted Tahitian for many years
and has even taught classes at the University of Utah.
Together they have raised 5 children and are now
enjoying 13 grandchildren. Tekehu has served on various
boards and committees including: Utah’s Governors
Council, SOPU, and the Iosepa Historical Society among
others. He made Utah his home in 1969 being one of the
first Tahitian pioneers in the Salt Lake valley.
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 John
Cheung
John Cheung is a coordinator for Fano Maohi. John was born and raised in Tahiti. He was exposed to Tahitian dance at a very early age through his fathers association with Coco Hotahota and Madeleine Moua. He came to Utah in his youth to attend school and learn English. He met his wife Marie in Utah and has 5 beautiful daughters Britney, Natalie, Titaina, Hinanui and Poerani. They have made Utah their home. John devotes much of his time to furthering the cause of Fano Maohi. |
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