Drums of Polynesia provides an oulet of outstanding South Pacific Island Talent to the international market, while heightening cultural awareness through our products and services. We also maintain our authenticity and ensure company growth by offerring continued training and educational opportunities to our employees.

Drums of Polynesia is an International Production Company specializing in all things Polynesian Performing Arts and Education. We cater to all budgets from large corporate functions to small intimate soirees.

Founded over 22 Years ago in Papawai, New Zealand, Drums of Polynesia has enjoyed success in 3 Countries (New Zealand, Australia, U.S.A) and is now based in Florida. It was born of a vision to provide talented Pacific Islanders, with employment opportunities in the Polynesian Entertainment / Performing Arts Industry. We seek individuals adamant in their desire to preserve our culture through Education, Workshops and Performances. Your initial internship will include on-the-job Training from our own experienced Polynesian Instructors and Leaders.

"Rapua te ara tika mou ake"
(Seek the Path that is right for you)

In its presentation of Polynesian Cultures, Drums of Polynesia highlights the uniqueness of the Polynesian people. Our aim is to share our love and passion for our cultural heritage, with people the world over.

meet our directors:

RJ "Ropata Hemi" Rewi
Native of Aotearoa (New Zealand), Ngati Kahungunu iwi (tribe).
President & CEO Producer / Director

Born and raised in Masterton, New Zealand, this native Maori began his professional debut at the age of 15 performing with the Drums of Polynesia in Sydney, Australia.
He is an award-winning performer of the haka (Maori chant).
He has toured with several other Polynesian groups to Japan, Hawaii and New York; and with the Mai Kai Islander Revue.
He established the South Florida troupe of Drums of Polynesia. He has traveled extensively throughout Japan, other parts of Asia and the U.S.A. He served as Dancer/Guide/Lead Educator in Australia with the Victoria Arts Council, Northern Territory Arts Council and New South Wales Arts Council for five year with a touring Educational Program about Polynesian culture. He is a graduate of Te Aute College in the Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

Joe-anna Walters
Native of Aotearoa (New Zealand), Ngai Te Rangi (tribe)
Administration and Education

Trained at the Takitimu Performing Arts School in Hastings New Zealand, this talented singer/musician toured with Kahurangi, The Maori Dance Theatre of New Zealand for 11 years before joining Drums of Polynesia in February of 2002.
A graduate of Waikato University (Maori Language) Takitimu Performing Arts School (Maori Performing Arts) and Massey University (Early Childhood Education) she majors in community workshops, master dance / music classes and educational activities.
She has had the opportunity to teach and choreograph with groups in London, Mexico, Australia as well as working closely with groups from all over the United States and Canada.

U'ilani Kam
Native of Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i
Executive / Artistic Director & Choreographer

She has served as Executive & Artistic Director of Drums of Polynesia since 1996 and the director of all aspects of its teaching facility.
The name U'ilani means, "beauty of heaven", a name given to her as a reflection of the heart.
By the age of four, her grandparents had begun her education in Hawaiian culture and traditions, songs and dances. They spoke fluent Hawaiian and passed this priceless gift onto her.
Today she is a contemporary choreographer and respected kumu hula (hula teacher). She has also mastered and taught many other Polynesian dance forms. She is a former member of the Mai Kai Islander Revue where she served six years as Associate Director of Hawaiian Korean heritage. She has studied and performed under the watchful eye of many celebrated kumu hula at the most prestigious hula halau (hula schools) in Hawai'i before leaving her village on the Big Island to perform with the Mai Kai Islander Revue in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.