WE ARE HIVA KĀTOA

Hiva Kātoa is a premier Polynesian dance group based out of San Diego, California. Directors Noa and Jeannie Napoleon aim to empower the Pacific Islander community by sharing the traditions of their heritage so that those from all backgrounds may learn to love and respect their culture as much as they do.

MISSION

Vision

Hiva Kātoa will continue to inspire the Polynesian community within California and at the international level, with choreography and drum beats that assert, elevate, and empower.

values

In bringing key trainings focusing on building basic foundations and timeless choreographed pieces, we continue to uphold our commitment to respecting traditions and others, bring innovation, and excellence, along with guiding principles that set us apart and enable us to continue pushing forward.

Our Directors

With their lineage rooted in Hawaiʻi, Sāmoa, Tahiti, and Tokelau, Noa and Jeannie Napoleon were born into families dedicated to preserving, teaching, and celebrating Polynesian culture through music and dance. With the love, support, and blessings of their teachers and mentors at Nonosina and Tavake Rereata, they founded Hiva Kātoa Polynesian Dance Studio in San Diego in December 2016.

Since its establishment, Hiva Kātoa has grown to serve more than 300 students and has become one of Southern California's premier Polynesian dance studios. Together, Noa and Jeannie have trained some of San Diego County's most accomplished soloists and have led Hiva Kātoa to numerous competitive achievements, earning multiple Overall Soloist titles, 1st Place awards, Best Costume, Best Music, Best Drumming, and Overall Group honors.

Their group's most notable achievements include earning Overall Group Champion at Hura Tahiti of Southern California (2018), Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete (2024), Heiva San Diego (2024) and most recently, Overall Best Group at Tahiti Fete of Hawaiʻi (2026).

Beyond competition, Noa and Jeannie are respected throughout the Polynesian community for their commitment to cultural authenticity, mentorship, and developing dancers with strong technical foundations and a deep appreciation for Polynesian traditions. Their passion extends far beyond the stage as they strive to create an environment where students become part of the Hiva Kātoa ʻohana.

When they're not at the studio, you'll most likely find them cheering on one of their four children at a sporting event or spending quality time together as a family.