The Southern Utah Pacific Islander Student Association at Southern Utah University presents One Root, Many Islands: A Celebration of Culture, Connection, & Kava on March 5, 6, & 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the SUU Auditorium. For tickets, please Venmo @cedarcitypisa. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $7 for students with ID, and $5 for children under 12. Questions? Please contact pisa@suu.edu.

Press Release

The theme for the Annual Polynesian Showcase 2026:

One Root, Many Islands: A Celebration of Culture, Connection & Kava

Across the Pasefika, the kava bowl represents more than just a drink. It stands as a sacred symbol of unity, respect, and shared heritage. Whether it is called ʻawa in Hawaiʻi, ʻava in Samoa and Tahiti, kawakawa in Aotearoa (New Zealand), kava in Tonga, or yaqona in Fiji, this root continues to connect us through tradition and meaning.

As we come together as one Polynesian family, six islands strong, we honor our ancestors, share our stories, and celebrate our living cultures. From Hawaiʻi to Fiji, we drink from the same root and move to the rhythm of one heartbeat, bound by kava, guided by mana, and united in spirit.