International Night 2026 Review
Story by Léo Skelton
Photos by Hunter Marion
On February 27, 2026, UH Hilo students from all around the Pacific took to the stage for the 51st annual International Night. The performances connected traditional cultural dance to the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo community, showcasing the vast diversity of the student body and the importance of culture to each and every student. Led by emcees Manuela Cortes from Colombia and Maria Pla Prahl from Spain, International Night 2026 was a beautiful expression of cultural diversity and shared history.
A collage of images from International Night, starting from top-left going right per image row: Hui Hanakahi (Hawai‘i); Taishoji Taiko (Japan); Filipino Studies Certificate Program (The Philippines); Ngelekel Belau Club (Palau); Marshallese Iakwe Club (Marshall Islands.)
To kick off the performance, Hui Hanakahi performed traditional Hawaiian song and dance. They celebrated and honored the legacy of Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani, a direct descendant of Kamehameha I, who advocated for the protection and practice of Hawaiian language, culture and tradition. Hui Hanakahi also performed a hula, a traditional Hawaiian dance. They finished their performance with the song Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī, Hawai‘i’s national anthem
The next group to perform was Taishoji Taiko from Japan. Taiko drumming is a practice originating in Japan that combines dance, martial arts, musical theatre and drums. They use large traditional Japanese drums to achieve their powerful sound. Taishoji Taiko’s mission is to encourage and perpetuate the art of taiko. At International Night, they performed an incredible song titled Spring Horses or Harukouma.
A collage of images from International Night, starting from top-left going right per image row: Japanese Student Association (Japan);Kosrae Hilo Organization (Federated States of Micronesia); and Tupulaga O Sāmoa Mo A Taeao (Sāmoa).
Following this performance was the Pohnpei Kaselehlie Club from the island of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia. Pohnpei is one of four states in the country and one of two states to perform at International Night. They performed Pohnpeian line dancing, called Surupak. This style of dance is often performed at special occasions and events.
The Filipino Studies Certificate Program represented the Philippines, a country in the Pacific made up of over 7,000 islands. They performed four different styles of dance: Pasikat na Baso, Subli, Tinikling and Palarong Pambansa. Pasikat and Baso involves dancers balancing a glass on their head, showcasing careful coordination and control, which originated in Pangasinan. Subli is a style of dance from Batangas, honoring the Holy Cross. It is often considered a prayer dance. Tinikling is a well-known Filipino dance from Leyte in which dancers quickly move in and out of bamboo poles, mimicking the agility of the tikling bird. Finally, Palarong Pambansa is the annual sporting event for student-athletes across the Philippines. An upbeat dance of the same name is performed at this event every year. Closing the first act of the show was the Ngelekel Belau Club from the Republic of Palau. Palau is a Micronesian country in Western Oceania that gained its independence in 1994. “A Mesei a Delal a Telid” is a phrase highlighting sustainability, which is ingrained in Palauan culture and history. The first song performed was “Bibiroi,” a song centered around asking someone to dance. The second song was “Oikull,” coming from the hamlet of the same name within Airai State. The third song was “Yasai,” a song about reminding the audience to eat vegetables. The fourth and final song was Tilorch, telling the legend of a stream of water.
Act two began with the Marshallese Iakwe Club from the Marshall Islands. The Marshall Islands are made up of 1,225 islands within the Ralik Chain and the Ratak Chain. The Marshall Islands is known for its rich culture, which comes alive within traditional foods, weaving and dance. In December of 1857, the Morning Star vessel came across the Ebon Atoll, introducing Christianity to the islands. Another significant piece of Marshallese history is the hydrogen bombing of Bikini Atoll by the United States in 1954, which displaced entire communities. The Marshallese Iakwe Club performed upbeat songs with fans and partner dancing.
The next club was the Japanese Student Association, also representing Japan. Japan has the 12th largest population in the world, with its capital, Tokyo, being one of the largest cities in the world. They performed two dances, the first of which was Yosakoi. Yosakoi is a dance created in the Kochi prefecture after World War II to cheer up the community. The dance uses naruko, a wooden clapper. This dance was performed to the song “Pleasure”. The second dance was Wotagei, a style of dance using light sticks and fast-paced movements. This was performed to the song “Iris Out” by Kenshi Yonezu.
After the Japanese Student Association, the Kosrae Hilo Organization took the stage, representing Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia. Kosrae is the smallest state within the Federated States of Micronesia by land area, but its culture remains strong. It is also nicknamed “The Island of the Sleeping Lady.” The Kosrae Hilo Organization performed a few songs before ending their performance by passing out snacks and candy to the audience.
The final performance of the evening was by Tupulaga O Sāmoa Mo A Taeao representing Samoa. They began with a demonstration of the Samoan flag and the Samoan national anthem, “Sāmoa Tulaʻi”. They also showed a few short videos about the Samoan myth of the creation of the world as well as the Samoan way of life. The dance performances included traditional costumes, music and dance. They also performed the Taualuga, which is a Samoan celebratory dance during which the audience throws money to the dancer.
International Night was a wonderful expression of culture and heritage by students at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. This longstanding tradition is a way for students to connect with their respective cultures and learn about other cultures. Most importantly, it is a celebration of the diversity of the university and the local community, connecting everyone through song and dance.