Have you ever wanted to learn about Polynesian culture but didn’t know where to start? Nanakuli High and Intermediate’s very own Poly Club is here to help! Poly Club aims to preserve and honor the diverse cultural traditions of the Polynesian Triangle by showcasing their traditions through song, dance, language, and more!

In October of 2022, Poly Club was officially established with the help of a group of students who sought assistance from Charline Watson, Poly Club’s advisor. They wanted to share the dances from the Polynesian Triangle with others and keep them engaged after school while having fun! While they were Juniors at the time and have already graduated by now, Poly Club continues to flourish with brand new students and passionate instructors, both giving it their all in every practice!

Poly Club’s advisor and instructors are dedicated and supportive mentors who care about the club and their students. Charline Watson, also known as Ms. Watson, is the main point of contact for communication between the club, parents, and NHIS. Poly Club has several skilled instructors who volunteer their time to instruct the students every practice. The main instructor, George Alovao, is an alumnus of NHIS who graduated in 2013; his family members are the other instructors who came with him. All of them are skilled and diligent teachers who are strict and firm yet caring and supportive.

All Poly Club students must bring a pareo or i’e (lavalava). Female students must wear tight black pants under their i’e and put their hair into a bun. Bringing a pareo or i’e is another type of training that the instructors use to help train yourself to dance while your legs are close together due to the clothes you wear during performances. For girls, the tight pants ensure you don’t trip during practice, and the bun will keep your hair out of your face!

“I would say to all students to be open-minded when joining the Poly Club. You do not have to be Polynesian to join the Poly Club; it’s about discovering and respecting the diverse cultures of the South Pacific. Whether students join the club out of curiosity or want to represent their identity, each member can bring something unique, learn from each other, and grow as a unit,” said Watson.

“I got inspired from when I was doing Songfest in 7th and 8th grade…Poly Club is fun because when I was younger, I used to do dances, and it’s bringing back memories,” said Bailey Kahue-Hoff, a 9th grader and new club member. 

Another member, Seth Foi, said, “I joined mainly cause my aunty and uncle are the instructors, and I wanted to stick with my culture.” 

Some upcoming performances that Poly Club is currently getting ready for are Christmas on the Ave on December 14, 2024, at 7:00 PM, Poly Night/Fiafia Night (date to be announced), and Poly Club’s biggest fundraiser that showcases the student’s talents. The We Are Samoa Festival at Polynesian Culture Center on May 10, 2025. To perform at PCC, students must remain active in Poly Club after Christmas on the Ave. New students are highly encouraged to participate in Christmas on the Ave to help build confidence and learn to perform in front of a crowd.