Ma'Ohi Nui

Ma'Ohi Nui
Purpose: As a group we wish to perpetuate the "Spirit of the Great Polynesian People." Established in May of 2002, under the direction of Mervyn Lilo and based out of Honolulu, Hawai'i, our goal is to learn and share the customs and cultures of Polynesia through song and dance.

Accomplishments: The group began with the family and a few dedicated friends, and has blossomed into a successful halau/pupu ori. We have been blessed these past years and our hard work has been rewarded and acknowledged, as we have been able to perform here at home and throughout the world.

Commitment, hard work and countless hours of practice have allowed us to compete in Tahitian dance Fete's throughout Hawaii. These include Heiva I Honolulu, Aloha Tower Tahiti Fete, Polynesian Cultural Center Keiki Fete, Tahiti Fete of Hilo, Maui Fete, Kauai Polynesian Festival, Te Vai Ura Nui Fete, and the Manutahi Fete. Participation in competition has instilled confidence, discipline and a great appreciation of culture within our group.

Traveling and performing for the US Military and their families stationed abroad has been an awesome experience for us all. We support the efforts they make to secure our freedom and are thankful to have the opportunity to 'spread the aloha' and 'boost morale' when we travel overseas to perform for them in places like Japan, Singapore, Diego Garcia, Johnston Atoll, Korea, Guam, Okinawa, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, London, and throughout Hawaii.

In addition to traveling, we have performed for countless charities, fundraisers and local services here at home for American Cancer Society's 'Relay for Life', Kapena's 'Mother's Day Celebration', Jamoa Jam's 'Concert for Education', Hope Chapel's 'First Annual Luau', City and County of Honolulu 'King Kamehameha Day' Parade and 'Sunset on the Beach', Polynesian 'Matahiti Festival', school performances for Leilehua High School, Radford High School, Wahiawa Intermediate, Wheeler Middle School, and Kailua High School. Performing for such benefits enable us to build positive relationships and support our community.
Ma'ohi Nui has been featured on OC 16's 'Beyond Paradise with Kim Lehano', Da Braddah's 'Da Braddahs and Friends', TV series 'North shore', TV commercial for American Express credit card, project for Tahitian Noni, exhibition for WWE (Blaisdell Center), movie 'Be Cool' with the Rock, luau show for cast of the movie 'The Run Down', as the house drummers in American Samoa for 'Chief Letuli Fire Knife Competition'.
Performing all over the world has truly been a blessing and we appreciate all of the wonderful opportunities bestowed us. We are grateful for the many people who have supported us in our mission to share the Polynesian Spirit. We look forward to the future and all that lies ahead.

James Lee
Born in Belle Glade, Florida, tackle James Lee emerged as a standout tackle for the Buccaneers' offensive line in 2010. In his third season, Lee appeared in 15 games with nine starts, helping pave the way for Buccaneers rookie running back LeGarrette Blount, who became just the second undrafted rookie rusher to pass 1,000 yards rushing in a season in NFL History. Undrafted out of South Carolina State, Lee was one of just two 2008 undrafted free agents (also cornerback Elbert Mack) to make the Buccaneers 2008 opening day roster. The starting tackle has also made a name for himself in the Tampa Bay community, dedicating his time to countless community events and initiatives. Lee has participated in the Buccaneers' annual Day of Giving holiday events, sponsored Thanksgiving dinner giveaways through the Turkey Time with the O-line program, and promoted youth health and fitness through a variety of causes. Lee has also traveled to Costa Rica to host youth football clinics for underprivileged communities.

Elbert Mack
Born in Wichita, Kansas, cornerback Elbert Mack posted a breakout season in 2009 and continued his steady play in 2010. The third-year defensive back has appeared in 42 games and finished third on the Buccaneers with three interceptions in 2009, following a notable rookie campaign that included eight tackles, one pass defensed and 12 special teams stops in 2008. Undrafted out of Troy University, where he led the NCAA with eight interceptions in 2007, Mack was one of just two 2008 undrafted free agents (also tackle James Lee) to make the Buccaneers opening day roster. Off the field, Mack has become a popular figure in the Tampa Bay community for his continual efforts to give back, having participated in a variety of outreach initiatives including military appreciation events and youth fitness programs.