Bale Damuni Tuisavura

Fijian Culture Ambassador and Traditional Dance Instructor

Bale Damuni Tuisavura, a native of the Fiji Islands, embarked on a transformative journey at the age of six when she relocated with her parents to facilitate the establishment of the Fijian village at the Polynesian Cultural Center in 1964. Growing up in Laie, she attended Laie Elementary before progressing to Kahuku Intermediate and High School. During her high school years, she spent two formative years in Fiji, where she enrolled at the Adi Cakobau School for girls. Subsequently, she returned to Hawaii and successfully graduated in 1975.

Under the guidance of her late father, Emosi Damuni, Bale immersed herself in the rich cultural heritage of Fiji, developing a profound appreciation for its history, music, and dances. Over the years, she has not only choreographed but also imparted her knowledge of Fijian dances to numerous elementary and high schools in Hawaii. Her tenure at the Polynesian Cultural Center exposed her to the diverse cultural songs and dances of Polynesia, further enriching her appreciation for the cultural tapestry of the region.

Bale Damuni Tuisavura, proficient in Samoan and Tongan, in addition to her native tongue, holds an Associate in Nursing and a BA in Psychology. Currently, she is actively pursuing her Master's in the field of Mental Health. As a retired nurse, Bale has dedicated herself to community engagement, sharing her passion for her island nation with others. A proud mother of six children, grandmother to 13, and great-grandmother to two handsome boys, she continues to be a beacon of cultural ambassadorship, seizing every opportunity to connect with new people and showcase the beauty of her island heritage to the world.