OUR TEAM

Malakai Lavata’i

Seanoa Lavata’i

Tulei Lavata’i

The Lavata’i brothers were born and raised in the village of Nu’uuli on the island of Tutuila, American Samoa. They began learning the art of Ailao Afi, or Samoan Fire Knife, in 2002 training tirelessly with the legend who invented fire knife dancing, Chief Olo “Freddie” Uluao Misilagi Letuli and his daughter Malie Letuli of Fagagogo on Tutuila, American Samoa. The Lavata’i brothers were the last group to be trained by the late Chief Letuli Olo and his daughter Malie Letuli.

In 2009 and 2011, the Lavata’i brothers earned the title of 1st place champions at the prestigious World Fireknife Championships held at the Polynesian Culture Center in Hawaii. Since then, the Lavata’i brothers have performed in competitions and Polynesian Productions throughout Samoa, Arizona, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Utah, Japan and South Carolina.