Heiva has since become an iconic event for Polynesian culture. Dance competitions, which are some of the most important events in Heiva, are prepared for months in advance by dancers. Music, choreography, and costumes, Joining the formidable dances, reminiscent of the Maori haka, and the traditional sports, an amusing modern addition to the festivities is the Mr and Miss Tahiti showdowns. The contests are more traditional than they sound, testing contenders’ abilities to scale palm trees, crack open coconuts and lift stones.