A multi-generational film of a unique, vanishing culture of Polynesian women jugglers in The Kingdom of Tonga. Their unique style and approach is only in this tiny country of 150 islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Queen Salote’s vision back in the 1950’s helps keep the tradition alive by taking Hiko into a Cultural Dance at the Queen Salote College.

Hiko is life. Hiko gives happiness. Hiko inspires all women and girls and men don’t play HIko. These beautiful women can truly call it their own.

Queen Salote became a superstar in 1953 in London at Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation where she put Tonga on the map. ‘Hiko in Tonga’ gives insight into how Queen Salote empowered the women of Tongan and made sure cultural dance would be kept intact told with historical footage and a first hand account of these robust days for Tonga.

The Polynesian Culture of Hiko is usually for females only. Mat weaving and Hiko are two things the Tongan women can truly call their own. Keep Hiko Alive! is the purpose of this film. The director/producer/writer Paprika Leaverton is a professional juggler and magician and plans on visiting Tonga again in 2024 to promote the film and offer Hiko Parties to keep this wonderful tradition alive.