The late Simi Niumatalolo retired from being a cook in the U.S. Coast Guard and moved to Laie, where he started his second career as a cook at the Polynesian Cultural Center. He is shown here prepping baked chicken for the PCC lunchroom.
Presidents of the Church, members of the Twelve, General Authorities and other Church leaders have regularly instructed and inspired the Polynesian Cultural Center management team over the years.
After-hours in the Villages:
The PCC Villages could get a little “mysterious” over night after all the guests have gone.
PCC board chairman Fraser Bullock announced Alfred Graceʻs upcoming retirement as PCC president & CEO, effective May 1, 2026. CFO/COO Jarod Hester will succeed him.
Tagaloataoa Delsa Moe, PCC VP of Cultural Presentations, shared the following update on Iosepa as the summer 2026 sailing season approaches, and related announcements.
According to Aloha State Daily online news, Mark Ellis, PCC Director for Voyaging Experiences centered on the 57-foot waʻa kaulua (twin-hulled voyaging canoe) Iosepa thatʻs permanently berthed at the Polynesian Cultural Centerʻs Hawaiian Village, is also participating as the Polynesian Voyaging Societyʻs education director in the annual Kualoa/Hakipu‘u Canoe Festival on March 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the far makai end of Kualoa Regional Park.
Laie Inn manager Craig Huish played a key role in promoting the Polynesian Cultural Center for 12 years.
The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame inducts its Class of 2026 at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
From the Ensign Magazine (July 1994): Alton Wade, who was then president of BYU–Hawaii, and had previously served as superintendent at the former Church College of New Zealand and then oversaw hiring of Church Educational System faculty and staff for South Pacific schools, explained, explained President David O. McKayʻs foretelling that “millions” would visit Laie.
