Thomas Awa “Kamaki” Kanahele — one of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s original Hawaiian student employees — was born in 1945 to Agnes Kalanihookaha Kanahele Cope and George Kanahele. He was raised on the island of Niihau by his grandparents until the fourth grade, when he moved to Waianae to continue his schooling and live in Nanakuli with his mother, Aunty Aggie, and his two sisters and two brothers.
Like TV food personality Andrew Zimmern, who was famous for his “iron-bound stomach” and ability to eat just about anything, sea was one of the few foods he couldn’t handle. In fact, if I remember correctly, he described it as “poopy,” and for me, the only thing close to how disgusting it tasted to my unaccustomed palate was the turtle eggs I had eaten about a year earlier in Manuʻa. Are new missionaries still being tested on whether they can swallow sea?
By Saturday, August 15, 2026, everyone in Hawaii was forced to pay attention to weather reports as low-grade Hurricane Lala approached from the Eastern Pacific, on track to hit the southern end of the Island of Hawaii, then continue westward somewhat south of the other islands, which it was also forecast to impact to a lesser degree.
Tagaloataoa Delsa Moe, PCC vice president of cultural presentations, plans to retire at the end of 2026. Read highlights of her 48-year PCC career.
Long before roaming chickens became a common sight in Laie, Uncle David Hannemann experimented with bringing Polynesian village life to PCC through live animals, creating memorable—and sometimes noisy—attractions.
Legacy content creator Mike Foley, the first student-stage manager at the PCC, describes some of the things he and the stage crew had to do in the late 1960s.
Few people realize that Elvis Presley, the famous “king of rock and roll,” helped shape one of the Polynesian Cultural Center most popular traditions — our iconic canoe tour and special; and some of those who do, are mis-remembering his “wedding canoe” ride.
These short stories come straight from the voice of our beloved Governor, Jimmy Mapu. With humor, heart, and a whole lot of personality, Jimmy shares moments that will make you laugh, reflect, and feel the spirit of the Polynesian Cultural Center. Each story is a small glimpse into life at the Center—told the way only the Governor can tell it.
Read about Lokelani Lindsey, who previously danced with the CCH Polynesian Panorama group in Waikiki before joining the original PCC night show cast as a dancer.
