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.
Honoring a legacy of leadership and aloha ✨
Last Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the employees of the Polynesian Cultural Center celebrated CEO & President Alfred Grace— a leader whose vision, dedication and heart have shaped the Center’s good standing and uplifted generations through countless experiences.
President Grace is the long-serving president and CEO of the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) in Laie, Hawaii. He is set to retire on May 1, 2026, after holding the position since December 2012. A New Zealand native and former BYU-Hawaii student, Grace previously worked as a student worker before leading the organization.
Mahalo for your service, your guidance, and the impact you left behind. Wishing you all the best in this new chapter.
A hui hou, President Alfred Grace!
Guided by faith and shaped through unexpected trials, Almay Velasco’s journey from Cebu, Philippines, to the Polynesian Cultural Center reflects resilience, gratitude, and trust in God’s plan. As a student at Brigham Young University–Hawaii and a lead tour guide, Almay has faced life-changing storms, family hardship, and moments of uncertainty that deepened her faith and strengthened her desire to serve others. Through every challenge, she learned to embrace patience, remain open to God’s guidance, and lead with compassion—principles that now shape the way she creates meaningful experiences for guests from around the world.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
