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.
Mike (Mikaele) Foley shares several stories of how his retail team once almost burned down a PCC gift shop in the 1990s, and another when his stage crew almost blew up the Hale Aloha in the late 1960s. What? Click on the picture to keep reading.
Soon after the Center opened in 1963, the Church built a modest 49-room hotel practically in the parking lot. Along with a restaurant and service station, it served thousands of guests and local residents until it was demolished in 2010 (to make way for a 220-room replacement that opened in 2015)
Matuauto Steve Lāʻulu, Island Manager at the Polynesian Cultural Center, reflects on his journey from student employee to leader, shaped by culture, hard work, and opportunity. Featured in The Aloha Experiment (1978) and now witnessing Sharing Aloha (2025), Lāʻulu sees both films as testaments to cultural preservation and student empowerment. For him, the PCC is a living museum—one that preserves Pacific Island heritage while providing life-changing educational opportunities for students far from home.
Aunty Dora, who was still dancing hula in her 80s, started learn from kumu Kela Millerʻs great-grandmother as a girl in Laie.
Earl Cropper’s life reflects a deep connection to Hawaiʻi, education, and service. After serving a mission in Hawaiʻi (1962–64), he enrolled at Church College of Hawaii and worked in the early days of the Polynesian Cultural Center. A former student body president, Earl built a career and family in Utah while giving back generously through the Matthew Cowley Society, believing education transforms families, communities, and future generations.
