‘Big Joe’ Vakalala returns to the Center
“Big Joe” Vakalalavanua was a very popular Fijian student-employee at the Center in the 1960s, and only returned once in 2002 after graduating.
‘Mama’ and ‘Papa’ Pū: “A most beloved couple”
Mama and Papa Pu, who were originally from Tuba’i, French Polynesia, served in the Tahitian Village until 1983.
Vern Hardisty: One of his first PCC impressions
“Colonel” Vern Hardisty was the Cultural Center general manager from 1969–’75.
Josephine Moea’i: ‘Guided by divine power’
Josephine Moea’i, who started at the Center in 1966, worked as secretary to five general managers before retiring.
Renée Ahuna Cabrinha: “Free rein” at the PCC
Renée Ahuna Cabrinha practically grew up at the Polynesian Cultural Center as a young girl. He husband and children have also worked at the PCC.
Three cashiers staff PCC’s first box office in 1963
B.J. Fuller was one of the original Polynesian Cultural Center cashiers. She also sang at many PCC functions over the next several decades.
Wylie Swapp creates Cultural Center’s name
Church College of Hawaii faculty member Wylie Swapp was involved with early phases of the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Engineering key Maori, Samoan structures
A Church engineer took this picture of traditional Samoan houses in 1962 to help create building plans for the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Pōuli Magalei Sr.: From town runner to tram driver
[Reprinted from pcc50.com, May 29, 2013; interview and photo by Mike Foley] Pouli Magalei sr. started in 1964, when he came from American Samoa. He worked for two years as a tour guide, usher, and town runner. He left for a while, and came back to work in Security from 1971-72. He returned again about […]
