‘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.
“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 Pu, who were originally from Tuba’i, French Polynesia, served in the Tahitian Village until 1983.
“Colonel” Vern Hardisty was the Cultural Center general manager from 1969–’75.
Josephine Moea’i, who started at the Center in 1966, worked as secretary to five general managers before retiring.
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.
B.J. Fuller was one of the original Polynesian Cultural Center cashiers. She also sang at many PCC functions over the next several decades.
Church College of Hawaii faculty member Wylie Swapp was involved with early phases of the Polynesian Cultural Center.
A Church engineer took this picture of traditional Samoan houses in 1962 to help create building plans for the Polynesian Cultural Center.
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