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)
Haunani Kaanaanā attended Church College of Hawaii in 1956, but didn’t join the PCC until 10 years later. She soon become one of the Center’s first female managers.
The PCC/BYU–Hawaii Brass Band, which previously last played in 1995, held a reunion during the Center’s 50th-anniversary celebration in 2013.
Felix Tai, who is originally from Malaysia where he first learned to cook from his mother, attended BYU–Hawaii and worked in the Samoa Village before becoming PCC’s executive chef.
Bobby Akoi, who worked at the Center for 42 years, retired as our director of protocol in July 2019.
In a moving display of unity, tradition, and gratitude, the Polynesian Cultural Center welcomed Samoa’s Head of State, His Highness Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, with full Polynesian honors during his 2011 visit. From powerful oratory to heartfelt cultural exchanges, His Highness reflected on the deep bonds between Pacific communities and praised the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for its global humanitarian impact. Discover how this historic occasion celebrated shared heritage, inspired youth, and strengthened ties across oceans.
