Tahitian alumnus creates Laie mural
Eriki Marchand, former “chief” of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Marquesas tohua, recently revisited Laie to install a mural honoring the visit of King Kalākaua to Laie in 1894.
PCC videographer produces award-winning film
Milton Kaka’s video, “Tala,” traces the death of an infant girl in Samoa and its subsequent impact over 60 years ago.
Virtual choir touches hearts at 60th-anniversary devotional
The story behind the Cultural Center’s 60th-anniversary virtual choir video that was performed on screen during the opening devotional on October 8, 2023, in the BYU–Hawaii Cannon Activities Center, and is now online.
Vern Hardisty: One of his first PCC impressions
“Colonel” Vern Hardisty was the Cultural Center general manager from 1969–’75.
Three Samoan Villagers help Hōkūle’a
Tapusoa Tumu Purcell, one of three Samoans sent to help finish the Hokulea sailing canoe, was skilled not only in carving, but in other traditional Samoan building arts as well.
Tupu Tiave: ‘An emotional experience’
Tupu Tiave was the first of seven siblings to work at the Polynesian Cultural Center, starting in 1972.
Huiariki Watene: “It all started here”
Huiariki “Riki” Wātene, a Maori from Hastings, New Zealand, parlayed his PCC experience into a career back home.
Haunani Kaanaanā Nash: “The best place to work”
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.
Brent Malolo: Canoe dancer, night show performer
Malolo grew up in a small village on the Samoan island of Savai’i, and went to school in the capital and near Wellington, New Zealand, before attending BYU–Hawaii and working at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
