Allan Barcarse, a Church College of Hawaii alumnus and one of the original Polynesian Cultural Center dancers, left a legacy that spanned continents. From learning Japanese on his mission to sharing Hawaiian culture across Asia, Latin America, and Europe, his life was a powerful blend of faith, performance, and education.
Larry G. Nielson, the Polynesian Cultural Center’s very first stage manager in what is now the Hale Aloha, brought an impressive list of talents with him when he became one of the PCC’s earliest employees in 1962.
Tekura Tamatoa Traill, a proud Cook Islander raised in Auckland, New Zealand, recently graduated from BYU–Hawaii and returned home after four transformative years working at the Polynesian Cultural Center. From learning Māori dance for the first time to meeting global friends—and even her husband—her journey reflects the deep cultural and personal growth made possible through the IWES program.
“Colonel” Vern Hardisty was the Cultural Center general manager from 1969–’75.
Tupu Tiave was the first of seven siblings to work at the Polynesian Cultural Center, starting in 1972.
Huiariki “Riki” Wātene, a Maori from Hastings, New Zealand, parlayed his PCC experience into a career back home.
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.
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.
Bobby Akoi, who worked at the Center for 42 years, retired as our director of protocol in July 2019.
