‘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.
‘Colonel Twain’ visits the Center?
“Colonel” Mark Twain at the Center? Sort of, but no: He was an actor helping put together a tour operator brochure in 1985.
A very Merrie Monarch Festival in 1984
Cy Bridges and the women of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s hula hālau, Hui Ho’oulu Aloha, backstage at the 1984 Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo.
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.
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.
Tupu Tiave: ‘An emotional experience’
Tupu Tiave was the first of seven siblings to work at the Polynesian Cultural Center, starting in 1972.
Tui Hunt Ikihega: A PCC “baby”
Tua Hunt’s mother and father were both working at the Center when she was born . . . and she soon joined them, later returning as a student employee.
Huiariki Watene: “It all started here”
Huiariki “Riki” Wātene, a Maori from Hastings, New Zealand, parlayed his PCC experience into a career back home.
