LIFE AT THE CENTER
Scooter Riders Aloha
These short stories come straight from the voice of our beloved Governor, Jimmy Mapu. With humor, heart, and a whole lot of personality, Jimmy shares moments that will make you laugh, reflect, and feel the spirit of the Polynesian Cultural Center. Each story is a small glimpse into life at the Center—told the way only the Governor can tell it.
Be a Good Boy or I’ll HAUNT You Down!
These short stories come straight from the voice of our beloved Governor, Jimmy Mapu. With humor, heart, and a whole lot of personality, Jimmy shares moments that will make you laugh, reflect, and feel the spirit of the Polynesian Cultural Center. Each story is a small glimpse into life at the Center—told the way only the Governor can tell it.
Feeling the Spirit
These short stories come straight from the voice of our beloved Governor, Jimmy Mapu. With humor, heart, and a whole lot of personality, Jimmy shares moments that will make you laugh, reflect, and feel the spirit of the Polynesian Cultural Center. Each story is a small glimpse into life at the Center—told the way only the Governor can tell it.
“Working with fire” at the PCC
In “Working with Fire,” PCC Living Treasure Mike (Mikaele) Foley reflects on decades behind the scenes at the Polynesian Cultural Center, where fire played an unforgettable role. From a near-disastrous gift shop scare to flaming bamboo torches, fire-walking boxes, and an ill-advised pyrotechnic experiment, Foley shares rare, candid stories from the Center’s early years. His memories reveal both the risks and ingenuity behind PCC’s night shows—and how close the Hale Aloha once came to disaster.
Laie Inn Demo
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)
Happy Return
A forgotten $5 bill, kept for decades, carried more than monetary value. When it was quietly returned to the Polynesian Cultural Center, it revealed a promise, a love story, and a meaning far deeper than anyone expected.