NEWS / EVENTS
News media from around the world have been reporting on the Polynesian Cultural Center and events happening here since before it opened in October 1963. In addition, the Center’s own communications, and sales and marketing people, as well as our advertising and PR agencies have also issued hundreds of thousands of press releases and distributed collateral material around the world, while our superlative Promo Team and other promotional groups have personally appeared around the world, helping spread the Polynesian Cultural Center’s stories.
It’s impossible to estimate how many hundreds of millions of impressions all these efforts have made — perhaps more than a billion (because some media in Asia alone have audiences of 300 million-plus).
We’ve selected the following as samples for your enjoyment and to jog your memories:
Polynesian Cultural Center Premieres Sharing Aloha video
Directed by Blair Treu, Sharing Aloha offers a heartfelt look into the lives of BYU–Hawaii students behind the Polynesian Cultural Center’s night show. Premiered at the Zions Indie Film Fest, the documentary highlights their cultural journey, sacrifices, and spirit of aloha.
PCC’s new voyaging master sails the Iosepa
In June 2024, the Polynesian Cultural Center and BYU–Hawaii worked together to prepare and sail the beautiful 57-foot traditional wooden Hawaiian sailing canoe Iosepa to Kualoa to participate in the Pacific Festival gathering of canoes at Kualoa. On its way back to Laie, the Iosepa circumnavigated Oahu.
‘Polynesian Festival’ Wins Fans
Many of the Polynesian Cultural Center students who participated in the 1966 mainland promotion to the Hollywood Bowl and Salt Lake City said their visit with President David O. McKay and his wife, Emma, at their home in Huntsville, Utah, was the highlight of the trip.
Alex Galea’i: Fire Knife Ad Award
Vice President of Human Resources John Muaina recently represented the Polynesian Cultural Center as he and his wife, Luella, toured China with BYU–Hawaii President Eric B. Shumway, his party and the university’s Concert Choir for three weeks to celebrate the successful completion of 25 years of BYUH/PCC’s unique Asian Executive Management (AEM) internship training program.
PCC’s ‘Uncle John’ celebrates 25 years of China friendship
Vice President of Human Resources John Muaina recently represented the Polynesian Cultural Center as he and his wife, Luella, toured China with BYU–Hawaii President Eric B. Shumway, his party and the university’s Concert Choir for three weeks to celebrate the successful completion of 25 years of BYUH/PCC’s unique Asian Executive Management (AEM) internship training program.
Japanese farm tour program started in 2006
One of the Center’s Japanese-speaking guides discusses the PCC garden’s pineapple patch with a group who came on a circle island tour, arriving about noon. The garden is located on the Hauula side of the Center.
New BYU–Hawaii president addresses PCC team
New BYU-Hawaii President Steven C. Wheelwright told the PCC ‘ohana at the September 21, 2007, Team Meeting (in the Center’s large-format theater) that “you can help bless the lives of our students way beyond pay and jobs.”
The Center prepares Hawaiian Village site for new halau wa‘a
This latest significant addition to the Center marks a unique level of cooperation between the PCC and BYU–Hawaii that will enable Hawaiian Studies students to continue their work on the Iosepa in an appropriate new learning center while also opening the opportunity for visitors to better understand the voyaging feats of ancient Polynesians and feel the mana or essence of the canoe.
Polynesian Cultural Center launches first mainland show
Ellen Gay Dela Rosa, senior manager with the recent PCC performing troupe which put on nearly 40 two-hour shows at the Grand Palace in Branson, Missouri, from June 29 to August 12, reported, “We had a great experience, and we had a standing ovation every night”.
PCC helps dedicate Waikiki Convention Center
A promotional team from the Polynesian Cultural Center participated in the dedication of the new Hawaii Convention Center in Waikiki on June 11, 1998.
Center, BYUH forges closes ties with Iosepa
The Polynesian Cultural Center and BYU–Hawaii have recently entered into a new agreement in which the PCC will take a bigger role with the BYUH’s 57-foot traditional sailing canoe, the Iosepa.
The “Soul of the Seafarer” and Mark Lee
Everyone knows about the BYU–Hawaii Iosepa canoe in the PCC’s Hawaiian Village . . . but did you know there’s a new 24-foot training canoe patterned after the Iosepa that’s recently been added to the “fleet.”
Center hosts Sāmoa Head of State
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.
