Kalilimoku Sola August Hunt and Tuputausi May Asayo Hirata Hunt, Polynesian Cultural Center alumni, have been called to serve as president and matron of the Pago Pago American Samoa Temple. Their journey—from PCC service to Church and civic leadership—reflects a lifetime of faith, cultural pride, and devotion to helping others experience the blessings of the temple.
In the early 1960s, while serving in the Sāmoa Apia Mission, Elder Ron Haymore helped fulfill a unique request from the Polynesian Cultural Center—to acquire authentic ‘afa, the coconut fiber cordage traditionally used to lash wooden structures. Under Mission President John Phillip Hanks’ direction, Elder Haymore traveled across Upolu with local matai, visiting villages and gathering coils of ‘afa. His small but meaningful effort became part of the PCC’s early construction legacy, connecting craftsmanship and culture across the Pacific.
Milton Kaka’s video, “Tala,” traces the death of an infant girl in Samoa and its subsequent impact over 60 years ago.
From tour guide to tram driver, Pōuli Magalei Sr.’s nearly 50-year journey with the Polynesian Cultural Center was filled with so much hear, history and testimony.
Ottley Wright — came to Laie in 1984 and worked at the PCC as a canoe tour and Laie Tour guide — at the Center’s 50th-anniversary reunion.
Before marrying George Hunt of Samoa, Beth McKinnon Hunt left Australia to attend Church College of Hawaii in 1963 and ended up dancing in the Polynesian Cultural Center night show.
From the Village to the World Stage: Meet Crease Tofa. Raised in the heart of Savaii, Samoa, Creasepaul Tofa brings the traditions of his ancestors to life at the Polynesian Cultural Center. From fire knife dancing and coconut husking to night diving and carving, Crease’s story is one of cultural pride, resilience, and teaching the next generation.
Still climbing 50-foot coconut trees in his 50s, Kap Te’o-Tafiti is more than just muscle and charm. A beloved ambassador of the Polynesian Cultural Center, Kap is a witty teacher of Sāmoan culture, a dedicated vegetarian, and a talented artist. Learn the surprising and inspiring story behind one of PCC’s most iconic cultural figures.
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.
