Tahitian alumnus creates Laie mural
Eriki Marchand, former “chief” of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Marquesas tohua, recently revisited Laie to install a mural honoring the visit of King Kalākaua to Laie in 1894.
PCC videographer produces award-winning film
Milton Kaka’s video, “Tala,” traces the death of an infant girl in Samoa and its subsequent impact over 60 years ago.
Virtual choir touches hearts at 60th-anniversary devotional
The story behind the Cultural Center’s 60th-anniversary virtual choir video that was performed on screen during the opening devotional on October 8, 2023, in the BYU–Hawaii Cannon Activities Center, and is now online.
‘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.
President Bush: Two thumbs-up for brass band
U.S. President George H.W. Bush took time to shake hands with some of the PCC/BYU Brass Band members, and the author!
Origin of the ‘Laie Lady’?
Did a mysterious woman lead to the Laie Lady legend that was part of the PCC’s “Haunted Lagoon” event?
‘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.
Three Samoan Villagers help Hōkūle’a
Tapusoa Tumu Purcell, one of three Samoans sent to help finish the Hokulea sailing canoe, was skilled not only in carving, but in other traditional Samoan building arts as well.
