TALK STORY

MOST RECENT STORIES

Elvis and his impact on PCC canoes

Few people realize that Elvis Presley helped shape one of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s most beloved traditions—the iconic canoe experience.
When Elvis filmed Paradise Hawaiian Style at the PCC in 1965, audiences around the world saw him cruise through the Center’s villages aboard a canoe, greeted by singing and dancing students. Combined with the romantic canoe scenes from his earlier film Blue Hawaii, Elvis helped popularize the image of Polynesian canoe rides as symbols of romance, celebration, and aloha.
As PCC attendance grew during the late 1960s, so did interest in using canoes for engagements and weddings. In 1968, Tufi and Luse Magalei are believed to have celebrated one of the Center’s earliest wedding-party canoe rides, beginning a tradition that would create cherished memories for generations of PCC families and guests.

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Temple Service and Embracing ‘Ohana

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.

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Faith, Formulas, and the Piano: The Journey of Kwun Sung “Ivan” Lee

Equally gifted at a piano and computer keyboard, Kwun Fung “Ivan” Lee blends faith, intellect, and innovation in remarkable ways. A BYU–Hawaii science and mathematics major, he balances research at the PCC with a passion for music. Guided by a patriarchal blessing, Ivan chose education over comfort—building systems that serve others while pursuing purpose beyond success.

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Younger_Steve

From 16mm to Streaming: How PCC’S story of Aloha endures

Matuauto Steve Lāʻulu, Island Manager at the Polynesian Cultural Center, reflects on his journey from student employee to leader, shaped by culture, hard work, and opportunity. Featured in The Aloha Experiment (1978) and now witnessing Sharing Aloha (2025), Lāʻulu sees both films as testaments to cultural preservation and student empowerment. For him, the PCC is a living museum—one that preserves Pacific Island heritage while providing life-changing educational opportunities for students far from home.

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Anna Faʻaumu and Earl Cropper

Combining Love for Hawaii, BYU-Hawaii and the PCC

Earl Cropper’s life reflects a deep connection to Hawaiʻi, education, and service. After serving a mission in Hawaiʻi (1962–64), he enrolled at Church College of Hawaii and worked in the early days of the Polynesian Cultural Center. A former student body president, Earl built a career and family in Utah while giving back generously through the Matthew Cowley Society, believing education transforms families, communities, and future generations.

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Eric Workman

Home Base: Returning with Interest

Returning to Lā‘ie after his mission, Eric Workman never imagined how deeply his life—and career—would be shaped by the Polynesian Cultural Center. From a chance meeting with his future wife to decades of leadership marked by innovation, service, and resilience, Eric’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to people, purpose, and place. His story is one of returning home with vision, stewarding growth through change, and leaving a legacy rooted in Aloha.

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haymore-afa-story

Samoa missionary helps secure ‘afa for PCC

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.

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