‘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.
“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 Pu, who were originally from Tuba’i, French Polynesia, served in the Tahitian Village until 1983.
U.S. President George H.W. Bush took time to shake hands with some of the PCC/BYU Brass Band members, and the author!
Did a mysterious woman lead to the Laie Lady legend that was part of the PCC’s “Haunted Lagoon” event?
“Colonel” Mark Twain at the Center? Sort of, but no: He was an actor helping put together a tour operator brochure in 1985.
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.
Cy Bridges and the women of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s hula hālau, Hui Ho’oulu Aloha, backstage at the 1984 Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo.
Cy Bridges and the women of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s hula hālau, Hui Ho’oulu Aloha, backstage at the 1984 Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo.
B.J. Fuller was one of the original Polynesian Cultural Center cashiers. She also sang at many PCC functions over the next several decades.
All rights reserved.
© 2023 Polynesian Cultural Center