TALK STORY

Atea Lee Chip Sao: Dancing Against the Odds
Tahitian dancer Atea Lee Chip Sao turned every challenge into a stepping stone. From his first lūʻau performance to earning a spot in HĀ: Breath of Life at the Polynesian Cultural Center, his journey reflects determination and faith. Inspired by his mission in Fiji, Atea rediscovered pride in his Tahitian roots and culture. Today, he continues to tell stories through dance and photography, sharing the same passion, expression, and connection that shaped his path.

Josephine’s Cultural Journey
When 22-year-old Josephine St. John left her home in Labasa, Fiji, to begin her studies at BYU–Hawaiʻi, she thought she was simply chasing a dream of higher education. What she didn’t know was that her arrival would be captured on camera and later featured in Sharing Aloha—a 95-minute documentary unveiling the behind-the-scenes world of the Polynesian Cultural Center.
From her family in Fiji selling palusami and root crops cooked in a traditional lovo to raise her airfare, to learning how to balance studies with PCC work, Josephine’s story embodies sacrifice, resilience, and the power of shared culture. Sharing Aloha not only follows her journey but also shines a light on how the PCC preserves Polynesian traditions while providing life-changing opportunities for students like Josephine.

The Fire Knife Hook
Blazing blades slice through the night as fire knife warriors take the stage, their every thrust, twirl, and daring toss igniting the crowd’s awe. Rooted in ancient Samoan tradition, the nifo ‘oti—the “tooth of death”—was once a fearsome weapon of war. Today, it burns bright in the hands of modern competitors who have trained for years to master its dangerous beauty. With real knives and real fire, contestants must blend raw athleticism, technical precision, and cultural authenticity. As legendary emcee Kap Tafiti quips, “We’re the only culture that gives a kid a knife and fire and tells them to go play.” What began in 1993 on the Polynesian Cultural Center stage has since become the world’s most electrifying display of courage, skill, and living tradition.

Crafting with Purpose: The Inspired Carvings of Elder Robert (Bob) Palmer
At 83, Elder Bob Palmer brings faith and craftsmanship to life at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi. A lifelong woodcarver, former teacher, and senior missionary, Bob creates intricate works that reflect both spiritual depth and cultural respect. From marine sculptures to sacred symbols, his carvings tell stories of devotion, heritage, and the joy of creating with purpose.

This Our Fathers Did for Us
In 1960, Matte Te‘o traveled with fellow labor missionaries from Sāmoa and Tonga to build the Church College of Hawai‘i, the Lāʻie Temple additions, and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Despite injury and long days of work, he stayed committed to his calling. Each day began with prayer and purpose. From singing hymns on the flight to helping with chapels at night, he served with heart. “See, this our fathers did for us,” he says—a lasting legacy of faith and sacrifice.

Weaving an Inheritance: Kanani Casey’s Life of Culture, Family, and Resilience
As a young woman working at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Kanani Casey discovered joy, her culture and a simple but powerful pattern for living that she would apply throughout her life. After the family home was destroyed by fire, returning to dance hula at the suggestion of a good friend brought back happy memories of dancing at the PCC and helped her to heal from the pain.