TALK STORY
Sister Bateman kept quilting for PCC
At 86, Sister Helen Bateman began serving at the Polynesian Cultural Center, sharing her love of quilting and donating over 250 handmade Hawaiian quilts to support students. Known affectionately as “Aunty Helen,” she continued giving long after her mission ended, leaving behind a legacy of aloha, service, and creativity.
Sione Milford got ‘immersed’ in Tongan culture
Meet Sione Milford — born Samoan, once a Tongan ambassador, now chief of the Samoan Village at PCC. One culture wasn’t enough for this gifted performer and cultural leader.
Samoan ‘ambassador’ joins East Coast media blitz
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.
Christian Wilson’s mid-1800s ties to Tahiti
When Christian Wilson began writing a story as a teen about a shipwreck in French Polynesia, he had no idea it mirrored the real-life survival story of his great-great-grandparents—who nearly perished in the 1855 Julia Ann disaster. Years later, he’d find himself called to serve a mission in those very islands and eventually help pioneer PCC’s first digital systems. Discover how faith, family, and divine connections span generations in this remarkable true story.
Listen up for slack key guitar in our Hawaiian Village
Tucked within the sounds of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Hawaiian Village is a rare musical gem: the soulful resonance of kī ho‘alu — slack key guitar. Whether you’re strolling by or sitting in on a demonstration, if you’re lucky, you might hear Kaipo Mānoa’s fingers dance across the strings, carrying forward a once-hidden Hawaiian tradition. Discover how this deeply personal style evolved from cowboy roots into a world-renowned symbol of Hawaiian identity.
The Polynesian Cultural Center pays homage to Bill Cravens
From humble beginnings to historic leadership, William H. Cravens left a lasting legacy at the Polynesian Cultural Center and beyond. Discover the story of a man whose love for culture, community, and faith shaped generations — and helped build the foundation of the PCC we know today.