Since 1963, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) has provided employment opportunities for young Pasifika students who move to Hawaii to study at Brigham Young University–Hawaii (BYUH). For over six decades, the PCC has offered a way for students to work while they pursue their education, helping them cover living costs and tuition.
Pasifika students, along with others from Oceania, benefit from the IWORK program, which helps them pay for school fees while working up to 19 hours a week at BYUH or the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC). The program supports their educational journey while requiring them to maintain good academic standing and adhere to specific religious standards, allowing them to balance work and studies effectively. Many Pasifika students take advantage of this opportunity to work at PCC while pursuing their education.
The BYUH campus in Laie is located right next to the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), where students work. This close proximity makes it convenient for students to balance their studies at BYUH with their jobs at PCC. The university offers state-of-the-art facilities to support the students’ education.
The center features six cultural villages, each representing a different Polynesian island: Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and Hawaii. Among these, the Samoa village is the most popular, known for its lively demonstrations of coconut tree climbing, fire-making, and the traditional method of making coconut cream. The presentations are educational, witty, and humorous, making it a favorite among visitors.
In the afternoons, before lunch, visitors can enjoy the vibrant Canoe Pageant, where dancers perform across the in-built water passages of the center. The performances highlight the unique dances of various Polynesian islands, adding to the immersive cultural experience at the PCC.
A popular highlight at the PCC is the “Ali’i Luau,” a traditional Hawaiian feast that includes kalua pork, poi, and other authentic dishes. Guests are treated to a cultural performance that honors Hawaiian royalty through song, dance, and storytelling.
In the evening, the center features the Hā: Breath of Life night show, a captivating performance that weaves together Polynesian legends with fire dancing, music, and dramatic storytelling.
Visitors can also explore a variety of shops throughout the center that offer island treasures such as traditional crafts, jewelry, clothing, and artwork, allowing them to take a piece of Polynesia home.
PCC continues to be a resource for the University students and the local community, combining education with cultural preservation for over 60 years.
