Happy 50th birthday to the Polynesian Cultural Center!
More commonly known as PCC, the Mormon-church-owned center attracts thousands of visitors ever year – over 30 million to date. But even more impressive are the thousands of Mormons who traveled to Hawaii in celebration of this week.
These include alumni of the nearby Brigham Young University-Hawaii, most of whom spent their college days working for PCC. It was a way for them to pay for their schooling, as well as form friendships that lasted a lifetime. Some returning are well into their 70s; yet, they loved their Hawaii memories so much, they couldn’t help but come back!
The public had also been invited to a huge cultural performance by alumni. It celebrated the 50 years and gave everyone a chance to relive wonderful memories of the past. Sort of like a massive high school reunion, I’d imagine. How fun! And how wonderful to see old friendships renewed.
The PCC is a living museum on Oahu’s north shore that has become a major tourist attraction. Visitors stroll through replicas of Hawaii, Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, Tahiti and French Polynesia. The park spreads across12 million square miles, with more than 1,000 employees!
POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER (PCC)
• 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762 • 808-293-3333 • www.polynesia.com
