Laie, Hawaii – On the north shore of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, the Polynesian Cultural Center, BYU-Hawaii and the Laie Hawaii Temple create a unique “puʻuhonua,” or place of refuge, environment for Latter-day Saint youth.
“You come to Hawaii. You come to this community that is based on this aloha spirit,” said BYU-Hawaii President John S. K. Kao III. “What you feel is the idea of people welcoming you with that word. This means more than just hello. This means more than just goodbye. “It reminds you of the love you should feel for the people around you.”
This church news video, titled “Aloha Spirit,” features leaders and students associated with the university and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
“There is a dominant culture in the Polynesian cultural center, and that is the gospel of Jesus Christ,” B. said. Alfred Grace, President of the Cultural Center. “This is what brings us all together.”
