Just before the closing hymn at the April 2020 General Conference, which included a worldwide, multi-lingual choir singing “We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet,” President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced eight new temples. The temples announced included one in Dubai, United Arab Emirates– the Church’s first official temple in the Middle East, according to Church Newsroom.

Sister LouAnn Randall, a healthcare service missionary from Idaho who has been a nurse for 42 years, said it’s been difficult for new mothers because nobody has been allowed to have their families visit the new babies due to closed borders or travel regulations. “Nobody’s had help,” she explained.

After eight years of preparation and construction, the Banyan Dining Hall is a combination of community memories, Hawaiian culture and BYU–Hawaii’s diversity in a modern setting.

The Polynesian Cultural Center welcomed guests back with new precautions, attractions, and limited experiences on Monday, Jan. 18, after 10 months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overcoming homesickness is a common issue for freshman mainland students because it is their first time being away from home for a long period of time, according to several freshman BYU-Hawaii students. However, most of those interviewed said the diverse cultures and peoples have helped them cope with this new experience.

BYUH alumni couple, from the Philippines, say people should choose your love and love your choice

Editor's note: This story was written on individual people's stories, not to encourage students to return. BYU–Hawaii released guidelines on Aug. 4, saying, "Students should not move to Laie or the surrounding areas until they have been invited to do so." University information says it is following a reopening plan related to Hawaii's phased reopening plan, and will invite all students back to campus once the island is in Phase Green. Unless otherwise invited, the University has asked all students to stay home.

Lawrence Laureano’s love of singing and teaching music has helped him and others find emotional support through the demands of life, he said. “I’ve had a profound understanding since I was a little boy that we are all connected and that’s the reason why I love choral music. We are connected in choir.”

After getting rejected three times to study at BYUH, Malaysian senior Terrell Wu graduates with honors