Randi Bingham, a freshman from Arizona majoring in exercise and sports science, said she has felt the most connected to Hawaiian culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center. “There is more than culture there. It’s a place where you can get the full experience behind every little thing about every single culture and nation that exists here. Not just at BYU-Hawaii, but on the island itself. It’s breathtaking.”
Atsushi Karino, a freshman from Japan majoring in information systems, said the palm trees and beautiful beaches connect him to Hawaiian culture. “The Hawaiian Islands are called paradise in my country, and I feel like it’s a very tropical place that reminds me of Hawaiian culture.”
John Asetre, a junior from the Philippines majoring in accounting, said he feels the most connected to Hawaiian culture when he is in the gazebo behind the temple because he can see the beaches, the people and the community. “I feel like it’s a paradise, and the people and nature are just so connected to each other. It feels so Hawaiian to me.”
Mae Bundrock, a freshman from Washington majoring in business management, said she feels the most connected to Hawaiian culture on campus because of the diversity. She said, “There is so much diversity here because everyone from around the world is here. It’s pretty nice having everyone around and being able to see the different cultures.”
Michael Calachan, a sophomore from the Philippines majoring in TESOL and social work, said he feels the most connected to Hawaiian culture in Laie. He said, “I feel the spirit of aloha here.” Calachan said this spirit, which locals from neighboring towns have told him is especially strong in Laie, is felt because of the families in Laie.
Lizzie Johnson, a freshman from Arizona majoring in elementary education, said she felt the most connected to Hawaiian culture when she attended the “Ha: Breath of Life” show at the PCC during orientation week. She said, “I thought it was really cool to see all of the different people performing.”