Seika Fujitani

Tongan students share their journeys living far from their county and the importance of family

BYUH students make special memories by stargazing while contemplating their lives in Hawaii

BYUH students minoring in theater and film discuss their perspectives on a Korean dramas

BYU–Hawaii sophomore Kyle Kristian Acain said he grew up in a musical Filipino family and was inspired by his father's love of music and his older sibling's ability to play instruments. However, he said he had to conquer stage fright to discover singing and playing the guitar are the strengths he uses to survive in society and bring people joy.

While mochi is a continuous fan favorite among BYU–Hawaii students, the culture of mochi runs deep for several students, especially those from Japanese, Chinese and Hawaiian cultures. Mari Kojima, a junior majoring in peacebuilding from Hokkaido, Japan, said, “Mochi is a part of our life.”

In January 2022, the new Hawaii Laie Mission was created, a separation from the Hawaii Honolulu Mission. The new mission includes the Laie Hawaii Temple Visitors' Center, three young single adult stakes near BYU–Hawaii and two stakes in the Laie area. Since the creation of the mission, only sisters have been called as young full-time missionaries, with the exception of some elders who were assigned from the Honolulu Hawaii Mission to serve in Laie for nine months. The mission also includes senior missionaries serving in the area at the Polynesian Cultural Center and BYUH.