BYU–Hawaii students shared how different places in Laie have become personal retreats for their mental well-being and places where they seek peace. Helaman Kennach, a senior from Washington majoring in Pacific Island Studies, said he seeks solace in the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He said he is able to confront life’s challenges by drawing strength and hope from the Lord’s presence. “I love to be in the Laie Hawaii Temple because it’s a place where I can enter the Lord’s presence and find the strength and hope to face my trials,” he said.
Fiapa’i Sauni, a sophomore from New Zealand majoring in hospitality and tourism management, said her favorite getaway is the Laie Cemetery. During tough times, she said finds comfort in spending multiple hours at her grandfather’s and grandmother’s grave, especially since she is named after her grandmother. She explained, “My Ma and Pa, buried at the Laie Cemetery, have always been my go-to place whenever I feel overwhelmed and at the edge of a cliff mentally because it calms me down and reminds me of who I am.”
Meanwhile, Selina Walter, a political sophomore majoring in from Chuuk, said she discovers serenity at the beach while laying on her beach mat and embracing a peaceful reminder of home. She stated, “I enjoy… meditating and getting refreshed at the beach while reminiscing on the peacefulness because it feels like home.”
Una Taito, a BYUH alumna who graduated in social work and psychology from Samoa, and Lenora Tautiaga, a sophomore majoring in computer science from Samoa, both shared that going to food trucks at the Polynesian Cultural Center or in Kahuku bring them peace and help make them happy.