Hawaiian Kauhale Expansion Groundbreaking Celebrates Culture, Aloha, and the Future
The gentle lapping of water against the side of the canoe set the scene on Saturday morning, October 3rd, 2026, as a Hawaiian chant of welcome rang out across the dock. It was answered by an equally beautiful chant from aboard the canoe, accepting the welcome.
Thus, began the groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation and expansion of the Hawaiian Kauhale (village) at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
What to Expect from Hawaiian Village Expansion
This exciting project marks the beginning of a significant expansion of the Center’s host village and will deepen visitors' understanding of traditional Hawaiian life. The renovated kauhale will highlight Hawaiian culture, agriculture, and mālama ʻāina practices, demonstrating the sacred relationship between the people and the land.
Planned features include a surfboard display, expanded kalo patches, net-throwing demonstrations, a fishpond, and an ahupuaʻa wall that illustrates the connection between the mountains, the land, and the sea.
The expansion will cover more than 4.5 acres, representing more than 10% of the Center's total grounds. Construction is expected to be completed by 2028.
Leaders Share a Vision of Culture and Aloha
The groundbreaking program featured three speakers: Hawaiian Village Manager Keanupōhina Manoa, Vice President of Physical Facilities Kealiʻi Haverly, and PCC President Jarod Hester.
"This groundbreaking will give a new opportunity to teach Hawaiian culture and spark curiosity, especially among students," said Manoa. He emphasized that the project is a way of sharing aloha with the world. Quoting a Hawaiian proverb, he added, "When your offering is well prepared, your prayers will be fruitful."
Haverly echoed the importance of aloha in today's world. "The world needs aloha," he said. "Aloha is the greatest of all things."
"We have something unique here that you don't see anywhere else in the world," Haverly said. "This unique, weird, wonderful, awesome, terrific place where people can come together and feel aloha."
President Hester shared his vision for the renewed Hawaiian Village, explaining that the project will allow Hawaiian culture to "shine at the PCC in a different way."
“This investment matters because it gives our Hawaiian Village team, our practitioners, [and] our students a worthy place of knowledge and aloha to share the knowledge and aloha they carry.” Hester also mentioned that he has hopes of the Hawaiian community feeling like this is a place they can share their history and culture.
A Groundbreaking Ceremony Rooted in Hawaiian Tradition
The highlight of the ceremony was the groundbreaking itself, performed by eight men who have had significant past or present affiliations with the Polynesian Cultural Center.
The beautiful morning celebration also featured inspiring traditional hula performances and a delicious Hawaiian feast, creating a fitting tribute to the culture that has welcomed visitors to the Polynesian Cultural Center for generations and will continue to do so for years to come.
Experience the spirit of aloha at the Polynesian Cultural Center! Discover Hawaiian traditions, connect with the stories of the islands, and explore the rich culture that continues to inspire generations. Plan your visit today!