Seasider Stories

The Polynesian Cultural Center recently held its Employee Fireknife Competition on April 15. This annual event invites every employee to participate, and it honors the ancient ailao, which is a traditional Samoan warrior dance.

Bringing together creativity, history, and storytelling, Brigham Young University hosted its 7th annual BYU Public Domain Film Festival. This event celebrated media from the 1930s by challenging students enrolled in the three flagship campuses to create an original short film.

“I had a feeling that this is where I belonged.”

KaU'ialohaokalewalani “KaU’i” Naluai never planned to attend BYU–Hawaii. In fact, she once resisted the idea, but through personal prayer, trials, and a growing conviction that God was guiding her path, the Laie native found that she is exactly where she needed to be. Now a junior majoring in English education, KaU’i says her journey to BYU–Hawaii has shaped not only her career goals, but her faith and identity as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Winter 2026 commencement speaker Timothy Samad reflects on faith, resilience, marriage, and purpose as he represents one of BYU–Hawaii’s largest graduating classes

Featuring some outstanding seasiders and their experiences at BYU–Hawaii.

On a small island in Kiribati, Tabeta Boraia Tangata first began to imagine a future that was different–not just for herself, but for the children who would come after her.

Moniqueca Kaufusi, an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Business & Government, shares about her life, interests, and teaching philosophy.

For BYU–Hawaii student Jacob Alexander Albee, science and faith are more than academic interests; they’re guiding forces that have shaped his life’s journey from Washington state to the shores of Oahu.

Beka Poh, a senior from Papua New Guinea, is majoring in English with an emphasis in business and creative writing at BYU–Hawaii. Throughout her time on campus, she has discovered not only confidence in her craft but a deeper purpose behind it.

Born in China, raised in Canada, and educated in Hawaii, Joy Tang’s journey to BYU–Hawaii spans continents and cultures. Now graduating with a degree in business management and marketing, Tang credits her time at the university with shaping both her professional direction and her faith.

Although Stone once believed those facing mental health challenges could not be helped, her training showed her that hope remains, even in difficult times.

Joel Reece, a Professor in the Faculty of Sciences, shares about his life, pursuits, and interests.

When R. Kelly Haws and his wife, Connie Haws, acting president and first lady, arrived at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, they brought with them a shared love for education, a deep testimony of Jesus Christ, and decades of experience serving students across the world.

Ban Phung, associate professor in the Faculty of Arts and Letters, shares about his life, pursuits, and interests.

Ying Ying Li Tamilarason once pursued an Olympic dream on Malaysia’s badminton courts. Now, she works just as hard for good grades at BYU–Hawaii, bringing the same determination that took her to the world stage.

Celine Duffau, an assistant professor in psychology, shares about her life, pursuits, and interests.

Fall 2025 valedictorian Manuarii Tefan reflects on mentorship, initiative and the power of gratitude that shaped his BYU–Hawaii journey