Campus Community

Culture Night 2025 brought the spirit of unity and diversity to life once again at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, as students and community members gathered to celebrate the rich cultural backgrounds of the university’s student body. The two-night spectacle, held in the Cannon Activities Center (CAC), was a vibrant showcase of traditional and modern performances from 25 culture clubs, each representing the unique heritage of their respective nations.

The highly anticipated Culture Night 2025 is bringing together students from all over the world to share and celebrate their unique cultural heritage. This year’s event will take place over two nights: Wednesday, March 5, from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and Friday, March 7, from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Among the many performances, one group is making its debut—the Myanmar Club—while returning favorites like the Cambodia and Samoa, clubs promise to impress with new and exciting performances, each under 15 minutes.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025, marking seven decades of academic excellence, spiritual growth, and cultural unity. Founded in 1955 in Laie, Hawaii, this unique institution has remained steadfast in its mission to educate students in an environment that fosters both intellectual and spiritual growth. From its humble beginnings to its current role as a beacon of global influence, BYU–Hawaii’s history is one of learning, light, and the spirit of aloha in its enduring impact.

In 2024, Brigham Young University–Hawaii continued its legacy of transformative education, building on the foundation of prophetic vision and inspired leadership. Reflecting on the wonders of God shared by Elder Michael T. Ringwood during his winter 2024 commencement speech, the students of BYU–Hawaii embraced his words of making their “future the product of [their] present.” The past year has witnessed the university community rising to meet new challenges and opportunities with faith, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

A Look Inside Hale 11, 12, and 13

BYU–Hawaii celebrated its annual Food Fest on November 9, with 36 clubs transforming the newly constructed Aloha Plaza into a culinary and cultural wonderland. From 5 to 9 pm, students, faculty, and community members gathered to enjoy an evening filled with flavors, music, and camaraderie.

The Joseph F. Smith Library of BYU–Hawaii is embarking on a project to donate 40,000 books to the Northern Mariana Islands in November 2024. The donation, organized in collaboration with Senator Glenn Wakai of Hawaii and the Micronesian community, involves two major shipments: the first crate of books will be sent on November 4, and the second will follow on November 11. The books are set to enhance libraries and educational institutions in the islands, where access to a diverse range of educational materials is limited.

The Golden State Warriors brought their 2024 training camp to Brigham Young University–Hawaii, from October 1 to 4. Sponsored by Gatorade, the training camp was marked by an outpouring of enthusiasm from students, faculty, and the community, who were eager for the chance to witness their favorite NBA team in action on campus.

BYU–Hawaii was honored to facilitate the legacy celebration for Leonard and Margaret Fong. The Fongs have been long-time supporters of BYU–Hawaii. Their relationship with the university spans decades and generations with significant financial and personal contributions, including establishing two scholarship funds. The Fong family is passionate about supporting the institution and helping BYU–Hawaii students achieve their educational goals through scholarships and financial aid.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii has called on the help of art preservationist Scott M. Haskins to oversee the de-installation of the mosaic on the front of the David O. McKay building. Under Haskins' guidance, the mosaic will be detached for safekeeping during the upcoming construction work on campus.

Iosepa, the traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe of Brigham Young University–Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), has set sail once more, marking its first voyage after eight years. On May 30, the Iosepa embarked on a month-long journey that includes its participation in the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, held across the island of Oahu, Hawaii. FestPAC kicked off last week and runs through June 16 with the theme “Ho'oulu Lāhui: Regenerating Oceania,” bringing together diverse people and cultures from all across the Pacific.

Culture Night 2024 lived up to the hype as the two-night event was filled with memorable performances from 25 culture clubs that showcased their respective nations’ backgrounds while promoting uncommon parts of cultures exclusively for Brigham Young University–Hawaii students and the community of Laie.

Culture Night 2024 is shaping up to be a unique one as various clubs prepare to introduce new performances related to their culture. The highly anticipated annual event that promotes cultural diversity and worldwide peace takes place on March 13, at 7:00 pm and March 15 at 8:00 pm. Among the many clubs set to welcome new dances are the Latin America and Filipino clubs, whilst the Rotuma and Golden Mecca clubs make their debut performance at the event.

On Saturday, February 17, Brigham Young University–Hawaii hosted the 2024 Nā Leo Hou All-State High School Choral Festival. The all-day event brought nearly 400 high school students from across Hawaii together with the Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir and Seasiders Singers for interactive workshops, rehearsals, and sectionals, ending with a grand concert performance.

On January 31, 2024, Brigham Young University–Hawaii hosted its first-ever BYUH Date Night. The event shared an initiative across all Church Educational System (CES) Institutions to provide low-pressure events that could improve the dating culture across its campuses.

In 2023, Brigham Young University–Hawaii stood at the forefront of transformative change, echoing the visionary aspirations set forth by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland during his address at the inaugural ceremony for President John S.K. Kauwe III in October of 2021. Then, he asserted, "What we have done in the past has led us marvelously to this day, but in no way is it sufficient for the trajectory the Church and the university are on now...The great work of BYU–Hawaii is still ahead of us...[And the] great purposes of BYU–Hawaii will demand the very best of us."

On Saturday, October 21, 2023, descendants of Kaleohano gathered to dedicate a special memorial to Kaleohano and recognize his life of leadership and faith in Jesus Christ. The historical marker was placed near his burial site behind the grounds of the Laie Hawaii Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

As previously announced, Brigham Young University–Hawaii hosted the 2023 Utah Jazz training camp from October 3 to October 7. This event marked a thrilling week for BYU–Hawaii students, faculty, and leaders, offering them a unique window into the world of professional basketball.