Delsa Moe, Vice President of cultural presentations at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) and an alumna of Brigham Young University–Hawaii (BYUH), shares a life story deeply entwined with her time as a student and employee. Her journey begins in her homeland in the islands of Samoa and traces a path to becoming an esteemed figure in both the BYU–Hawaii and PCC communities.
"I attended the Church College of Western Samoa. I'm the oldest of five children. My mom is from Idaho, and my dad is from Samoa," said Moe. Upon graduating high school, Moe received a scholarship offer from BYU–Hawaii. Recounting her experience, she says, "My dad wanted me to attend his alma mater, Brigham Young University in Provo. My mom wanted me to attend her alma mater, Ricks College (now Brigham Young University-Idaho). In the end, I chose BYU–Hawaii."
Motivated by the promise of adventure and cultural immersion, Moe left her familiar home and traveled to Laie. Upon arriving on campus, she realized just how closely connected BYU–Hawaii was to the PCC. Moe remarks, "A lot of my teachers were graduates of BYUH. They all talked about how fun it was to work at PCC. It seemed like PCC and BYUH went hand in hand. Everybody did it. You went to school, and you worked at PCC."
The connection between BYU–Hawaii and the PCC, where students seamlessly blended academic pursuits with cultural experiences, strongly appealed to Moe. Dancing, in particular, held a special place in her heart. A fondness that was kindled by a teacher who introduced her to various dance forms from the islands of Polynesia.
"One of my teachers started a little dance group in our neighborhood. She taught us Maori, Samoan, and Hawaiian dances. I really enjoyed that," Moe fondly recollected. "I said, 'This is fun,' and my teacher would say, 'If you go to BYUH, you can work at the PCC and do just that.'"
Over the next few years Moe’s life was marked by a fusion of academia and culture. Intimate class sizes allowed her to forge connections with professors who served as educators and mentors. “I really enjoyed most, if not all, of my professors and teachers,” Moe noted. “Class sizes were small enough that all of them were very accessible and nice to us.”
Additionally, Moe engaged in Samoan club activities, participated in a touring band, and reveled in the rich cultural exchange during events like Culture Night and Song Fest. Moe cherished the strong sense of community and support she experienced, forming friendships with peers from across the globe.
Moe’s employment at the PCC began in 1978 when she assumed the role of a demonstrator guide at the Aotearoa village. Her proficiency as a pump organ player led her to the theater department, where she played a pivotal role in showcasing Polynesian music and culture. Her roles evolved over time, encompassing dance, musical performances, narration, and emceeing. By the time she graduated from BYU–Hawaii, she had ascended to a supervisory position at PCC.
Moe’s time in Laie also led her to a significant milestone—love. She met her husband, a local resident who was working as a security guard in the PCC during her time at BYU–Hawaii. Their romance blossomed, leading to their union at the Laie Hawaii Temple. Together, they nurtured a family consisting of four sons and a daughter, and today, they enjoy the blessings of ten grandchildren.
When it comes to honoring the legacy of BYU–Hawaii and the PCC, Moe’s approach is deeply rooted in authenticity and excellence. She seeks to represent her family, culture, and religion with sincerity and dedication to those beyond the PCC community. Moe believes that the most profound way to pay homage to those who preceded her is to perpetuate their legacy of improvement. By applying the knowledge and wisdom imparted by her mentors, she becomes a torchbearer of their legacy and inspires others to follow suit.
"If things start spiraling downwards and falling apart, that means [our mentors] weren’t very good teachers," Moe observed. "The best thing we can do to honor the legacy of those before us is to improve where we are at. Hopefully, the next generation will do the same over the next 60 years."
In Delsa Moe's journey, one finds a testament to the enduring impact of BYU–Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Her narrative embodies the spirit of gratitude, optimism, and service that have defined these institutions for over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on all those who have had the privilege of being a part of its legacy.