Featured Article
Finau Hafoka: A Promise Kept
Finau Hafoka graduated from BYU–Hawaii in 1987 with a degree in social work. Originally from Tonga, he joined the Church as a teenager in New Zealand–and was disowned for it. After serving as a school counselor, bishop, stake president, mission president, and Laie Hawaii Temple president, Hafoka now serves as a chaplain at BYUH. His story is one of sacrifice, faith, and a family made whole.
Alumni Highlights
Treble Makers and Dream Chasers
Timothy "Cooper" Max graduated from BYU–Hawaii in 2008 with a degree in music composition. His music has been sung by the BYU–Hawaii Concert choir and performed at general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He previously served as executive director of the Houston Masterworks Chorus, a 75-voice ensemble, and today, he is a freelance composer in Houston, Texas. His story is one of persistence, healing and the determination to keep creating despite every challenge.
Alumni Spotlight
Temwake Kuraotio
Temwake Kuraotio is a BYU–Hawaii alumnus from Abemama, Kiribati, now back home with big plans for his nation. He graduated cum laude in Spring 2026 with a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management. Today, he's working with the Ministry of Line and Phoenix Islands Development on a bold mission to turn Kiritimati Island into Kiribati's next development hub.
Featured Videos
Genuine Gold: A Tahitian Alumna’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Tekarohi grew up on the island of Tahiti and in 2019 was accepted to BYU–Hawaii, where she studied Hospitality and Tourism Management. Today, she's the CEO of Tahiti Expert Events, French Polynesia's leading event agency. For over a decade, the agency has partnered with local institutions and businesses on development and communication strategies, working with international names like Warner Bros. Pictures, FIFA, and the World Health Organization, as well as top Polynesian resorts like the Four Seasons Bora Bora. Tekarohi has turned her island roots into a career connecting Polynesia with the world.
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