"From this school will go men (and women) whose influence will be felt for good toward the establishment of peace internationally. . . the world needs men (and women) who cannot be bought or sold, who scorn to violate truth, genuine gold. That is what this school is going to produce. More than that, they will be leaders, not only on this island but everywhere. All the world is hungering for them."
President David O. McKay, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Groundbreaking & Dedication of CCH/BYU–Hawaii," February 12, 1955.
Recently Published
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.
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.
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.
A. Tauariki Kalama: The Ledger of a Life Well Lived
Akimano "Tauariki" Numanga Kalama graduated from BYU–Hawaii in December 1988 with a degree in accounting. Born and raised in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, she boarded a plane to Tahiti at seven and never stopped taking leaps. Now the Chief Financial Officer of the Polynesian Cultural Center, Kalama's story is one of courage, grit, and faith.
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