Brigham Young University-Hawaii
The campus of BYU-Hawaii is in Laie, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. It is very near the Polynesian Cultural Center as well as the Laie Hawaii Temple. Laie, Hawaii (population under 7,000) is situated 35 miles north of Honolulu on the island of Oahu. The 100-acre campus is nestled between lush mountains and ideal shoreline. "BYU-Hawai'i is a four-year undergraduate institution that educates 3,200 students each year from 70 countries and cultures from Asia, the Pacific Rim, the U.S. mainland, and other parts of the world. Among universities that exclusively offer bachelor degrees, U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks BYU-Hawai'i among the best in the western United States."
BYU-Hawaii students are fulfilling a phenomenon envisioned by the university's founder, David O. McKay, ninth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On July 2, 1954, President McKay announced the establishment of a college in Hawaii, fulfilling what he had envisioned 33 years earlier. At that time as a Latter-day Saint apostle, he witnessed a flag raising ceremony by children of the Church-sponsored elementary school in Laie, and foresaw an institution of higher learning in this small community. A decorative mosaic above BYU–Hawaii's David O. McKay Building commemorates that historic occasion.
On February 12, 1955, President McKay presided at a groundbreaking ceremony attended by more than 1,000 Church members and guests that marked the beginning of what is today Brigham Young University–Hawaii. He declared, "From this school, I'll tell you, will go men and women whose influence will be felt for good towards the establishment of peace internationally."
BYU-Hawaii began as a two-year church college with 153 students and 20 faculty members. Its first bachelor's degrees were offered in 1961. BYU-Hawaii offers 37 major programs, 61 minor programs, and 10 certificate programs. In September 1991, Peterson's Guide rated BYU-Hawaii among the top 10 universities in the U.S. for a low-cost fully-accredited education.
After 60 years of educational excellence, BYU-Hawaii focuses on educating the minds, hearts, and character of its students, sharpening their integrity and their desires to serve. The school develops leadership skills in a harmonious multicultural environment, preparing students to embrace the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly global world.
BYU-Hawaii is closely linked with the Polynesian Cultural Center, the number one paid tourist attraction in Hawaii, where over 70 percent of the workforce are BYU-Hawaii students who work as performers, guides, food service personnel, and in a variety of other positions to help pay for their educations. Each year because of the employment the PCC offers, hundreds of students who would ordinarily be unable to afford a college education have that opportunity. In October 2023, The Polynesian Cultural Center, will celebrate its 60th year.
Mission Statement and Goals
Brigham Young University Hawaii—founded by prophets and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—exists to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life and in their efforts to influence the establishment of peace internationally.
BYU-Hawaii seeks to accomplish this by:
- Educating the minds and spirits of students within an intercultural, gospel-centered environment and curriculum that increases faith in God and the Restored Gospel, is intellectually enlarging, is character building, and leads to a life of learning and service.
- Preparing men and women with the intercultural and leadership skills necessary to promote world peace and international brotherhood, to address world problems, and to be a righteous influence in families, professions, civic responsibilities, social affiliations, and the Church.
- Extending the blessings of learning to members of the Church, particularly in Asia and the Pacific.
- Developing friends for the University and the Church.
- Maintaining a commitment to operational efficiency and continuous improvement.
Updates to the Campus
On August 28, 2023, BYU-Hawaii released renderings for a new complex of buildings to be constructed at the center of campus. Plans show five new buildings where the David O. McKay Building and Aloha Center currently stand. The university anticipates construction to begin in the first half of 2025 and will last three to four years.[1][2][3]
Established in 1954, the university has undergone several renovations, updates and additions in recent years. In January 2022, Elder Neil L. Andersen dedicated the new BYU-Hawaii Science Building, which replaced the General Classroom Building, which was not one of the original buildings.
External Links
- Read more about education in the Church of Jesus Christ at MormonFAQ.com
