History
On July 2, 1954, David O. McKay, ninth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, announced the establishment of a college in Hawaii, fulfilling what he had envisioned 33 years earlier. At that time, as an apostle for the Church, he witnessed a flag-raising ceremony put on by children of the Church-sponsored elementary school in Laie and foresaw an institution of higher learning in this small community.
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 it is today, Brigham Young University–Hawaii.
Now in its seventh decade, BYU–Hawaii's unique history combines solid moral roots, a prophetic destiny, and interwoven cultures with legacies of evolving academics.
May 11, 1843
Joseph Smith Jr. sent four Latter-day Saint missionaries from Nauvoo, Illinois, to the Sandwich Islands, now known as the Hawaiian Islands.
January 26, 1865
The Church purchased the ahupua'a of Laiewai and Laiemalo'o from Thomas T. Dougherty for $14,000 to use as a gathering place for its members. The plantation covered over 6,000 acres and included more than 1,000 head of livestock, a large frame house, and five Hawaiian hales.
October 16, 1875
The Church organized Brigham Young Academy in Provo, Utah. It eventually became Brigham Young University.
July 21, 1954
The First Presidency announced the establishment of a college in Hawaii.
February 12, 1955
President David O. McKay broke ground for the Church College of Hawaii, now known as Brigham Young University–Hawaii, and offered a far-reaching glimpse of the school's impact by saying, "We dedicate our actions in this service unto thee and unto thy glory and to the salvation of the children of men, that this college, and the temple, and the town of Laie may become a missionary factor, influencing not thousands, not tens of thousands, but millions of people who will come seeking to know what this town and its significance are." At the time, the annual visitor count for the entire state of Hawaii was only 110,000, but since the opening of the Polynesian Cultural Center in 1963, over 37 million people have visited Laie.
September 26, 1955
The two-year Church College of Hawaii classes began in war surplus buildings with 153 students and 20 faculty or administrators. Dr. Reuben D. Law became the first president of CCH.
June 1, 1956
Ten students graduated with associate degrees during the Church College of Hawaii's first commencement in the Laie chapel.
December 17, 1958
President David O. McKay dedicated the first permanent buildings on the CCH campus, completed at a cost of approximately $4 million and 280,000 donated hours by the labor missionaries. By this time, about 1,200 students were enrolled.
August 21, 1959
Hawaii became the 50th state.
February 23, 1961
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges granted full four-year accreditation to CCH.
June 3, 1961
Church College of Hawaii awards its first bachelors degrees to 76 graduates.
March 19, 1980
BYU–Hawaii marks its 25th anniversary and stages the first Na Makua Mahalo Ia (The Venerable Ones) concert, chaired by Dr. Ishmael Stagner.
September 1981
The University admits six students from the People's Republic of China.
September 1991
Peterson's Guide rates BYU–Hawaii among the top 10 universities in the U.S. for a low-cost, fully accredited education.
October 5, 1992
V. Napua Baker becomes Vice President of University Advancement, the first female university vice president in the Church Educational System.
February 8, 2001
Master carvers Tuione Pulotu and Kawika Eskaran began shaping BYU–Hawaii’s 57-foot double-hulled Hawaiian sailing canoe from Fijian hardwood logs. The canoe became a floating classroom for the Hawaiian studies program, preserving traditional voyaging knowledge, and culture.
May 16, 2003
Elder Henry B. Eyring informed the BYU–Hawaii administration that the university should report directly to the Board of Trustees, instead of to Brigham Young University in Provo.
June 19, 2004
BYU–Hawaii honored its largest and most international graduating class, with 400 students representing 37 countries.
January 2005
BYU–Hawaii began a year-long Golden Jubilee celebration of its 50th anniversary.
August 24, 2007
President Steven C. Wheelwright made an announcement clarifying BYU–Hawaii's two-fold, student-centered mission: "To integrate both spiritual and secular learning, and to prepare students with character and integrity who can provide leadership in their families, their communities, their chosen fields, and in building the kingdom of God."
November 6, 2008
The Church Educational System Board of Trustees approved a major reorganization, creating four new colleges: Language, Culture & Arts; Math & Sciences; Business, Computing & Government; and Human Development.
July 27, 2009
BYU–Hawaii launched the International Work Opportunity Return-ability Kuleana (IWORK) program, which combined grants and forgivable loans to make education affordable for international students who commit to return home and serve after graduation.
September 17, 2009
The BYU–Hawaii online program launched, allowing students to begin coursework in their home countries. The initiative reduced educational costs and expanded global access to Church-sponsored higher education.
December 17, 2011
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland presided over the groundbreaking of the Heber J. Grant Building, a 41,000-square-foot facility marking the start of major campus expansion.
September 8, 2013
Elder Russell M. Nelson dedicated the new Heber J. Grant Building, home to the College of Business, Computing & Government. He also delivered a worldwide CES Devotional from campus, urging young adults to remember their “noble birthright.”
September 2014
BYU–Hawaii adopted a new academic calendar with three 14-week semesters—fall, winter, and spring—replacing the previous system to improve scheduling flexibility and campus use.
October 24, 2015
A historical marker was unveiled to commemorate President David O. McKay’s 1955 groundbreaking of BYU–Hawaii. Located near the campus stake center, it overlooks the original site of that prophetic event.
October 19, 2021
Dr. John S.K. Kauwe III was inaugurated as the 11th president of Brigham Young University–Hawaii. A native of Hawaii and accomplished geneticist, he became the first Native Hawaiian to lead the university. His presidency emphasizes unity, innovation, and faith-centered learning.
November 8, 2021
BYU–Hawaii expanded its partnership with BYU–Pathway Worldwide, creating streamlined academic pathways for international students to begin their education online and transition to campus. This initiative broadened global access to Church education.
June 29, 2022
BYU–Hawaii launched a renewable energy and sustainability initiative, introducing solar energy systems, improving campus waste reduction, and sustainability-focused curriculum elements. The program supports the university’s goal to be a model of stewardship in harmony with the island environment.
August 28, 2025
Construction began on the David O. McKay Complex renovation and expansion, marking the next phase of campus modernization. The project enhances facilities for education, leadership, and teacher preparation programs while preserving McKay’s legacy of prophetic vision for learning in Hawaii.