In early 1962, LDS Church president David O. McKay authorized the construction of the nonprofit center to provide employment and scholarships for students at BYU-Hawaii and to preserve Polynesia's culture.

[6] It has its roots in the 1940s and 1950s when hukilau and luau beach gatherings were held to earn money to rebuild a local chapel belonging to the LDS Church, which had been destroyed in a fire.

[11] The PCC is the venue for the annual World Fire Knife Dance Competition, where contestants display their skills with blazing swords.

Howard W. Hunter is credited with transforming the newly organized PCC from an unprofitable and unknown entity into one of Hawaii's most popular tourist attractions.

"[13] The show features songs and dances throughout Polynesia, including the hula, tamure, otea, titi torea, haka, poi, meke, tauʻolunga, and Taualuga.

The PCC has its own Special effect theater and a lagoon where visitors can take canoe rides accompanied by a guide or paddle by themselves.

PCC hosts many special events, highlighting Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian, and Māori cultures and a Christmas festival.