The Polynesian Cultural Center will celebrate its first major renovation since 2003 with a groundbreaking ceremony and blessing today for Halau Wa'a, which will house the canoe Iosepa.

Iosepa was carved by hand by members of the La'ie community in 2001 for Brigham Young University-Hawai'i.

The traditional 57-foot, twin-hulled voyaging canoe is part of the school's Center for Hawaiian Language and Cultural Studies program. Students sail the craft as part of the program.