Education
Eventful year includes many newsmakers: Here are the University of Hawai‘i News top people stories for 2024
The newsite posted nearly 1,500 stories this year, many of which involved people with connection to the university system making headlines, including Miss Aloha Hula winners, a Waiākea High Schoo grad, an auditioner on ‘The Voice’ and someone who once had a date with Marcia Brady.
Species of red algae discovered outside Papahānaumokuākea marine monument creates more questions
Chondria tumulosa earned the reputation for being a ‘nuisance alga’ because of its mat-forming behavior, ability to spread rapidly and unknown origin, which have posed significant challenges for reef conservation.
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo celebrates 2024 fall commencement this weekend
Kanaka ʻōiwi (Native Hawaiian) Puʻuwai Tollefson-Kelly is deeply rooted in values that honor her culture and foster meaningful connections. Her passion for education and service will be in the spotlight as she gives her address as student speaker Saturday during the commencement ceremony at Vulcan Gymnasium in Hilo.
Charter school offers programs on agricultural land while awaiting permits to build new campus
Students continue to learn from the land while Connections Public Charter School applies for a special use permit to build a permanent building on its agricultural campus in Kaʻūmana.
Volcano Watch: How have eruptions shaped Hawaiʻi? Volcano Awareness Month 2025, with a twist
Join Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and partners again in January 2025 to learn about volcanic activity in Hawaiʻi but also think about submitting a piece for the new art and poetry contest.
WorldAtlas declares Big Island largest island within U.S. territories, and it’s still growing
The Big Island is “such a dynamic environment that I think we take for granted because most places on Earth don’t have those dramatic changes,” said Steve Lundblad, geology professor at UH-Hilo.
Hawaiʻiʻs beloved shaka is making its way into classrooms with lessons from documentary
The new shaka curriculum comes on the heels of “Shaka, A Story of Aloha,” winning the Best Documentary Award in the Hawai’i International Film Festival.
Big Island students are recognized for essays about volunteering in their community
Two students were awarded $500 for their essays about their volunteer service and connecting it with their specific communities.
Hawai’i P-20 hosts virtual and in-person college planning events for high school students
Virtual and in-person workshops are available for students in need of assistance with college planning and scholarship applications in November.
University of Hawaiʻi enrollment surpasses 50K statewide for first time in 6 years
Fall 2024 enrollment at Hawaiʻi Community College in Hilo and its Pālamanui campus in Kona on the Big Island increased 1% from fall 2023. The 4-year University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo saw a 4% decrease in enrollment this fall, but Chancellor Bonnie Irwin said there was a 25% surge in students returning after pausing their studies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center explores ‘Mysteries of the Deep’ for Halloween
The astronomy center in Hilo is diving in to the world of Hawaiʻi’s sharks and rays. It’s also hosting a pumpking deocrating contest and showing ‘Expedition Reef,’ an exclusive Halloween planetarium experience. Check out all of the Halloween haunts for Oct. 29 now!
‘Our youth learned the importance of kuleana to their roots’
ʻAle Lau Loa Youth Ambassador Program celebrates second year with 8 students from several Big Island high schools participating in a cultural exchange with Penticton Indian Band of British Columbia, Canada.
Top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Oct. 24-30: Don’t want to deal with Ironman crowds? Looking for something other than Halloween fun? We’ve got you covered
There are plenty of other events and activities happening around the Big Island that can keep you and the family busy. Check out out top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!
Hawaiʻi’s heritage, conservation efforts celebrated at annual ʻIkuwā Festival in Hilo
Participants engaged in learning about the crucial efforts to safeguard endangered species, with presentations on conservation efforts and the role of birds in maintaining the balance of Hawaiʻi’s delicate ecosystem.
Wendy Hensel says she will elevate diversity, indigenous values as new University of Hawaiʻi president
The Board of Regentsʻ unanimous choice to take over for outgoing president David Lassner said despite not being from Hawaiʻi, she would continue to uplift indigenous values of the University of Hawaiʻi.
Hensel to be next president of University of Hawaiʻi
The university’s Board of Regents voted unanimously Thursday to appoint the current executive vice chancellor and university provost at the City University of New York to succeed David Lassner, who will retire at the end of this year after serving as UH president for more than 11 years.
New UH research shows invasive seaweeds thrive in nearshore waters with high salt level, outcompeting native species
Native species, including limu maneʻoneʻo, were notably absent from spring-influenced areas despite showing similar cellular characteristics to invasive species in offshore environments.
Students urged to register for 2024-25 Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts Competition
The LifeSmarts Competition is a free educational program that teaches students critical skills in personal finance, consumer rights and responsibilities, the environment, health and safety and technology.
$115M raised for University of Hawaiʻi students, programs and research
The 2024 fiscal year is the fourth consecutive year that funds raised for the University of Hawaiʻi have exceeded $100 million.
Regents on track to select next University of Hawai‘i president in mid-October
The coming announcement follows a series of public events for the two finalists, Julian Vasquez Heilig and Wendy Hensel.
