Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science

Welina mai kākou!

PIPES summer programming consists of a 10-week paid internship that is grounded in our Moʻo ʻĀina Framework and implemented through our Pathway Programs. The summer internship provides opportunities for interns, mentors, and community members to focus on best practices toward healthy and abundant ecosystems, ethical research, cultural sensitivity, reciprocity and responsibility in aloha ʻāina. Internships include hands-on work experience (40 hours/week), 1-on-1 mentorship, mentor and intern development workshops, cohort learning spaces, and networking opportunities.

A Tapestry of Support

Many partners have made this program possible. We are grateful for our home at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and our university community, with whom we guide the educational pathways of generations of students. We are equally indebted to the complex tapestry of local, state, university, and federal partners that support the program and interns each year. Multi-year support is like gold for programs like PIPES, and our long-term partnership with the Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation has been just that. We are also excited by a new program support partnership with the Hawaiʻi Pacific Foundation over the last two years and look forward to growing more such collaborations.

Looking Forward

The 30-year resiliency of PIPES reflects a truth islanders have always known: that ʻāina, bringing knowledge together from many sources and generations, and connections to each other are essential in the face of change. From a small conversation to a regional movement, PIPES continues to grow generations of kūpuna to ensure a resilient future. There is a PIPES alumni in every corner…ask around. And if the idea of growing the next generation of ʻāina leaders excites you, we invite you to reach out. Mahalo for everyone’s help in this effort!

Meet the 2026 PIPES Cohort!

Click through this StoryMap to view all the 2026 PIPES intern presentations.

View the 2026 PIPES Student Symposium

Alumni Connections Survey

Are you a PIPES alumnus? Weʻd love to connect with you! Filling out this short 5-10 minute survey will help us to stay in touch and improve our engagement with alumni into the future. Mahalo a nui!

PIPES Highlights