Connecting Learning, Life and Aloha
‘O ka ‘imi na‘auao, ke ola a me ke aloha kā kākou e huliāmahi ai

Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science (PIPES)

Apply Now to PIPES

Applications for Summer 2026 Internships are now closed. Mahalo for your interest! Check back in November for our summer 2027 application.

Are you a brand new applicant?
Go through steps 1-3.

Are you applying as a prior intern?
Do steps 1 and 4 only.

On this page:

This online application is 3-step, which are outlined below. Please do not rush! Allow yourself enough time to complete the application thoroughly. If you have any questions please contact us via e-mail or phone. The application, essay questions, and supplementary materials, are all saveable so you are able to go back to one or all prior to submission.

Step 1: Complete online application

Apply to our Program

Once you submit this application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail which contains two links for the next steps: essay questions & supplementary materials. Keep this e-mail handy to access the next steps (2 & 3) in the application process.

Step 2: Answer short essay questions

Use the link for short answer questions found in your confirmation e-mail. You are only required to answer one question per Moʻo ʻĀina component (Naʻau, ʻĀina, Kaiāulu, and Kaʻao). Tip: You may want to complete these essay questions on a separate document and then copy and paste your answers into the portal.

Step 3: Upload supplementary materials

Use the link for uploading supplementary materials found in your confirmation e-mail.

Important: All documents must be saved in pdf format and include your last name and document description (i.e. Needham_Resume or Davis_Transcript).

1. Two (2) Recommendation Forms

Recommendation letters are submitted to PIPES directly from the recommenders, by your input of the recommenders' e-mail in the online application. Please note that it may take up to one hour after their email has been entered for the request to appear in their inbox. Allow your recommenders at least 2-3 weeks to complete. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure these are submitted on time. Please plan accordingly. Recommendation Form (PDF )

2. College Transcript(s)

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

  • For Freshman Applicants - Also submit a copy of your high school transcripts if you have completed less than two semesters of college.
  • For Transfer Applicants - Also submit transcripts from your previous institution(s) if you have completed less than two semesters at your current college or institution.

3. Resume

Your resume must include the following information:

  • Education and course work related to environmental topics
  • Current and past work experience
  • Related volunteer experience
  • Related interest (i.e. hiking, fishing, hunting, swimming, etc.)

Step 4: (Returning Interns Only)

You do not need to upload essay questions and supplementary materials. Make sure you've completed the online application in Step 1, then please use the link for uploading a Project Proposal found in your confirmation e-mail.

PIPES Application Process

1. 1st Round of Selections: After applications close, PIPES staff will review and process all applications and supplementary documents. Selections will be made on who will continue on to interview with PIPES staff and who will not. Everyone will be notified of the decision.

2. Interview w/ PIPES Staff: Interns will schedule a time to interview with PIPES staff. This is a time for our staff to get to know you and for you to get to know us! We will ask you some questions and share a little bit about what PIPES will be like. These interviews will be approximately 45 minutes.

3. 2nd Round of Selections: After all interviews are complete, PIPES staff will review and process the interviews. Selections will be made on who will continue on to the interviews with potential mentors. *Note if selected this does not guarantee a spot in the cohort.

4. Interview w/ Potential Mentors: PIPES staff will pair interns with 2-3 potential mentors. Interviews will be conducted with a time the intern and mentor choose. Interns must interview with each potential mentor chosen for them.

5. Acceptance & Final Placements: After all interviews are conducted between intern and potential mentors, each will send their top choices to PIPES staff. PIPES staff will make the final selections and pairings for internships, and will send out final acceptance or rejection correspondence.

2026 PIPES Application Timeline

The PIPES internship application opens on November 21 and remains available until January 16. On January 30, the first round of cuts is made, and applicants moving forward to interviews with PIPES staff are notified. Staff interviews take place from February 2 to February 20. If selected to move on, applicants then schedule interviews with potential mentors beginning on March 2, followed by mentor interviews from March 3 through March 24. By April 17, pairings are finalized and interns receive their acceptance documents. On May 1, interns are sent an orientation preparation email with details on how to come prepared, leading into Orientation Week from May 25 to 29. Finally, on June 1, interns begin their first day of work with their internship organization.

If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail us at uhintern@hawaii.edu. Mahalo nui!