UH Hilo Stories

Screenshot Kristi Yamaguchi in a classroom setting.

UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin and alumna/former academic advisor Valdeane Odachi support keiki literacy, Always Dream nonprofit

Posted on January 21, 2026January 21, 2026 by Staff

Founded by Olympic gold medalist and children’s author Kristi Yamaguchi, the nonprofit provides books for keiki in 19 schools, the latest of which is Naʻalehu Elementary.

Dayday and Kevin Hopkins pose with their 11 grandchildren in an outdoor setting.

UH Hilo retired aquaculture professor Kevin Hopkins to be honored by ALS Network

Posted on January 20, 2026January 21, 2026 by Staff

The award honors individuals or groups making significant strides in fighting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Jay Carpio business portrait. Background is an aerial view of campus.

UH Hilo agriculture alum Jay Carpio appointed to Board of Land and Natural Resources

Posted on January 14, 2026January 14, 2026 by Staff

Jay Carpio is a Native Hawaiian born and raised in Wailuku, Maui, with a lifetime of hands-on conservation, ʻāina stewardship, and public service.

Screenshot of Every Rock Has A Story with rocks and Kamalani Poepoe at the volcano.

Video: UH Hilo geology major Kamalani Poepoe’s lava research featured in fun educational video produced by Boston College

Posted on January 13, 2026January 14, 2026 by Staff

Notable in the video featuring Kamalani Poepoe’s scientific knowledge about volcanic rocks is the discussion of Native Hawaiian ways of exploring science.

Students in their white coats at the front of the pharmacy college building and sign, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

UH Hilo welcomes first cohort to new online track to doctor of pharmacy degree

Posted on January 12, 2026January 12, 2026 by Staff

The UH Hilo pharmacy college launched a new distance learning track this month for the doctor of pharmacy degree, designed for students who work or have other personal or professional responsibilities.

Screenshot from film The Wind and the Reckoning, woman in anguish.

Kalaupapa Month: UH Hilo honors and remembers significant episode in Hawaiʻi’s history with exhibits, film showings, and featured books

Posted on January 12, 2026January 14, 2026 by Staff

Between 1866 and 1969 approximately 8,000 people were separated from their families, most exiled to the Kalaupapa peninsula of Molokai. 90% were were Kānaka ʻŌiwi.

Group walks along Hilo storefronts, eating ice cream and laughing.

Photos: UH Hilo Spring 2026 New Student Orientation is underway!

Posted on January 9, 2026January 21, 2026 by Staff

Starting yesterday through next week’s Vulcan ʻOhana Week of Welcome (the first week of instruction), orientation leaders are welcoming the university’s newcomers, showing them around campus and town.

Classroom with monitors on rows of desks, and a large screen at the front for shared viewing.

Coming this fall! UH Hilo’s business program to launch new degree pathway and courses focusing on AI

Posted on January 8, 2026January 10, 2026 by Staff

The new degree and courses reflect the business college’s response to workforce demand for AI and analytics skills, and UH Hilo’s broader commitment to interdisciplinary education and responsible AI development.