Photos: 2025 International Night celebrates 50th anniversary; UH Hilo students and community share their cultures through song and dance

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Celebrating 50 years of song and dance! International Night, a long-standing tradition at UH Hilo that spans five decades, is a favorite campus event for students, the community, and visitors.

Photos by Creation Swells Photography.

Solo drummer in black raises drum stick high above his head.
Representing Japan is Taishoji Taiko at UH Hilo’s 2025 International Night.

Each year, the International Student Association at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo produces International Night, a colorful and fun show featuring student and community performances from the many different cultures and countries represented at the university.

Performers volunteer their time in preparing and sharing their performances — a testament to the willingness of UH Hilo’s international students to share their cultures with others.

This year’s show was held earlier this spring at UH Hilo’s Performing Arts Center; photos just made available this week. (Full show on YouTube.)

The event is sponsored by the International Student Association, International Student Services, Student Activities Council, and Waiolama advisory committee to the UH Hilo chancellor.

Hawaiʻi

Unuēwe

Hula dancers in red and yellow sit on stage raising arms above their heads. They are dressed in traditional wear. Each wears a green lei and head wreath. The stage is dark, red background and palms.

Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia

Chuukese Student Association

Solo female dancer in red with greenery around her neck, and two males seated behind her in same colors.

Japan

Taishoji Taiko

Group of drummers.

Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

Kaselehlie Pohnpei Club

Men and women dance in yellow grass skirts. The men are topless, the women wear white tops.

Palau

Ngelekel Belau Club

Three women in black tops and printed skirts, each with a flower in their hair, hand gestures while dancing, smiling.

Marshall Islands

Marshallese Iakwe Club

Large group of men and women dance together. Above is a sign "International Nights."

Ireland

Hawaiʻi Irish Dance

Line of Irish dancers in black and vibrant blue. Backdrop of stage is green.

Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia

Kosrae Hilo Organization

Group of women in white tops and colorfully patterned skirts, dance together on stage. They each wear greenery wreath on their heads.

Japan

Japanese Student Association

Dancers in red and black traditional Japanese wear (one in blue), dance on stage looking up to the audience.

Sāmoa

Tupulaga O Sāmoa Mo A Taeao

Two women with Samoan head dresses, men and women in background seated and clapping and singing.

Photos by Creation Swells Photography.

More photos at the UH Hilo International Student Association Facebook page.

See full four-hour video of the 2025 International Night 50th Anniversary Celebration on YouTube.

See more stories on previous International Nights.

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