New students welcomed to campus with Kīpaepae and Convocation, orientation activities
Emerging with determination and optimism after Hurricane Lala, the newest Vulcans at UH Hilo were welcomed to campus Aug. 19 with a traditional Kīpaepae and Convocation.
By Susan Enright/UH Hilo Stories.
Emerging with determination and optimism after Hurricane Lala, the newest Vulcans at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo were welcomed to campus today with a traditional Kīpaepae (welcome ceremony) and Convocation. Three weeks of orientation activities in preparation for fall 2026 semester also commenced today.
“The Vulcan community welcomed its newest members today at day one of New Student Orientation,” says Vanessa Carlson, assistant director of Student Involvement and Leadership based at the Campus Center.
“Today we welcomed students with lei lāʻī made at the hands of students, faculty and staff,” she says. “We experienced some tears — pride and learning to let go — some nerves, and we connected with families still recovering from Hurricane Lala.”
The day began with check-in and a group photo at the Campus Center Plaza. Students’ ʻohana also participated in the day’s activities.
“It was one for the books with over 150 ʻohana registering to join their students and us today,” says Carlson.
Kīpaepae and Convocation
Next was the Kīpaepae (welcome ceremony) and Convocation held at the Performing Arts Center.
Following the kīpaepae led by UH Hilo Director of Native Hawaiian Engagement Pele Harman, Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin — along with the vice chancellors and others — delivered welcome remarks to the new students.
As is now tradition, before her remarks Chancellor Irwin took a moment to snap a couple of selfies with the new student cohort.
Later there was lunch followed by a Q&A panel and a library tour.
“One thing was clear at the end of the day,” says Carlson. “It matters to these students and their ʻohana who could join them, that being accepted at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, truly matters to them.”
Tomorrow’s activities include a Campus Resource Fair at the Campus Center Plaza and more tours of campus and a Taste of Hilo lunch. Friday is fun at the Student Life Center pool.
Vulcan Weeks of Welcome
Next week, Aug. 24-27, is the first week of classes with more welcome activities, with a Steps to Success Resource Fair on Wednesday and a Sensory Sanctuary on Thursday. The following week, Aug. 31-Sept. 3, are info, resource, and job fairs.
Schedules
Click/tap each for full size.
Full schedules of orientation activities can also be viewed at the New Student Orientation website.
Story by Susan Enright, public information specialist for the Office of the Chancellor and editor of UH Hilo Stories. She received her bachelor of arts in English and certificate in women’s studies from UH Hilo.
