In the News

California to Hilo

My name is Alesi Meyers-Tuimavave (20). I am from Oceanside, CA, & am a transfer student here at UH Hilo. I’m also the new writer for Ke Kalahea. I moved to the Kona area of Big Island in early Dec. ʻ22. In pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English Literature, I chose UH Hilo because there are Pacific Islander studies certificates as well as a multitude of English courses I was interested in. My goal for the future is to be an English Literature Professor, teaching through literature written by Pacific Islanders. So I thought, what better way to navigate my path for the future than at Hilo?

Read about California to Hilo

Upcoming lecture by “creative genius” Christopher Caravalho, super hero to all local comic book fans

Honolulu-based comic book creator Christopher Caravalho, founder of the delightfully Hawai‘i-centric Mana Comics that features legendary superheroes, will be giving an online lecture this month sponsored by the Department of English at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo.

Read about the lecture

Grant supports UH Hilo English course designed to engage students in international collaboration

The course will be taught by scholars from Hawai‘i and Eurasia, giving students exposure to international topics, studies, and literature that will increase their global awareness and understanding.

Read about the grant.

UH Hilo to host Children’s Literature Conference

The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo will host the 2022 Children’s Literature Conference on Friday, June 3. Panelists include artists, writers, educators, and librarians based on Hawai‘i Island..

Read about the conference.

Patsy Iwasaki’s graphic novel sheds light on immigrant experience

UH Hilo English instructor Patsy Iwasaki tells the story of an immigrant plantation laborer who was lynched in 1889 in the town of Honoka‘a on Hawaiʻi Island.

Read about the graphic novel.

English students present their research at prestigious symposium

Three English students — Emily Burkhart, Alexander Coley, and Kiaria Zoi Nakamura - presented their research at a prestigious symposium hosted at Johns Hopkins University.

Read about the symposium.

English major receives 2021 Matthew Therrien Award.

Braden Savage is a writer and playwright, director, active in student clubs and events, and has received numerous awards for his outstanding work.

Learn more about his award.

English major selected for internship with Big Island Press Club.

UH Hilo senior Holly Trowbridge is developing her passion for journalism with the Big Island Press Club. Learn more about her social media internship.

Susan Wackerbarth publishes her first novel

Instructor of English Susan Wackerbarth published her debut novel, No Place Like Home, inspired by her experiences performing at Hilo's historic Palace Theater. Learn more about her life and new book.

English department Recognizes 2020 Award and Scholarship Winners

The English department at UH Hilo held virtual ceremonies May 12 for its spring 2020 awards and scholarships recipients. View more about the awards and recipients.

Dr. Møllegaard wins UH system 'Excellence in Teaching' award

Dr. Kirsten Møllegaard , Chair of the Department of English, received a 2020 'Excellence in Teaching' award from the UH Board of Regents. Read about Dr. Møllegard's accomplishment.

English major receives scholarship recognizing excellence in writing

Emily Burkhart's return to academic study was brought on by an intense desire to grow and push herself intellectually. Read about Emily's story.

English student’s short story published in Bamboo Ridge

UH Hilo English student’s short story published in the prestigious literary journal Bamboo Ridge Read about Asia's story.

Pacific Islander Literature a focus for new professor

English Professor Leanne Day comes back home to Hawaiʻi to teach Pacific Islander literature Read about Leanne's journey.

2019 Matthew Therrien Awardee

UH Hilo English major Kiaria Zoi Nakamura receives 2019 Matthew Therrien Award. Learn more about Kiaria's story.

UH Hilo English major studies abroad in Sweden

Anya Benavides writes in the "Study Abroad Newsletter" about her journey in Sweden. Read about Anya's Journey.

UH Hilo English major studies abroad in England

Teri Pinyerd recalls her memories in the "Study Abroad Newsletter" about the semester she spent in England. Read about Teri's Adventure.

UH Hilo students use the ancient art of rhetoric to promote modern energy policy

The students in each class were organized into five teams to produce informational team abstracts and videos on local environmental themes. Learn more about their project.

Publication of new book from UH Hilo professor

UH Hilo English professor, Seri Luangphinith , writes new book that explores the history of Korean immigrants to Hawaiʻi Island. Read about Dr. Luangphinith's book.

Students prepare for TESOL Certificate

TESOL certificate gives students the ability to teach English as a second/foreign language to a variety of language learners. Learn more about the TESOL journey.

UH Hilo students gain real world experience in South Korea

UH Hilo students going to South Korea to showcase program teaching English as a second language.Read about Asia's experience.

Children's Literature of Hawaiʻi event at UH Hilo

Children's Literature of Hawaiʻi is a biennial conference that brings together community members and creators for a day of events that celebrate creativity in children's literature.

UH Hilo English major receives award for 2018

UH Hilo English major Savannah Directo receives the 2018 Matthew Somchai Therrien Memorial Award. Hear more about Savannah's achievement.

UH Hilo students publish anthology on climate change

An English major at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo has published an anthology of climate-themed stories written by fellow classmates. Learn about the process of how these students made the anthology.

UH Hilo English majors present research papers at conference in Rome, Italy

The students—U‘ilani Dasalla, Tynsl Kailimai, Ciarra-Lynn Parinas, and Leomanaolamaikalani Peleiholani-Blankenfeld—presented their research papers at the International Journal of Arts and Sciences conference in Rome. Read more about their journey to Rome.

Hawaiʻi poets give readings at UH Hilo and Hawaiʻi CC

Poets Ann Inoshita, Juliet S. Kono, Christy Passion, and Jean Yamasaki Toyama recently visited Hilo, where poetry lovers and history buffs gathered to hear the authors read selected works about a milestone event in Hawaiʻi. Read about the poets.

UH Hilo English department hosts international conference

The conference, Narratives of Place in Literature, Film, and Folklore, covered important areas in English studies both nationally and internationally. Read more about the conference.

UH Hilo English major receives award for 2017

UH Hilo English major Kylee Sullivan receives the 2017 Matthew Somchai Therrien Memorial Award. Read about Kylee's story.

UH Hilo English major receives award for 2016

The Department of English at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo recently announced that English major Ariel Moniz will receive the Spring 2016 The Matthew Somchai Therrien Memorial Award for Excellence in Writing. Read about Ariel's story.

First Matthew Somchai Therrien Memorial Award received

Nelson is the first recipient of the recently established $500 annual award that recognizes an outstanding UH Hilo student majoring in English. Read Nelson's story.

Interview with UH Hilo Professor Mark Panek

Mark Panek is a Hilo-based scholar and author and a professor of English. He is the author of two books on sumo: Gaijin Yokozuna: A Biography of Chad Rowan (A Latitude 20 Book) and Big Happiness: The Life and Death of a Modern Hawaiian Warrior. Learn more about Panek's story.

UH Hilo professor publishes modern day Hawaiʻi book

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Associate Professor Mark Panek published his third book, Hawaiʻi. Read more about the book.