Aloha and welcome to the Department of Geography and Environmental Science! The island of Hawaiʻi offers a setting of diverse natural and cultural environments for both geographic and environmental studies. The department offers a comprehensive curriculum with a diverse offering of courses that include field excursions, interdisciplinary course work in the natural and social sciences, and computer-based spatial analysis using GIS and remote sensing.
Our Mission
Our mission is to educate students through a Hawaiʻi-based curriculum in geography and the environment rooted in interdisciplinary experiential learning and its transformative potential. We aim for teaching and research that connect local places and processes to greater Oceania and the globe. Whether a student focuses on geography (human, physical, or spatial science), environmental studies, or environmental science, our goal is to create thoughtful and capable graduates with the foundational knowledge, technological skills, theoretical background, and creativity needed to contribute to their communities’ needs and help achieve a more just and thriving world. Mahalo nui to the kanaka maoli of Hawaiʻi whose ‘āina teaches and supports the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo community.
Our Degrees and Campus
Undergraduate Degrees
Undergraduate students will acquire a true liberal arts education, while being able to develop specialization within one of the subfields of geography. Students are exposed to a broad range of environmental topics and provided a strong foundation in major concepts in a variety of fields.
Certificate Programs
The department offers several certificates. The Environmental Studies certificate program includes courses in the social and natural sciences. The Certificate in Planning provides opportunities for students to intern with the County planning office.
The University
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is characterized as a comprehensive, diverse, regional university. Scholarship and research are an important part of faculty work and student engagement, but the primary focus is on providing high-quality baccalaureate and postgraduate education.
About Geography and Environmental Science
Geography students doing field work at Honoliʻi Beach Park
The faculty in the Department of Geography & Environmental Science at UH Hilo represent a unique combination of teaching skills, research grants, notable publications, and accessibility. The faculty have received three Regent’s Awards for Teaching Excellence, numerous and considerable grants in geographic/environmental research, published books and articles about local, regional, and global issues, all in addition to teaching a varied and unique geography & environmental science curriculum.
Hawaiʻi Island in the News
- UH Hilo alumna launches online story map on Puakō; data shows reef in serious decline, community shows how to restore
- Kuleana and Community: UH Hilo launches weekly talk story events, open to the public
- Profile story: UH Hilo molecular ecologist Natalie Graham studies arthropods found in the Hawaiian archipelago
- Milestone: UH Hilo’s tropical conservation biology and environmental science graduate program celebrates 20th anniversary
- Farm to market: UH Hilo ag students hold sale featuring plants and honey from university’s farm
- UH educators dance in Merrie Monarch opening ceremony
- UH Hilo celebrates Merrie Monarch
- UH Hilo’s Pack pays it forward to educate and inspire future whale researchers
- Four from UH Hilo selected for national parks study
University of Hawaiʻi Research
- Microfossils reveal abrupt global warming of the past
- Oceans absorb 6% more carbon thanks to rain
- AI breakthrough: UH researchers help uncover climate impact on whales
- Changing wildlife activity highlight detrimental effects of human disturbance
- Researchers: Olympic Tower Construction Could Damage Tahiti Reef Ecosystem
- Navigator Nainoa Thompson to be Honored at International Meeting of Geographers
- Aquaponics at the Hawaiʻi Community College
UH Hilo's Department of Geography and Environmental Science News
- Two UH Hilo graduate students present their research at the 4th International Congress on Biological Invasions hosted in Aotearoa New Zealand3
- Lā Honua Earth Day 2024 - April 19th-27th
- Cultivating conservation, eco stewards: 20th anniversary for UH Hilo program
- Gift from UH alumna Harriet Natsuyma fuels UH Hilo student research
In The Community
Noelo 2023 Issue
Noelo is published by the UH Office of Research
Upcoming Scholarship & Local Internship Opportunities
Scholarships
- US Fulbright Student Scholarship September 24 Deadline
SEA Coastal Communities Scholarship Spring Program Deadline Oct. 15
James P.D. Thropp Scholarship in Agriculture at UH Hilo
- James and Jeanne Carpenter Endowed Scholarship at UH Hilo
- John and Elizabeth Corbin Endowed Scholarship for Aquaculture
- Representative Clift Tsuji Memorial Endowed Scholarship for University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management
- UH Hilo Aeronautics Scholarship Endowment
- UH Common Scholarships Deadline March 1, 2025
- Ben and Fusae Fujise Beekeeping Endowed Scholarship Fund
- Big Island Association of Nurserymen Excellence Scholarship
- Edmund C. Olson Trust II Scholarship
- Eric and Gail Haws Scholarship Fund
- JAMES P.D. THROPP SCHOLARSHIP IN AGRICULTURE AT UH HILO
- James and Jeanne Carpenter Endowed Scholarship at UH Hilo
- John and Elizabeth Corbin Endowed Scholarship for Aquaculture
- UH Hilo Aeronautics Scholarship Endowment
Internships & Programs
- Study Abroad Fall 2025 October 1st Deadline
- Gemini Internship
- Student Conservation Association
- National Tropical Botanical Garden Internship
- Sustainability in Coastal Communities: Fiji & Vanuatu Program
- Climate & Society: Aotearoa New Zealand program
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- National Park Service - Remote GIS Internship Program Closing Dates Vary Based Upon Internship
- National Park Service: Youth and Young Adult Programs
- The Climate Champions Program
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife: Pathways Student Internships
- PIPES: Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science Applications Process Opens Spring 2025
Looking for more not listed? Check out the UH Hilo Internship Database