Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center
Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center logo

Student Services

Several students pose for a photo holding the Hawaiian flag

Kalākaua Lab and Pop-up Services

The Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo aims to provide a culturally relevant place of learning and resources for students to succeed. Visit us at our pop-up spaces to meet our peer mentors and learn how we can support you during your time at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

Hours

  • ʻAlahonua
    • Monday - Thursday (10:00am - 6:00pm)
    • Friday (10:00am - 4:00pm)
  • Kanilehua
    • Monday - Thursday (12:00pm - 6:00pm)
    • Friday (12:00pm - 4:00pm)
  • The Loft
    • Monday - Friday (8:00am - 4:00pm)
  • Haleʻōlelo Library
    • Monday - Friday (10:00am - 2:00pm)
  • Kalakaua Lab
    • Closed for renovations

UHMAP

Services

  • Printing
  • Workshops and Events
  • Tutoring
  • Peer Mentoring

A peer mentor and a student smiling as one points to something on a computer display

Equipment Requests

We are pleased to offer a diverse selection of equipment available for loan to Kīpuka & FYE Staff, Student Staff, UH Hilo Students, UH Hilo Faculty and Staff, and Community Members. Whether you're in need of specialized tools or everyday essentials, we’ve got you covered. Take a moment to browse our equipment form and see the wide array of items we can lend to support your needs!

Equipment Request

In order to request equipment, please submit form at least two weeks in advance of scheduled event.

An iPad is handed from one person to another, with all four hands touching it

Kīpuka Programming for First-Year Students

Hoʻolau Peer Mentorship Program

A group of students in the hoʻolaau peer mentorship program

Kīpuka Native hawaiian student center & mentor collective offer our Free Hoʻolau peer mentorship program tailored to your interests and academic needs. We pair Native Hawaiian first-year and transfer students with dedicated peer mentors who provide guidance in acclimating to campus and building connections throughout the school year.

First-Year students are automatically assigned a peer mentor. If you would like to complete a matching survey (not required) please complete the registration below.

Register

Kuleana and Community Courses

This 100-level interdisciplinary course offers both GCC and HPP GE credits and focuses on community engagement and place-based learning. Students will develop connections to UH Hilo and the island communities by participating in mālama ʻāina (service learning) activities on campus. They will explore the significance of place names, moʻolelo (stories), and kaʻao (legends) tied to the island environment. The course includes huakaʻi (field trips) to wahi pana (storied places), both virtually and in person. Students will also reflect on their personal journey as a student at UH Hilo and its connection to the broader island community.

Kipaepae

Heahea Kauhale

A student welcoming others at a welcome table

An event welcoming new freshmen and transfer students to our space and services. Join us to support you as you begin your journey at UH Hilo!

Heahea Registration

Community Service and Applied Learning Experiences

two girls planting as community service

Mālama Kaiāulu Form

close up of some plants

The Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center's Mālama Kaiāulu Community Service Program aims to provide students with culturally relevant community service activities within engaging learning environments both on and off campus.

Kūkulu Transfer Student Program

  • Support Services for Native Hawaiian Transfer Students
    • Participation in the Hoʻolau Peer Mentorship Program.
    • Campus workshops focused on career exploration, internships, professional development, personal development, and financial literacy.
    • Advising with the Kūkulu Transfer Student Concierge.
    • Access to the new Kīpuka Pop-Up Technology lab spaces.
    • Community Engagement & Mālama Kaiāulu opportunities.
    • Opportunity to apply for the Kūkulu Transfer Bridge Program.

Registration Form

Participants around tables at a lei making activity in Campus Center

An extreme close-up of a hapuu fern

students planting starts at a Kīpuka activity

Hoʻolana Career Development and Internship Program

The Hoʻolana Program offers a range of events and activities designed to support students as they transition after graduation. These include career exploration, internships, graduate school preparation, and alumni panels and mixers.

Registration Form

  • Internship Program: The Hoʻolana Internship Program enhances experiential learning opportunities at UH Hilo by connecting Native Hawaiian students with internship sites both on campus and within the Hilo community.
  • Peer Mentorship
  • Events

Student standing at the entrance of the Library

Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center • kipuka@hawaii.edu • (808) 932-7418 • PB 12

For disability accommodation, contact UH Hilo Disability and Access Services at 932-7623 (V), 932-7002 (TTY), uds@hawaii.edu

Follow us on Instagram (@kipukauhh) to stay updated!