Frequently Asked Questions by Parents

Here are some questions frequently asked by parents of new Vulcans:

On this page:

Why should I attend the Parent and Family Orientation?

Do I have to attend the Parent and Family Orientation?

Can I go with my student to the academic advising session? I want to make sure my student registers for the right classes.

While we encourage you to discuss course choices with your student prior to orientation, we suggest that you do not sit in on the academic advising session.

This will be your student's first opportunity to make a personal connection with his or her academic advisor and will allow your student to begin assuming primary responsibility for his/ her academic future.

We have wonderful full time professional staff members working in Career and Academic Advising who's primary job is to ensure that your student is on the right track to graduating and being successful here.

Does my student need their own computer?

While it is certainly a convenience to have a personal computer, it is not required.

There are numerous computer labs around campus that are available for students to use.

If you do decide to purchase a new computer, orders made from the UH Bookstore TechHub can be delivered to UH Hilo bookstore for free.

Where can we buy things for my student's room?

Hilo has many stores to buy school supplies and items to furnish your student's room, so you don't have to lug them with you from home.

Hilo has Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and Longs Drugs. Our local mall, Prince Kuhio Plaza , has Macy's and Sears and many local shops and eateries.

Our major grocery stores are KTA, Safeway, and Sack N Save. There is a Costco on the island, but it's on the Kona side, which is about a two hour (one-way) drive. Hilo does have Cost U Less, which is a smaller warehouse type store.

Is there a Bank of America or Wells Fargo Bank in Hilo?

Hawaiʻi does not have a Bank of America or Wells Fargo Bank. In fact, there is only one Continental Mainland based bank in Hawaiʻi, HomeStreet Bank (branches in Washington and Oregon). You may see Wells Fargo Bank offices, but they only do lending.

You will want to have your student open a bank account with one of our local banks or credit unions. Some of the banks will be on campus during orientation for you to meet.

Here are a few banks to consider:

• American Saving Bank
• Big Island Federal Credit Union
• CU Hawaiʻi Credit Union
• HFS Federal Credit Union
• HomeStreet Bank
• HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union

My student won't have a car. Is there public transportation in Hilo?

There is public transportation available in Hilo. Please be aware that the bus service here is not as extensive as you might have at home. But rides are discounted $1 with a Student ID card.

The County also provides passes for a ride share Taxi program. This allows students to use taxi service at a greatly reduced price.

View more information about the Hele-On Bus.

I'm filling out some forms for my student. Where can I find their UH Hilo ID number?

We strongly encourage your student to complete all forms on his/her own and that you just provide guidance if needed. Think of these forms as being one of their first home work assignments.

If your student does not know their UH Hilo ID number, they can contact the Admissions Office.

Please be aware that for security reasons, this information will not be given to anyone but the student.

Can I get copies of my student's grades?