News and Events
COFA Residents in Hawaiʻi Are Eligible for Medicaid
Hawaiʻi is now accepting Medicaid applications from residents who are citizens of Palau, the Marshall Islands and Federated States of Micronesia. Medicaid is a federal public health insurance program for low-income people. Contact Kuʻu Makuakane-Salavea at (808) 348-4410 (or jmakuakane-salavea@dhs.hawaii.gov) or Rachelle at (808) 896-5051 to apply. View more information.
"Real IDs"
Starting May 7, 2025, everyone will need to present a Real ID-compliant license/ID or another acceptable form of identification (like a passport) to board a domestic flight and to access U.S. federal facilities. How do you know if your driver's license or state ID card is Real ID-complaint? If it is Real-ID compliant, there will be a star in the top right corner like those pictured below:
You do not need a Real ID-complaint ID unless you want to board an airplane using a driver's license or state ID card. If you have a valid (unexpired) passport, you can use a passport to board a plane. But if you want or need to get a REAL ID-complaint ID such as a driver's license or state ID card, Compact of Free Association (COFA) citizens need to have a valid, unexpired passport and an I-94. An I-94 is a record of your arrival date into the United States. Access and print a copy of your I-94. Please be aware that I-94 records are only available online for 5 years. If you cannot access your I-94 form online because your most recent arrival date into the U.S. was longer than 5 years ago, you have to file Form I-102 with the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services to obtain a duplicate copy. The fee for the Form I-102 is currently $455 and may be subject to change.
Upcoming Events & Activities
Meeting for Students & Community Members from Chuuk
Saturday, September 28, 2024
12:00-3:00 pm at the Campus Center Room 301
Students and community members from Chuuk are invited to join this meeting about the upcoming elections.
Health Insurance Enrollment
Thursday, October 3, 2024
10:00 am-3:00 pm at PISC
Apply for low-cost health insurance (Medicaid). Bring your passport, US social security card, I-94 form, address, and pay stubs (if any). To download a copy of your I-94 form, click here.
Health Insurance Enrollment
Monday, October 7, 2024
10:00 am-2:00 pm at PISC
Apply for low-cost health insurance (Medicaid). Bring your passport, US social security card, I-94 form, address, and pay stubs (if any). To download a copy of your I-94 form, click here.
Healing Together: International Conflict Resolution Day
Friday, October 18, 2024
5:00-7:00 pm at the Campus Center Room 301
In recognition of International Conflict Resolution Day, the public is invited to a free workshop on "Healing Together: Unpacking Mental Health Stigma with Compassion and Awareness" presented by Dr. Stephanie Campbell and Dr. Alexandria King. Join us for this dynamic session to gain insights, challenge biases, and take actionable step toward creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for mental health. Register online here or contact the Ku'ikahi Mediation Center at 808-935-7844 or shelby@hawaiimediation.org.
PacYes Youth Empowerment Gathering
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Campus Center Plaza
High school students from throughout the Big Island will visit UH Hilo to learn about educational opportunities after high school and get inspired to pursue higher education.
Nothing Micro about Micronesia
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
7:00 pm at the Performing Arts Center
A coming of age story about two Micronesian boys who encounter an unlikely place after a series of conflicts between them. They must navigate between the directions from elders and the government systems who have had an impact on their current lives and states of being/belonging. Join these friends as they take us through their lenses of island life in Micronesia while facing the rising tides of their transitioning ages, complicated family matters, new findings about the world and themselves, and uncertain futures.
United Nations Day
Friday, October 25, 2024
10:00 am-1:00 pm on the Library Lanai
Celebrate United Nations Day on campus with UH Hilo international students who come from 40 different countries around the world! The event features a parade of nations, tabling, and ends with a special performance from the Samoan club. Free Teapresso drinks for the first 50 students who visit each table! Visit the United Nations Day website for more details.
PIPES Internship Information Session
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
12:00 pm at the Pacific Islander Student Center
Come learn about paid summer internships in environmental-related careers with PIPES (Pacific Internship Program for Exploring Sciences)! Applications are due January 31.
Pacific Islanders and Law in Hawai'i and the Pacific
Friday, November 15, 2024
2:00-3:00 pm at UCB Room 127
Come to this session to learn about Pacific Islanders and law and law school in Hawai'i and the Pacific. The session will feature speakers Vincent Kruse, Executive Board Member of the Pacific Islander Bar Association and Ainsley Aiono, President of the Pacific Islander Law Student Association at the UH Richardson School of Law. Facilitated by Dr. Line-Noue Memea Kruse.
Friendsgiving
Saturday, November 30, 2024
6:00 pm at the Pacific Islander Student Center (Campus Center 307)
Come enjoy a "friendsgiving" meal with the Pacific Islander student clubs.
Pau Hana! End of the Semester Dinner
Thursday, December 12, 2024
5:00-7:00 pm at the Pacific Islander Student Center (Campus Center 307)
Take a break before final exams and celebrate the end of the semester! Free food, fun, and fellowship!
New International Student Welcome & Check-In Meeting
Thursday, January 9, 2025
8:00 am at the Student Services Center Room 201
All new international students are required to attend this welcome and check-in meeting. We will review important matters and then take you to Student Medical Services to get cleared for any health requirements that you still need to clear.
New International Student Orientation Meeting
Thursday, January 9, 2025
4:00 pm online on Zoom
All new interantional students are required to attend this Zoom meeting. We will review important matters before classes begin on January 13. Check your UH email for the Zoom link.
PIPES Internship Information Session
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
12:00 pm at the Pacific Islander Student Center
Come learn about paid summer internships in environmental-related careers with PIPES (Pacific Internship Program for Exploring Sciences)! Applications are due January 31.
Kuʻu Lei Hilo
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
5:00-6:00 pm at Campus Center Room 301
Join us for an introduction to the Hawaiian language and other activities to introduce you to Native Hawaiian culture. Check your UH email for details and to sign up. Space is limited.
Health Insurance Enrollment
Friday, January 31, 2025
11:00 am-3:00 pm at PISC
Apply for low-cost health insurance (Medicaid). Bring your passport, US social security card, I-94 form, address, and pay stubs (if any). To download a copy of your I-94 form, click here.
International Night
Friday, February 21, 2025
7:00 pm
UH Hilo Performing Arts Center
International Night features performances from the many different cultures and countries represented at UH Hilo. International Night is a long-standing tradition at UH Hilo that spans over four decades, and is a favorite event on campus among students, the community, and visitors. See the shows, see the world! For more details, go to the International Nights website.
Celebrate Micronesia Health Fair
Saturday, April 5, 2025
10:00 am-3:00 pm at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium (323 Manono Street)
Join us for information about and enrollment in health insurance, FSM passport services, community resources, and cultural showcases. Free!
Merrie Monarch Festival Ho'ike Performances
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
5:00-11:00 pm
Join us to watch the free performances at the Ho'ike night of the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival at the Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium. The Ho'ike night is an exhibition of hula and dances from around the Pacific. Tickets are not required, but the festival organizers are requesting a voluntary donation at the door to benefit Maui wildfire victims. Space is limited. Check your UH email to sign up.
Pau Hana! Graduates Recognition and End-of-the-Semester Dinner
Thursday, May 8, 2025 (tentative date)
5:00-7:00 pm at the Pacific Islander Student Center (Campus Center 307)
Take a break before final exams and celebrate the end of the semester as we recognize students who are graduating this semester. Free food!
Whale Watching Trip
Date & Time To Be Announced
Take a boat trip in Hilo Bay to see the humpback whales! More details coming soon.
Zip Line Adventure Trip
Date & Time To Be Announced
Zip line over waterfalls on the Hamakua Coast! More details coming soon.