Health and Wellness Programs
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Related Services and Programs
About Us
UH Hilo's Campus Recreation and Wellness Program (HWP) offers various resources for whatever you might need! Find fitness classes, training courses, stress relief workshops, and campus events that promote community based or individual-focused wellbeing!
The 8 Dimensions of Wellness include: 1. Social: The focus of social wellbeing is to build and maintain healthy and supportive relationships. We encourage the strengthening of connections with not just peers, but students' community members and faculty. 2. Emotional: Emotional wellness grows with the development of healthy coping strategies and the practice of self-awareness. Managing stress and feelings effectively is difficult, but with the right resources and surrounding, motivating people and environments, it can be easier. 3. Spiritual: Exploring personal values and beliefs expands spiritual wellbeing and overall mind to body harmony. We happily guide students through part of the process of developing an authentic relationship with the self.
- Intellectual: Intellectual wellness encompasses a variety of things. One way the HWP stimulates intellectual wellbeing is by encouraging students' curiosity and participation in opportunities that allow them to learn beyond the classroom.
- Physical: Lifting weights is fun, and an effective way to build muscle! But maintaining a balanced routine that includes exercise, enough sleep, and healthy nutrition habits are just as important for students prioritizing their physical wellbeing.
- Environmental: Respecting our surroundings and contributing to a healthy and sustainable campus and community represents environmental wellbeing, which has a huge significance in the overall wellbeing of students. Here in Hawaiʻi especially, it is our responsibility to appreciate the land and treat it as an extension of our wellness focus.
- Occupational: College is a time for trial and error, but thankfully the HWP caters to a wide variety of interests for students to explore careers and hobbies that help develop skills that align with personal interests and strengths.
- Financial: Adulting is difficult, but unavoidable. Building responsible money habits to reduce stress and support long-term goals is one of the 8 dimensions of wellness that students find they need help with greatly. UH Hilo's HWP is here to support students with finding their feet in the world of money.
Mission
As UH Hilo's Health and Wellness Program, we strive to incorporate holistic well-being into every student's university experience. By providing accessible resources, education, and opportunities that inspire lifelong healthy habits, we build a vibrant campus community where personal growth and wellness are at the heart of every student's academic journey.
Vision
Our UH HWP has the goal of cultivating a happy and healthy academic environment where students feel encouraged to make wellbeing their priority. By aiding vital aspects of social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, occupational, and financial balance within students' lives, our Hawaiʻi school will continue to excel.
Values
Holistic Wellness
Utilizing a multi-dimensional and interconnected methodology to express compassionate regard.
Accessibility
Equipping students with affordable, quality resources that engage a balanced lifestyle.
Empowerment
Expanding students' knowledge and skills with tools and confidence.
Upcoming Wellness Programs
FALL 2026
Board Game Night
- Date: TBA
- Time: TBA
- Location: SLC Lobby or Aerobics Room
- Open to: Students, faculty, staff, and community members
- Description: Board Game Night is a fun, social event designed to bring people together in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The purpose of the event is to encourage connection, teamwork, and friendly competition while providing a break from academic stress. Participants can enjoy a variety of classic and modern board games, meet new people, and build a sense of community on campus.
Flex & Flow Physical
- Date: TBA
- Time: TBA
- Location: SLC - Aerobics Room
- Open to: Students, faculty, staff, and community members
- Description: Flex & Flow is a stretch workshop designed to support the physical dimension of wellness by helping participants improve flexibility, reduce tension, and take better care of their bodies. The session focuses on simple, guided stretching routines that are easy to follow and carry into daily life. Participants will take part in instructor-led stretches, learn proper technique, and practice movements that promote overall physical wellness in a calm and supportive environment.
Paint & Swap Emotional
- Date: TBA
- Time: TBA
- Location: SLC Lobby
- Open to: Students, faculty, staff, and community members
- Description: Paint & Swap brings people together to explore emotional expression and creative thinking through art and exchange. Participants create personal pieces that reflect their feelings or perspectives, then swap their work with others, encouraging new interpretations and connections. The event centers on how art can carry both emotion and ideas, with activities focused on painting, sharing the stories behind each piece, and reflecting on the different meanings each person brings to the same work.
Wick & Glow Environmental
- Date: TBA
- Time: TBA
- Location: Library Lanai
- Open to: Students, faculty, staff, and community members
- Description: Wick & Glow is a candle-making event designed to help participants unwind while learning about environmentally conscious choices. The event focuses on sustainability and the environmental dimension of wellness, encouraging participants to think about how everyday products can impact the planet. Attendees will create their own candles using eco-friendly materials like soy wax and reusable containers, while also learning about reducing waste and choosing sustainable alternatives. The goal is to combine creativity with awareness, offering a relaxing experience while showing how small changes can make a difference.
Health and Wellness Day Fair All 8 Dimensions
- Date: Friday, Nov. 13
- Time: 11am-2pm
- Location: Library Lanai
- Open to: Students, faculty, staff, and community members
- Description: The Health and Wellness Day Fair invites participants to embark on a journey of self-discovery through the Eight Dimensions of Wellness. Just as a safari is an adventure filled with exploration, learning, and new experiences, wellness is an ongoing journey that asks us to navigate different aspects of our lives to find balance. The fair offers opportunities to explore resources, join interactive activities, connect with campus and community organizations, and discover practical strategies for strengthening physical, emotional, social, intellectual, occupational, financial, environmental, and spiritual wellness. Through this wellness expedition, participants are empowered to identify their strengths, uncover new opportunities for growth, and take meaningful steps toward their personal wellness goals.