BYU–Hawaii News

In 2025, Brigham Young University–Hawaii entered its 70th anniversary year with renewed purpose—reaffirming its identity as a Christ-centered institution and strengthening its mission to prepare disciples, leaders, and peacemakers for communities across the Pacific and Asia. Under President John S.K. Kauwe III’s inspired leadership, the university advanced spiritually, academically, and culturally while navigating one of the most transformative periods in campus history. From historic devotionals and global achievements to construction milestones and cultural celebrations, 2025 was a year defined by faith-driven progress and a deepened sense of belonging. Read Full Story

Celine Duffau, an assistant professor in psychology, shares about her life, pursuits, and interests. Read Full Story

Brigham Young University–Hawaii announced its winter 2026 devotional schedule. This semester, speakers include members of the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU–Hawaii employees, and other invited guests. Weekly campus devotionals are an important part of the BYU–Hawaii experience. The purpose of campus devotionals is to gather as a campus community for a regular opportunity to experience the influence of the Holy Ghost through student-focused messages centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Read Full Story

Fall 2025 valedictorian Manuarii Tefan reflects on mentorship, initiative and the power of gratitude that shaped his BYU–Hawaii journey Read Full Story

As BYU–Hawaii concludes another remarkable semester, the university celebrates the accomplishments of its newest graduating class—students who have learned, served, and grown in this unique ʻāina at the crossroads of the Pacific. Read Full Story

Daryl Wong Snelson, a senior from Malaysia majoring in health and human science, overcomes challenges to find his calling at BYU–Hawaii. Read Full Story

Brigham Young University–Hawaii honors Laura Tevaga for her many years of dedicated service, visionary leadership, and heartfelt stewardship as she concludes her role as advancement vice president. Her tenure has left an unmistakable mark on the university—strengthening its mission, elevating its voice, and building meaningful connections across campus and throughout the world. Read Full Story

Three Filipino students from BYU–Hawaii recently joined international scholars, religious leaders, and policymakers at the 7th International Forum on Law and Religion, held in Bonifacio Global City, Philippines. BYU–Hawaii’s participation in the event, centered on the theme "Charting the Future of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda," was fully funded by the International Center for Law and Religion Studies (ICLRS) at J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University (BYU), and gathered experts from Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Pacific to examine how law, culture, and religion shape peace and gender equity in the region, allowing the students to both learn from and actively contribute to a global dialogue on religious freedom, human dignity, and the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. Read Full Story

Questioning Faith in a Land of Many Gods Read Full Story

Over the summer of 2025, a group of BYU–Hawaii students from the Office of Customer Experience found a creative way to further the mission of the university. Due to campus renovations, losing access to the Seasider Snackbar was inevitable as a result of the Aloha Center closing. “We wanted to provide students with another option for food on campus,” shared Losaline Uhila, a senior from Tonga studying hospitality and tourism management and the lead student on the project, “so we thought, ‘why not a food truck?’” Read Full Story