Nine hospitality and tourism management (HTM) students and two faculty from BYU–Hawaii completed an unforgettable 10-day experiential learning trip to Japan last month. The immersive study, led by Professor Jeff Christensen, aligned with the U.S. and Japanese governments’ 2024 declaration as the “US-Japan Tourism Year,” a joint initiative aimed at restoring tourism exchanges between the two countries to pre-COVID levels. The trip gave students a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most dynamic tourism markets. Read Full Story

Student Life Vice President Jonathan Kala Kau announced the promotion of Maurice Mo’o as the new strategic enrollment senior manager. In this role, Mo’o will report directly to the student life vice president and oversee the Strategic Enrollment department. This new department is responsible for ensuring that recruitment and admissions efforts align with achieving the university’s mission. The Admissions department will be a sub-department of Strategic Enrollment. Read Full Story

Brigham Young University–Hawaii has been granted accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). This accreditation comes after more than a year of self-examination of BYU–Hawaii, followed by an external review, that was required to apply to this non-profit accrediting body. Read Full Story

Meet Brad Smith, an associate professor of biology, with a passion for the ocean. He has been working at BYUH since 2013. Learn more about his life, pursuits, and interests. Read Full Story

Brigham Young University–Hawaii is excited to welcome Dr. Kristina Moleni as a new associate professor in the Faculty of Education & Social Work. With a multicultural background in social work from two countries, Dr. Moleni’s particular focus is on supporting underrepresented communities in higher education. Read Full Story

Three musical ensembles from Brigham Young University–Hawaii (BYUH) captivated a global audience during the 2024 Church Music Festival of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The November 16 live broadcast, themed “Come, Lord Jesus,” showcased sacred music from diverse languages and cultures in celebration of the Savior's return. Read Full Story

The Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship at BYU–Hawaii hosted the annual Ryan and Shauna Ockey Great Ideas Competition, an event celebrating student innovation and entrepreneurship. The semifinals and finals were held from November 13 to 14, and scholarships were awarded to the top three teams. The other seven finalists received participation scholarships worth $500, ensuring recognition for their efforts. Read Full Story

BYU–Hawaii celebrated its annual Food Fest on November 9, with 36 clubs transforming the newly constructed Aloha Plaza into a culinary and cultural wonderland. From 5 to 9 pm, students, faculty, and community members gathered to enjoy an evening filled with flavors, music, and camaraderie. Read Full Story

The BYU–Hawaii Theatre Program recently brought George S. Kaufmann and Moss Hart’s classic romantic comedy-drama "You Can’t Take It with You" to the stage, delighting audiences with its timeless themes of family, individuality, and the pursuit of happiness. Directed by Dr. Michael Morris, the play ran from October 25 to November 2 and featured an enthusiastic cast of students from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspective to this humorous and heartwarming story. Read Full Story

Sumanth Kola, a junior from India majoring in computer science, shares how his upbringing in a Hindu family and his journey into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reflect resilience, commitment, and a desire to make a difference. Read Full Story