This week, students of the Tongan club gathered to sing for a Tonga relief project they are participating in, a community-led effort to aid and support the people in Tonga. However, this wasn't the first time students gathered together as a show of strength and support to their families and loved ones in Tonga. Just weeks ago, on January 15, 2022, an underwater volcano erupted, causing a tsunami to wash through the isles of Tonga, followed by a blanket of ash that coated their islands, contaminating natural water and food sources. This natural disaster has also made it extremely difficult to communicate with the outside world. As a result, many students from Tonga who are currently studying here at BYU–Hawaii still have yet to hear from their families and friends. Read Full Story

Several students from the BYU–Hawaii Music Program placed in a regional competition through the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). Dallin McKinney, Brandon Sorilla, Ralph Mallapre, and Aimee Johnson all placed in the competition and study voice privately with Dr. Melissa Glenn. Two singers are advancing to nationals: Mia Malit, who studies with Dr. Melissa Glenn, and Julia Hernandez, who studies with Dr. Erica Glenn. Read Full Story

President John S.K. Kauwe III, following approval from the BYU–Hawaii Board of Trustees, announced the appointment of Laura Moana Tevaga as Advancement Vice President. Read Full Story

Brigham Young University–Hawaii will host a building dedication ceremony on Saturday, January 15, at 10 am, to celebrate the recent completion of its new Science Building. Read Full Story

Brigham Young University–Hawaii announced its winter 2022 devotional and lecture speakers. 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 focus on spiritual learning by fostering greater faith and discipleship in Jesus Christ. Read Full Story

Brigham Young University–Hawaii is making changes to student financial aid to better align with the mission of the university. These adjustments will take effect beginning with the Fall 2022 Semester. Read Full Story

On November 11, 2021, over 200 people gathered for a special centennial celebration at BYU–Hawaii to commemorate Elder David O. McKay’s inspiring vision during his visit to the island on February 7, 1921. Posters displaying early photographs recounted the story of those early years and President McKay’s prophetic vision that “God has had His hand over this entire valley and from this school [BYU–Hawaii] … will go men and women whose influence will be felt for good towards the establishment of peace internationally.” Attendees viewed early images that included the flag raising ceremony at the elementary school in 1921, where President McKay observed 127 children from various cultures and backgrounds (e.g. Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipinos, Chinese, and others) coming together as one. He later wrote, “That ceremony brought tears to my eyes. Truly the melting pot. … [and] an example in this little place of the purposes of our Father in Heaven to unite all people by the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Read Full Story

BYU–Hawaii and BYU-Pathway Worldwide are excited to announce a new partnership that will expand educational options for students in the Pacific Islands, Asia, and the Philippines.

Effective immediately, students who have completed one of BYU-Pathway Worldwide’s online programs and desire to earn a degree on campus at BYU–Hawaii will be given priority consideration for admission to BYU–Hawaii as well as its IWORK scholarship program. Capacity is limited. Read Full Story

John S.K. Kauwe III was officially inaugurated as the eleventh president of Brigham Young University–Hawaii by Elder Jeffry R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and member of the Board of Trustees of Brigham Young University–Hawaii, on Tuesday, October 19. Elder Holland presided over the meeting conducted by Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Seventy. Other speakers included President Kauwe and representatives of faculty, alumni, and students. Read Full Story

Sam Mangakahia is a recent alumnus of Brigham Young University–Hawaii from Brisbane, Australia. He graduated fall of 2020 with a major in graphic design and a minor in painting. Mangakahia has always been passionate about carving Moko patterns, first starting with ukuleles and guitars. He's now expanded his work to other mediums such as t-shirts, surfboards, and now presidential medallions. Read Full Story