BYU–Hawaii News

BYU–Hawaii's hospitality and tourism management students, led by Professor Jeff Christensen, have significantly influenced Christmas Island's tourism development through regenerative tourism initiatives. Their efforts to support local tourism and entrepreneurs have made a lasting impression. Read Full Story

Iosepa, the traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe of Brigham Young University–Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), has set sail once more, marking its first voyage after eight years. On May 30, the Iosepa embarked on a month-long journey that includes its participation in the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, held across the island of Oahu, Hawaii. FestPAC kicked off last week and runs through June 16 with the theme “Ho'oulu Lāhui: Regenerating Oceania,” bringing together diverse people and cultures from all across the Pacific. Read Full Story

As part of an unprecedented and historic investment that will renew the university’s buildings and infrastructure for the next 50 years, progress continues in preparation for the new McKay building project, with construction slated to begin in the summer 2025. Read Full Story

Angelica Maria “Mia” Malit-Cruz, a BYUH graduate from Quezon City, Philippines, with a bachelor’s degree in music and an emphasis on vocal performance, shares how her learnings broke the barriers of music within cultures. Now interning on campus as a Music Program arts administration assistant, she encourages all to follow the covenant path and enjoy the blessings of BYU–Hawaii. Read Full Story

Geoffrey Draper, a professor of computer science from Michigan, shares about his life, pursuits, and interests. Read Full Story

Johann Faana-Kong, a senior majoring in political science from Tahiti, French Polynesia, shares how his conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helped him grow as a student akin to the Savior. Read Full Story

Joseph Plicka, associate professor of English in the Faculty of Arts & Letters shares about his life, interests, and pursuits. Read Full Story

Jessika Santoso, a junior majoring in TESOL from Indonesia, describes how her family values and desire to become a teaching English as a second language (TESOL) educator and life as a gospel-oriented student led her to BYU–Hawaii. Read Full Story

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Administrative Vice President Steve Tueller has named Heina Hanohano as budget director. Hanohano will replace Michael Tejada, who was appointed to administration vice president. Both Hanohano and Tejada will assume their new positions effective May 1, 2024. Hanohano currently serves as BYU–Hawaii’s housing business administrator, and oversees the Housing Operations department. Read Full Story

Brigham Young University–Hawaii announced its spring 2024 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