Academics

Andrew Toimoana, a senior from Tonga majoring in information technology, recently became the first foreign BYU–Hawaii student to intern in Sri Lanka, gaining hands-on experience with Multiverse Engineering, a Sri Lankan engineering and technology company. His father influenced his decision to pursue the opportunity in Sri Lanka, having previously worked with people in the country and knowing that Andrew could learn from their experience.

BYU–Hawaii has partnered with the Church’s Meetinghouse Facilities Department (MFD), to provide students with first-hand internship experience alongside full-time professionals across the Asia-Pacific region.

BYU–Hawaii students participated in the 2026 TypeCon, where they were given the opportunity to present their own typography research and learn from world-class designers. The annual event brought together designers, educators, and typographers from around the world and helped students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the field of typography.

BYUH Students Spend Summer Participating in Leadership and Career Conferences

Mikah Ela J. Cabanilla, a senior from the Philippines majoring in business management, recently represented the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX) at BIO Asia–Taiwan 2026, one of Asia's largest biotechnology and medical conferences. The unforgettable experiences, part of her international internship with AWEX, provided a front-row seat to global innovation.

BYU–Hawaii students lead the way at Malaysian Multi-Faith Summit

Six BYUH student representatives brought the aloha spirit to Provo for the 2026 Religious Freedom Annual Review

The number of BYU–Hawaii students securing professional internships has increased significantly over the past three years, providing students with opportunities that enhance their college experience and jump-start their careers.

Two BYU–Hawaii students recently represented the university on an international stage as they presented original research at the KOTESOL International Conference 2026. Alongside educators, researchers, and language specialists from across Asia, recent graduate Aliah Flores and senior Jolina Vivas Vidal shared research on language assessment and gained valuable professional experience. Their journey reflected the opportunities available through BYU–Hawaii's Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Program and the impact of faculty mentorship, academic research and faith.

Wellness tourism is the fastest-growing sector in the hospitality and tourism industry. It centers on travel aimed at improving personal well-being, and BYU–Hawaii students are preparing to help shape its future.

Organized through the university’s Business Management Program and sponsored by the Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship, BYU–Hawaii once again presented an Asia sourcing trip to business students as an opportunity to apply classroom learning in real-world global business environments and to travel through Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, and Korea.

The Ho’olokahi Chamber Choir’s participation in the Worldwide Devotional aired on May 3, 2026, became a moment where music, faith, and cultural identity harmonized on a global stage. Under the familiar and exquisite direction of Dr. Erica Glenn, the performance was not only a musical presentation but a spiritually grounded offering shaped by preparation, sacrifice, and purpose.

The Religious Freedom and Human Dignity Initiative (RFHD)—composed of BYUH students—has the goal of helping expand others’ understanding of religious freedom and human dignity in Oceania and the Asian Rim.

Research Rooted in Authenticity

From April 1 to 2 at BYU–Hawaii, the 2026 Ed & Shauna Smith Empower Your Dreams Competition made waves among the students. Created to mentor students and equip them with the right tools, the Empower Your Dreams Competition encourages participants to identify real-world problems and develop sustainable solutions.

Every fall and winter semester of the school year, BYU–Hawaii’s Theater Program puts on a showstopping production for students and community members. Each performance makes its mark with bright lights, dazzling smiles, and top-notch acting. Their latest showing of Peter and the Starcatcher takes comedy and physical acting to the next level, starting with a bang and leaving the audience laughing as the characters navigate their story. But of course, not without a few swashbuckling bumps along the way that make the performance that much more humorous for the audience.

A thousand phone-lights shimmered through the arena as the beginning notes of “You Raise Me Up” filled the air. For BYU–Hawaii’s Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir, this wasn’t just another concert—this was a performance shared with the world-renowned singer, Josh Groban.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii supports international students’ academic success through its English as an International Language Program (EIL), which works in coordination with the university’s Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Program (TESOL). While the two are closely connected, they serve distinct purposes within language education and student support.