Campus Community

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.

The Joseph F. Smith Library of BYU–Hawaii is embarking on a project to donate 40,000 books to the Northern Mariana Islands in November 2024. The donation, organized in collaboration with Senator Glenn Wakai of Hawaii and the Micronesian community, involves two major shipments: the first crate of books will be sent on November 4, and the second will follow on November 11. The books are set to enhance libraries and educational institutions in the islands, where access to a diverse range of educational materials is limited.

The Golden State Warriors brought their 2024 training camp to Brigham Young University–Hawaii, from October 1 to 4. Sponsored by Gatorade, the training camp was marked by an outpouring of enthusiasm from students, faculty, and the community, who were eager for the chance to witness their favorite NBA team in action on campus.

BYU–Hawaii was honored to facilitate the legacy celebration for Leonard and Margaret Fong. The Fongs have been long-time supporters of BYU–Hawaii. Their relationship with the university spans decades and generations with significant financial and personal contributions, including establishing two scholarship funds. The Fong family is passionate about supporting the institution and helping BYU–Hawaii students achieve their educational goals through scholarships and financial aid.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii has called on the help of art preservationist Scott M. Haskins to oversee the de-installation of the mosaic on the front of the David O. McKay building. Under Haskins' guidance, the mosaic will be detached for safekeeping during the upcoming construction work on campus.

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.

Culture Night 2024 lived up to the hype as the two-night event was filled with memorable performances from 25 culture clubs that showcased their respective nations’ backgrounds while promoting uncommon parts of cultures exclusively for Brigham Young University–Hawaii students and the community of Laie.

Culture Night 2024 is shaping up to be a unique one as various clubs prepare to introduce new performances related to their culture. The highly anticipated annual event that promotes cultural diversity and worldwide peace takes place on March 13, at 7:00 pm and March 15 at 8:00 pm. Among the many clubs set to welcome new dances are the Latin America and Filipino clubs, whilst the Rotuma and Golden Mecca clubs make their debut performance at the event.

On Saturday, February 17, Brigham Young University–Hawaii hosted the 2024 Nā Leo Hou All-State High School Choral Festival. The all-day event brought nearly 400 high school students from across Hawaii together with the Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir and Seasiders Singers for interactive workshops, rehearsals, and sectionals, ending with a grand concert performance.

On January 31, 2024, Brigham Young University–Hawaii hosted its first-ever BYUH Date Night. The event shared an initiative across all Church Educational System (CES) Institutions to provide low-pressure events that could improve the dating culture across its campuses.

In 2023, Brigham Young University–Hawaii stood at the forefront of transformative change, echoing the visionary aspirations set forth by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland during his address at the inaugural ceremony for President John S.K. Kauwe III in October of 2021. Then, he asserted, "What we have done in the past has led us marvelously to this day, but in no way is it sufficient for the trajectory the Church and the university are on now...The great work of BYU–Hawaii is still ahead of us...[And the] great purposes of BYU–Hawaii will demand the very best of us."

On Saturday, October 21, 2023, descendants of Kaleohano gathered to dedicate a special memorial to Kaleohano and recognize his life of leadership and faith in Jesus Christ. The historical marker was placed near his burial site behind the grounds of the Laie Hawaii Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

As previously announced, Brigham Young University–Hawaii hosted the 2023 Utah Jazz training camp from October 3 to October 7. This event marked a thrilling week for BYU–Hawaii students, faculty, and leaders, offering them a unique window into the world of professional basketball.

Calling all NBA fans! Brigham Young University–Hawaii is thrilled to announce its role as the host of the 2023 Utah Jazz Training Camp from Tuesday, October 3, to Saturday, October 7.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii President John S.K. Kauwe III and first lady Monica S. Kauwe recently journeyed to Mongolia to meet with local Church leaders, cherished alums, and prospective students. The visit was of special significance for church members as it coincided with the 30th anniversary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' establishment in Mongolia.

On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Halaevalu Mataʻaho Napua-o-kalani Tukuʻaho, who currently serves as the High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia, arrived at the Brigham Young University–Hawaii campus to conduct research in the Joseph F. Smith Library's Pacific Islands Research Room.

Over the weekend, the 2023 Kenneth W. Baldridge Prize awarding took place at the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society Regional Conference at Hawaii Pacific University.

In February, business management professors Ann and Scott Springer hosted the 2023 Association for Business Communication (ABC) Western Region Conference at Brigham Young University–Hawaii.