Every semester at BYU–Hawaii begins with a sense of excitement, and it doesn’t get any more awesome than New Student Onboarding (NSO). With months of preparation, research, and careful planning, NSO sets the tone for what life will be like on campus. NSO isn’t just about paperwork and documentation; the six-person team behind the event plans to enrich, edify, and inspire new students while creating a fun and memorable experience.
Day One and Done
The NSO kicked off on Thursday, August 28, with ‘One-Stop’ onboarding. Students cycle through departments – Student Medical Benefit Office, Human Resources, International Student Services, Residential Life, and more to get new student documents and essentials sorted.
Freshman Ethan Witcher from Arizona said the workshops were a great introduction: “The one-stops were helpful because when you’re new here, you don’t know much. They gave us an introduction to the resources and what we can do to be successful as students. Residential Living especially stood out—they had great energy and got everyone excited.”
The evening kicked off by sorting the new students into groups and meeting their Holokai mentor. These mentors will accompany them for the duration of the NSO and provide support throughout their first semester. After the lovely dinner and wonderful performances from the various clubs, the students, guided by their mentors, made their way to the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), where they experienced the Center’s premier show, ‘Ha: Breath of Life.’
NSO Specialist Zachary Cruz, a senior from Australia majoring in psychology, believes in a holistic approach, sharing, "We wanted to give the new students an all-around experience, and taking them to the PCC for the night show provided that cultural experience. We are a diverse campus that celebrates different backgrounds, and for those who don’t know anything about the Polynesian culture, this was a great introduction.”
Day Two, Come Through
The day started with a visit to the Laie, Hawaii, Temple. Students were invited to participate in temple ordinances, and/or a meaningful experience at the Temple visitors center. Timothy Samad, a senior from Indonesia majoring in business finance, stated, “Even students who are not members of the Church or who don’t yet hold a recommend can feel the sacredness of this place. Visiting the temple is about grounding their college experience in something higher, something eternal.”
Witcher also shared his experience at the temple: “I always feel the Spirit when I go to the temple, but being here at the Laie Temple is different,” He said. "It’s really beautiful and has a special spirit that reflects the island culture. Having served my mission in Samoa, being back in the Pacific Islands makes it even more meaningful.”
Following the temple visit, new students joined workshops set up by several key departments on campus. Samad shared, “If I had to highlight a few [departments], I’d say Counseling Services, Career Services, and Residential Life stand out. Counseling Services offers crucial mental health support that many overlook, Career Services helps students prepare for life beyond graduation, and Residential Life ensures students feel at home while navigating diverse cultures in shared housing.”
To cap the night, students attended a social event aimed at creating friendships while highlighting important dating tips that emphasize respect, boundaries, and healthy connections across cultures. There was speed dating, dancing, and other icebreaker games.
Freshman Tiana Medley from Samoa said the activity helped her feel connected. “It was fun getting to know different people, asking questions, and breaking through that awkward stage. Dancing with everyone made it even better.” She added that it also prepared her for BYU–Hawaii’s unique diversity. “The event helped me integrate into the diverse culture here. I talked with people from so many different backgrounds and learned a lot about them.”
Day Three Service Spree
With malama ‘aina, or to care for the land, being something of high value at BYU–Hawaii, the new students and NSO mentors put hand to land as they helped work the soil with the Kumuwaiwai Center for Sustainability and Hawaiian Studies Program in the Lanihuli Gardens and Kahualoa.
Freshman Toitoi Ina from Samoa said the project reminded him of home. "The service project reminded me of Samoa—how we serve others, care for our surroundings, and keep the land clean. Working on the farm felt familiar and meaningful.”
For him, it was also about giving back. "Coming to a new place, I think about what I can offer as well as what I’ll gain. If I’m going to earn something from the school, I should also give something back. That balance motivates me to work hard and achieve my goals.”
That same afternoon, new students got to cool down and wash off the sweat at the Seasider challenge, a series of games and activities that ended with a splash in the McKay Pool. Then the evening turned spiritual as the new students got to meet their ward bishops and other church leaders to find out where and when their ward meets.
Day Four Spirits Soar
On Sunday evening, students had the privilege of hearing from vice president of student life, Kala Kau, who outlined five principles: delight, devotional attendance, dating, dress and grooming, and diligence — that he said can guide students to academic and spiritual success.
Kau reminded students their place at the university required effort and sacrifice, adding the Lord has a greater purpose for them beyond academics: to become disciples. Quoting Jeffrey R. Holland, he encouraged students to find joy in learning. Kau also stressed the value of attending devotionals, building friendships through dating, following dress and grooming standards, and diligence in temple worship.
Freshman Elias Echeveria from Washington said the devotional left an impression. “The entire event was very spiritual. Singing hymns together made us feel united, and the guest speakers shared meaningful messages. My main takeaway was the importance of building relationships and setting goals for the future,” commented Echeveria. “I also like the fact that they emphasized the importance of dating and the standards we must uphold.”
Day Five Beach Vibes Come Alive
On Monday, September 1, students headed to Hukilau Beach for the Hukilau Bash to relax, play sports, and connect with peers. Students were treated to beachside carnival style games and delicious food like hotdogs, burgers and best of all free shave ice. The event hosted by the Seasiders Activities department created a great opportunity for new and current students to mingle and network while having fun.
“I didn’t meet a single unfriendly person—it was just fun introducing myself, making connections, and enjoying the beach setting,” shared Echeveria.
Day Six Learning Clicks
Tuesday brought important sessions on international student visas, financial aid, and scholarships, followed by the academic fair, where students met professors and asked questions about their programs.
Freshman Uraia Ratuvukivuki from Fiji said the fair clarified his path. “I learned a lot, especially about my major and minors. I asked a lot of questions, and the answers I got really helped me understand how the Holokai Curriculum connects.” He added, “The fair showed me how what I’m studying now will prepare me for the future. In construction management, there are so many opportunities back in Fiji—even with the Church. That really motivates me.”
The day wrapped up with an employment workshop that led to some students landing on-campus jobs right then and there.
Why It Matters
“Success was seeing students walk away confident, knowing where to go for help, how to find a job, or even which ward they would be attending on Sunday,” commented Samad. “Most importantly, it was about students feeling they belonged here in Laie, part of a diverse and faith-driven 'ohana.”
NSO required months of planning, coordination, and effort from countless departments. But seeing students smile, make friends, and feel at home made every detail worth it; NSO was more than orientation, it was the beginning of a journey that would shape their lives forever.
