Skip to main content

BYU–Hawaii Updates

Hidden image
"It is imperative that BYU–Hawaii provide every student with a capstone experience—a comprehensive experience that prepares them to live and lead in Oceania and the Asian Rim."
John S.K. Kauwe III University President
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage: overrideTextColor: overrideTextAlignment:

The Capstone Experience

As we continue to establish the capstone experience of our students, we’ve been guided to five pillars that will position our students to be leaders, not just by title or calling, but true disciple leaders who can bless millions across Oceania and the Asian Rim. We are preparing disciples of Jesus Christ who exemplify faith, intellect, purpose, resilience, and leadership.

Imagine how the church will be strengthened, as every graduate is committed to live and lead in Oceania and the Asian Rim with:

  • Faith: A deeper faith in Christ and commitment to their covenants
  • Intellect: A sharpened mind prepared to think critically and creatively
  • Purpose: A purposeful life that aligns with their personal gifts and opportunities
  • Resilience: A tested and proven resilience that will anchor them in turbulent times
  • Leadership: A capacity to lead others to growth and excellence

These leaders will bless their nations, their families, and the Church in remarkable ways. We are grateful for your ongoing support and dedication. Mahalo for being an integral part of our BYU–Hawaii 'ohana!

Seasider Stories
Asia
Asia North
Pacific
Philippines
Hawaii

Asia

data-content-type="article"

From Laie to Asia: Students Experience Global Business Firsthand

May 12, 2026
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.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

Answering the Call: BYUH Students Building Bridges of Peace at 2026 RFHD Conference

April 29, 2026
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.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

Faithful Dreamers, Genuine Gold

April 17, 2026
Winter 2026 commencement speaker Timothy Samad reflects on faith, resilience, marriage, and purpose as he represents one of BYU–Hawaii’s largest graduating classes
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

A Night of Unity and Tradition: BYU–Hawaii Culture Night 2026

March 17, 2026
A large crowd of students, faculty, and community members gathered at Brigham Young University–Hawaii for the annual Culture Night, where 23 student-led clubs from around the world took the stage to celebrate their cultures through music, dance, and storytelling.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

Supporting International Students Through Peer Education at BYU–Hawaii 

February 10, 2026
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. 
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

Welcome To The Shore

January 27, 2026
Since construction began across BYU–Hawaii’s campus, change has become a shared experience for departments university-wide. This new chapter highlights student creativity as they introduce the newest addition to BYU–Hawaii: The Shore.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText=

Asia North

data-content-type="article"

Faith-Driven Progress: A Recap of BYU–Hawaii's 2025 Highlights

December 22, 2025
In 2025, Brigham Young University–Hawaii entered its 70th anniversary year with renewed purpose—reaffirming its identity as a Christ-centered institution and strengthening its mission to prepare disciples, leaders, and peacemakers for communities across the Pacific and Asia. Under President John S.K. Kauwe III’s inspired leadership, the university advanced spiritually, academically, and culturally while navigating one of the most transformative periods in campus history. From historic devotionals and global achievements to construction milestones and cultural celebrations, 2025 was a year defined by faith-driven progress and a deepened sense of belonging.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

From Campus to Conference: BYU–Hawaii Students Take Research to Korea

November 13, 2025
Earlier this month, BYU–Hawaii students traveled to Korea to present their original research on an international stage during the 2025 World Congress on Kinesiology & Sport Science conference focused on healthy living. Accompanied and mentored by professors Joel Reece and Ben Chase, the students gave it their all in sharing their findings and competing to win alongside representatives from various other universities.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

HTM Students Experience Global Hospitality in Action at World Expo in Japan

October 17, 2025
From October 4 to 12, a group of hospitality and tourism management (HTM) students from Brigham Young University–Hawaii traveled to Japan for an immersive learning experience centered around the Expo 2025, a world expo held in Osaka, Japan, a global event that takes place only once every five years and draws millions of visitors from more than 150 nations.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

BYU–Hawaii Alumni Lead the Growth of the Church in Mongolia

October 13, 2025
In the heart of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, three Brigham Young University–Hawaii alumni are serving together in a remarkable way.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

BYU–Hawaii Students Remember President Russell M. Nelson

October 07, 2025
At 8 am on Tuesday, October 7, BYU–Hawaii students gathered in the Cannon Activities Center (CAC) to watch the worldwide livestream of President Russell M. Nelson’s funeral from Salt Lake City in the Conference Center.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

How a Resume, a Business Card, and Hard Work Opened Doors at Coca-Cola

October 02, 2025
When Buyan-Ochir (Buyka) Khandsuren first walked into the Asia-Pacific Career Conference (APCC) at BYU–Hawaii, he never imagined it would lead to an internship with Coca-Cola in Mongolia.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText=

Pacific

data-content-type="article"

Winter 2026 Graduates Share Insights

April 16, 2026
Featuring some outstanding seasiders and their experiences at BYU–Hawaii.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

Learning and Growing for Her People

April 10, 2026
On a small island in Kiribati, Tabeta Boraia Tangata first began to imagine a future that was different–not just for herself, but for the children who would come after her.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

The Stories We Need

March 06, 2026
Beka Poh, a senior from Papua New Guinea, is majoring in English with an emphasis in business and creative writing at BYU–Hawaii. Throughout her time on campus, she has discovered not only confidence in her craft but a deeper purpose behind it.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

Being a Good Friend and Turning Struggles to Support

February 18, 2026
Although Stone once believed those facing mental health challenges could not be helped, her training showed her that hope remains, even in difficult times.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

Giving Makes Space for Heaven’s Blessings

December 12, 2025
Fall 2025 valedictorian Manuarii Tefan reflects on mentorship, initiative and the power of gratitude that shaped his BYU–Hawaii journey
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

Fall 2025 Graduate Features

December 11, 2025
As BYU–Hawaii concludes another remarkable semester, the university celebrates the accomplishments of its newest graduating class—students who have learned, served, and grown in this unique ʻāina at the crossroads of the Pacific.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText=

Philippines

data-content-type="article"

BYUH Students Win Best Picture at Public Domain Film Festival

April 23, 2026
Bringing together creativity, history, and storytelling, Brigham Young University hosted its 7th annual BYU Public Domain Film Festival. This event celebrated media from the 1930s by challenging students enrolled in the three flagship campuses to create an original short film.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

BYU–Hawaii Students Contribute to Global Dialogue at International Forum on Law and Religion in the Philippines

December 04, 2025
Three Filipino students from BYU–Hawaii recently joined international scholars, religious leaders, and policymakers at the 7th International Forum on Law and Religion, held in Bonifacio Global City, Philippines. BYU–Hawaii’s participation in the event, centered on the theme "Charting the Future of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda," was fully funded by the International Center for Law and Religion Studies (ICLRS) at J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University (BYU), and gathered experts from Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Pacific to examine how law, culture, and religion shape peace and gender equity in the region, allowing the students to both learn from and actively contribute to a global dialogue on religious freedom, human dignity, and the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

Finding Belonging in Christ Through Music

November 21, 2025
Steven Kirby Tee, a junior from the Philippines majoring in music with an emphasis in vocal performance, says that coming to BYU–Hawaii was not part of a carefully mapped-out plan—it was the result of small prompts, supportive people, and a lifelong relationship with music that kept leading him forward.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

Telling Stories That Matter: Ke Alaka’i Shines at MediaFest 2025

November 10, 2025
Every year, colleges from around the USA send their best journalism students to be a part of MediaFest, a national conference organized by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP), and the College Media Association (CMA). The conference is set up to teach aspiring journalists and to recognize their work, highlighting the best of the best in college media. Last week, BYU–Hawaii sent seven Ke Alaka’i team members, accompanied by Marketing and Communications director, Brooke Peterson, and digital communications manager, Leilani Guerrero. Ke Alaka’i has been attending the conference for the past eight years, but for several students, this was their first time.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

Kula Manu 2025 Edition Showcases Student Creativity, Now Available Across Campus

October 10, 2025
Kula Manu, BYU–Hawaii’s long-standing journal of literature and art, has been a BYU–Hawaii tradition for more than 50 years. Kula Manu—Hawaiian words that mean “school of birds”—is sponsored by the English Program, and the publication is produced each winter semester by students in ENG 392, Introduction to Literary Editing and Publishing, who serve as the editorial staff for the journal. The journal invites submissions of poems, stories, essays, photography, and artwork from students, faculty, staff, and community members. Current students are eligible for prizes in each category.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

Making the Unseen Feel Seen: A BYU–Hawaii Student’s Internship of Service

September 18, 2025
Leonilyn Llona, a senior from the Philippines majoring in social work, found her internship in Taiwan was more than just a graduation requirement.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText=
data-content-type="article"

Forged in Fire: 2026 Employee Fireknife Competition

April 28, 2026
The Polynesian Cultural Center recently held its Employee Fireknife Competition on April 15. This annual event invites every employee to participate, and it honors the ancient ailao, which is a traditional Samoan warrior dance.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

Noticing the Hand of God

April 20, 2026
KaU'ialohaokalewalani “KaU’i” Naluai never planned to attend BYU–Hawaii. In fact, she once resisted the idea, but through personal prayer, trials, and a growing conviction that God was guiding her path, the Laie native found that she is exactly where she needed to be. Now a junior majoring in English education, KaU’i says her journey to BYU–Hawaii has shaped not only her career goals, but her faith and identity as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

Looking to the Source: Undergraduate Research Conference 2026

April 09, 2026
Research Rooted in Authenticity
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

Seasider Spotlight: Moniqueca Kaufusi

March 16, 2026
Moniqueca Kaufusi, an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Business & Government, shares about her life, interests, and teaching philosophy.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

BYU–Hawaii Students Perform Alongside Josh Groban in Honolulu

February 20, 2026
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.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type="article"

Celebrating 100 Years of Institute in Laie

February 04, 2026
A century has passed, and Institute continues to offer all young adults a place to gather and learn about Jesus Christ. From its humble beginnings in Moscow, Idaho in 1926, it has now evolved to reach across the globe into various countries. Seminaries & Institutes are about to reach a never-before-seen milestone of 1 million participants worldwide who are eager to receive more of the Savior’s light. Here in Laie, the Institute program mirrors that same global mission through meaningful connection, growth, and spiritual development.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=text-left
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText=
News
Check out the latest from BYU–Hawaii

BYUH Begins Vertical Construction for New Welcome Center

By Eli Samuel Holmes May 15, 2026
BYU–Hawaii reaches another construction milestone as Okland Construction officially begins building vertically on the new welcome center at the center of campus. The project continues to move steadily forward, supporting the university’s mission to provide a Christ-centered education, while also preparing students to become future leaders.

President's Council Announces 2026 Ho'omaika'i Awards

By Aubrey Merrill February 13, 2026
Brigham Young University–Hawaii is pleased to announce this year's recipients of the Faculty Awards for Teaching, Scholarship, Citizenship, and Adjunct, the Sione Feinga Award, the V. Napua Baker Award, and President's Appreciation Awards. These awards acknowledge exceptional employees who have demonstrated a strong commitment and dedication to their roles within the university.

Construction Updates at BYU–Hawaii

data-content-type="article"

Construction Updates

September 22, 2025
Highlights of the work accomplished at BYU–Hawaii this summer.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
data-content-type="article"

Breaking Ground for the New McKay Complex

August 29, 2025
On Thursday, August 28, members of the BYU–Hawaii President's Council, along with honored guests, gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new McKay Complex.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
data-content-type="article"

Construction Progress Continues Across BYU‍–‍Hawaii Campus

July 24, 2025
Brigham Young University–Hawaii is in the midst of major construction projects this summer. Several housing and academic buildings are nearing completion, while others begin a new phase of development. The projects—ranging from modern apartment-style dormitories to a comprehensive overhaul of the educational hub—are part of a long-term vision to support students’ growth through enhanced learning and living spaces.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
data-content-type="article"

Cultivating the Future: BYU–Hawaii Plants Seeds for a Safer, Greener Campus

June 30, 2025
Brigham Young University–Hawaii is undergoing a significant landscaping and construction transformation as part of a university-wide effort to renew campus facilities and foster environmental stewardship. These landscaping efforts are designed to enhance sustainability, safety, and student well-being.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
data-content-type="article"

New Student Housing Unveiled at BYU–Hawaii

December 17, 2024
A Look Inside Hale 11, 12, and 13
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
data-content-type="article"

BYU–Hawaii Mosaic Undergoes First Stages of Conservation Process

July 09, 2024
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.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText=
Helpful Links

IWORK Work-Study Program

August 05, 2019
Read more about eligibility and requirements for applying to become IWORK.

Return Missionary Scholarship

August 16, 2019
Check out what BYU–Hawaii offers to help support return missionaries.