Hack for Hawaiʻi – Summer

Class info:

Got ideas to make Hawaiʻi a better place? Hack for Hawai’i helps you turn your ideas into real solutions that can impact your community.

This fast-paced, team-based challenge brings high schoolers together to tackle real issues facing Hawaiʻi, like environmental sustainability, housing, education, social justice, tourism, technology, and community wellbeing. Working in small teams, you’ll learn how to identify problems, think creatively, and design solutions that are innovative, realistic, and grounded in our local culture and needs.

Throughout the program, you’ll move step-by-step through a structured design-thinking process. You’ll start by researching and understanding a community problem, then brainstorm ideas, build a prototype of your solution, and prepare a pitch that tells your story and impact. Along the way, you’ll get guidance from mentors and community leaders who care about youth voice and local change.

You’ll grow your confidence while strengthening leadership, teamwork, communication, and entrepreneurial thinking. You’ll also learn how to turn passion into action and see how your voice/work/ideas can create positive change in Hawaiʻi.

The program wraps up with a final pitch competition {TBD}, where teams present their solutions to community members, partners, and stakeholders.

No prior experience needed. Just bring your curiosity, manaʻo, and commitment to making Hawaiʻi stronger for future generations.

Ages: 14-18
Schedule: Monday – Friday
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Start Date: 06/22/2026
End Date: 07/17/2026

*All are welcome to apply with preference given to Native Hawaiian kamalei.