New, First-Time, Incoming Freshmen Onboarding
ʻIke, Kīkaha, and Lā Pūnua mark the beginning of your academic journey at UH West Oʻahu, guiding you from first steps to first flight. Rooted in the imagery of a fledgling bird preparing to soar, these onboarding pieces are designed to ground you in your purpose, build your confidence, and connect you with the campus community prior to your first day of the semester. Please review each onboarding piece below.
1. ‘Ike: Pre-Orientation Online Modules
‘Ike, meaning “knowledge, awareness, understanding”. New students are required to complete four online modules consisting of informational videos accompanied by a following quiz.
2. Kīkaha: In-Person Orientation
Kīkaha, meaning “to soar” or “to glide,” marks the first movement in your college journey. Kīkaha serves as your launch point—a series of structured onboarding sessions that prepare students for the transition to college life. These mandatory sessions will provide students with the opportunity to meet their Peer Mentor, College Success Advisor and review and secure their Fall 2026 registration for classes.
Students who complete the ‘Ike Pre-Orientation Online Modules will be directed to a link to register for Kīkaha. Please see below for dates and times.
- Monday, May 4, 2026: 5-7pm
- Thursday June 18, 2026: 9-11am or 1-3pm
- Friday June 19, 2026: 9-11am or 1-3pm
- Monday June 29, 2026: 9-11am or 1-3pm
- Thursday July 2, 2026: 9-11am or 1-3pm
- Monday, July 20, 2026: 9-11am or 1-3pm
- Thursday, July 23, 2026: 9-11am or 1-3pm
2a. ‘Ohana Orientation
Family members of incoming students, join us for a UH-West Oʻahu ʻOhana Orientation session! These optional 2-hour sessions are incoming students’ family members and will cover academics and policies, student support services, student and faculty manaʻo, important dates, and an optional campus tour.
Sessions run concurrently with select Kīkaha Freshmen Orientations—ideal for ʻohana supporting a first-year student attending a session at the same time. ‘Ohana Orientations will be offered during the following dates and times:
- Mon, May 4, 2026: 5-7pm
- Thu, Jun 18, 2026: 9-11am
- Fri, Jun 19, 2026: 1-3pm
- Mon Jun 29, 2026: 1-3pm
- Thu, Jul 2, 2026: 1-3pm
- Mon, Jul 20, 2026: 9-11am
- Thu, Jul 23, 2026: 9-11am
Sessions with low enrollment may be canceled. Additional event details will be sent prior to your selected date.
Questions? Contact us at uhwocs@hawaii.edu.
3. Lā Pūnua: Meet the larger UHWO ‘Ohana
Lā Pūnua—meaning “the fledgling day”—symbolizes a new chapter, one filled with curiosity, growth, and possibility. Just as a young bird prepares for its first flight, this one-day event is designed to help you take those early steps with confidence and connection.
Following Kīkaha, where you charted your academic course and completed pre-arrival tasks, Lā Pūnua is designed to ground you in the campus community. Over the course of this gathering, you’ll explore your home campus, meet peers and mentors, and build the foundation you’ll need to thrive academically, socially, and personally. This is more than just learning about where the campus is—it’s about finding your place in a community, discovering your voice, and beginning your journey toward the horizons that await you. Please save the date on your calendar.
- Friday, August 14th, 2026: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
All Kīkaha attendees are automatically registered for Lā Pūnua. Please check your UH email for updates regarding this event. We are so thrilled to have you be a part of the UHWO ‘ohana, and can’t wait to see you soar into your first semester!
Questions or concerns? Please contact the Advising Office at uhwoadv@hawaii.edu or (808) 689-2689.