New, First-Time, Incoming Freshmen Onboarding
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 pre-arrival programs are designed to ground you in purpose, build your confidence, and connect you with the campus community. Kīkaha: Navigating Your Next Steps (NYNS) serves as your launch point—a series of structured onboarding sessions that prepare students for the transition to college life. Following this, Lā Pūnua, meaning “the fledgling’s day,” celebrates your emergence as a full member of the UH West Oʻahu ʻohana, ready to lift off with intention, clarity, and a strong sense of belonging. Participation in both Kīkaha and Lā Pūnua is required for all graduating high school seniors who are new, first-time, incoming freshmen enrolling at the University. These foundational experiences are designed to ensure a confident, connected, and successful start to your college journey. Please see below for more details and to register.
Kīkaha: Navigating Your Next Steps
Pre-Arrival Onboarding & Registration for New First-Time, Incoming Freshmen
Kīkaha, meaning “to soar” or “to glide,” marks the first movement in your college journey—a time to prepare, orient yourself, and begin with intention. Long before your first class, this pre-arrival phase ensures you’re grounded in what matters most: your goals, your plan, and your place within our learning community.
In preparation for your journey at UH West Oʻahu, all new first-time incoming freshmen are required to participate in Kīkaha sessions—a structured series of pre-orientation events designed to lay the foundation for first-year success. These sessions serve as a vital onboarding experience that fosters early engagement, campus familiarity, and student confidence.
Kīkaha Session Sign-Up
Join us for one of the following Kīkaha sessions—designed to help you navigate your next steps in the college journey. Failure to do so will prevent you from registering for classes. Space is limited, so be sure to register early for only one of the following dates. Dates and times will be removed as they reach capacity. For more information, please contact LeianaMarie Alejado at (808) 689-2646 or lma808@hawaii.edu.
Please note: Submission of your health clearance is required prior to attending.
- Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 (9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
- Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 (9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
- Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 (9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
- Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 (9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Kīkaha: What to Expect
Students will participate in two key breakout sessions:
- Student Success Workshop & Campus Tour: Led by peer mentors from the Kauluhāweo Program, this session introduces strategies for academic success and includes a guided tour to help students navigate campus spaces with ease.
- Registration Walkthrough: A hands-on session led by Academic Advising and PUEO Mentors, introducing students to essential university systems such as STAR GPS and MyUH, and culminating in the completion of Fall 2025 course registration.
Kīkaha sessions are designed to cultivate early relationships with peers, faculty, and staff, while equipping students with the tools and knowledge necessary to confidently begin their college journey. With this strong foundation in place, students will arrive for Lā Pūnua not just ready to acclimate—but already in motion, charting their course forward with clarity and confidence.
What Kīkaha Offers
- Academic Advising: Personalized guidance to help you select courses and plan your degree path.
- Registration Support: Step-by-step assistance with enrolling in your first semester of classes.
- Technology Orientation: Hands-on practice with campus systems including MyUH and STAR GPS.
- Financial Preparation: Insight into tuition, scholarships, financial aid, and payment plans.
- Resource Navigation: Introductions to key campus departments and student support services.
- Success Checklist: A clear timeline of pre-arrival tasks to complete before the semester begins.
With Kīkaha, you begin your journey not with uncertainty, but with preparation and purpose. This is your opportunity to take control of your path and prepare for the horizons ahead. The sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning.
Lā Pūnua: Acclimating to New Horizons
Welcome to the beginning of a transformative journey.
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.
Lā Pūnua: Acclimating to New Horizons is your starting point into the next phase of life as a student here at the University. 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.
SAVE THE DATE: August 1st, 2025 (9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.)
Lā Pūnua: What to Expect
Students will participate in three key breakout sessions:
- Meet–Your–Match: Connect with Your Future Faculty: Meet the faculty, explore majors, and start building connections with the professors who will guide your journey.
- Mele Honouliuli: Learn Our University Mele: Learn our university mele, honoring the ʻāina on which UH West Oʻahu stands.
- Peer Mentors: Student Voices & Campus Resources: Get the inside scoop on student life from peer mentors. Hear real stories, learn campus tips, and start building the pilina that will support you throughout your first year.
- Meet & Greet Resource Fair: Your College Support System: Wrap up your day by exploring campus programs and support services—all in one place. Grab a passport, meet your future support team, and earn sweet treats along the way!
What Lā Pūnua Offers
- Cultural Grounding: Learn how Native Hawaiian values and local perspectives shape our campus experience.
- Peer Mentorship: Meet student leaders from the Kauluhāweo Program and beyond, ready to guide you into your first year.
- Community Connection: Begin building lasting relationships with classmates, faculty, and support staff.
- Campus Navigation: Gain confidence navigating classrooms, common areas, and key service locations.
- Student Life Engagement: Discover ways to participate in campus life, clubs, service learning, and leadership development.
With Lā Pūnua, you’re not just arriving—you’re landing with purpose. This is your opportunity to root yourself in the people, place, and possibilities that will define your college experience. Your journey has begun—and you are ready to soar.