Jersey Nahenahe Waikiki, who graduated from Kamehameha Schools this year, visited a variety of informational tables where she and other students had the opportunity to ask questions and collect fun swag and prizes at a recent gathering for incoming freshmen at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu.
The Pearlridge-area resident, 18, said she found the activity “most helpful,” learning more from campus resources such as UH West O‘ahu’s Financial Aid Office and the No‘eau Center.
“I had some questions and I work better when I ask in person instead of through email, so it helped a lot for me,” Waikiki said.
Waikiki was among nearly 200 incoming freshmen who attended Lā Pūnua, held at UH West O‘ahu on Aug. 14, 10 days ahead of the first day of the fall semester on Aug. 24. The event featured informative breakout sessions, lunch and Pueo Pā‘ina, the resource fair that Waikiki attended. Lā Pūnua was immediately followed by the New Roots Transfer Student Welcome, a celebration designed specifically for incoming transfer students at UH West O‘ahu.
“College is a huge transition for many, and the intent of Lā Pūnua is to celebrate that transition, welcome them to our campus ‘ohana, while preparing them for the journey ahead,” said Dr. Rebecca Carino-Agustin, a College Success Advisor at UH West O‘ahu.
Carino-Agustin continued, “The event’s intent is to show our incoming haumāna (students) that they have a supportive community and that they don’t have to navigate college alone.”
The Lā Pūnua breakout sessions highlighted “keys to success” in college, Carino-Agustin said, such as how to navigate UH’s Lamakū learning management system and how to integrate career-planning while in college. A popular “True Colors” workshop helped students in their identity development and see how they may work with others.
Lā Pūnua capped off with Pueo Pā‘ina, where students could get connected by meeting program faculty, representatives from campus support services and members of various student organizations; as well as explore resources to learn about the academic, personal and career support available to help students succeed. Students who completed a Pueo Pā‘ina passport and survey received a sweet treat from local ice cream shop Sage Creamery.
“Overall, I think this was a very well-held introduction for everyone, especially freshmen,” said Kapolei High School graduate Samantha Querry, 18, of Kapolei. “I really love how friendly everyone is and they’re welcoming to everyone.”
Lā Pūnua was followed by UH West O‘ahu’s New Roots Transfer Student Welcome event, which was attended by about 20 students. (Originally, 80 students registered, but attendance was affected by then-Tropical Storm Lala.)
The back-to-back events overlapped during the Pueo Pā‘ina resource fair. After the fair, the New Roots participants attended a welcome reception that included dinner and an opportunity to build pilina (connections and relationships) with current UH West O‘ahu students as well as fellow transfer students.
“New Roots is an event that allows us to welcome our incoming transfer students by providing them the space to be celebrated and honored for reaching this milestone in their academic journey,” said Shawna-Leigh Camara, a College Success Advisor at UH West O‘ahu.
Camara continued, “Transfer students represent a vital part of our UH West O‘ahu community, bringing diverse perspectives and unique experiences that strengthen our campus. We hope that every student who attended New Roots made a new connection to our campus either by engaging with the resources present and/or meeting other UH West O‘ahu community members.”
Both Lā Pūnua and the New Roots Transfer Student Welcome provided participating students support for a smooth transition into the UH West O‘ahu ‘ohana.
Kapolei resident Miguel Menoyo, 18, who graduated from Campbell High School, attended Lā Pūnua and said thanks to the event, he feels ready for school.
“I feel pretty good about the upcoming school year, definitely more prepared,” Menoyo said.
To see photos from Lā Pūnua, visit the Lā Pūnua 2026 album on Flickr.
Lā Pūnua and the New Roots Transfer Student Welcome are among the “50 Acts of Pueo Pride” — events highlighted as part of the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu’s 50th anniversary in 2026.
