Registered Independent Student Organizations (RISOs)
Registered Independent Student Organizations (RISOs) are independent and self-governed student organizations formed with common interests and activities. These organizations, varying from academic, cultural, professional, political, recreational, religious, and service groups, serve the campus and community by providing leadership development opportunities for students. In addition, RISOs foster community spirit, civic engagement and social and cultural interaction among all UH West Oʻahu students, faculty and staff members.
More detailed information on joining a Registered Independent Student Organization (RISO) is available from the Director of Student Life, Rouel Velasco (808-689-2942) or email rouel@hawaii.edu.
Clubs and Organizations on Campus
Meet like-minded Pueo to further academic or other interests through one of UH West Oʻahu’s many student clubs. Check out the list below to learn about some of the clubs and organizations available to UH West Oʻahu students on campus!
The Accounting Club was created to give students at West O’ahu a chance to network with peers and professionals, and explore their options in the accounting industry.
AISES: UHWO
This organization exists to uplift and support students, emphasizing Indigenous contributions in STEM and fostering unity across the campus and broader community. We provide mentoring, resources, and collaboration opportunities rooted in cultural strengths and scientific curiosity. Through outreach and shared learning, we build bridges among students, faculty, and community partners—encouraging leadership and innovation grounded in Indigenous wisdom and collective growth.
IG: @aisesuhwo
Aspiring Educators: UHWO Chapter
1. Promote interest among young adults who are interested in education careers.
2. Provide members with opportunities for developing personal growth and professional competence.
3. Provide opportunities for gaining an understanding of the history, ethics, and programs of the education profession.
4. Provide opportunities for participating in cooperative work on the problems of the profession and the community.
5. Provide professional membership on the local, state, and national levels during the preparation period for a career in education.
6. Strive for higher standards of preparation.
The purpose of CRU is to build movements of people and their faith in Jesus Christ. The student-led movement seeks to introduce students to God, help them grow in their faith, encourage them to live life passionately, and inspire commitment to advancing their God-given purpose.
IG: @hawaiicru
Cyber Force One (CF1)
Cyber Force One is a club that is centered around the purpose of building a community for the lesser social(Cyber Majors) folks, being a hub of assistance towards those that find difficulty through their courses, spreading opportunities to those that may not get out much(Cyber Majors), and providing our members with the resources and assistance needed to acquire the skills and certifications needed to further their careers.
IG: @cf1_uhwo, Email: cf1@hawaii.edu.
Data Analytics Club
The Data Analytics Club is dedicated to fostering the professional and personal growth of its members through a variety of activities.
Email: fpenaloz@hawaii.edu
Gamma Iota Sigma Beta Upsilon (GIS)
Being the connection between the insurance professionals and upcoming student professionals.
This club is dedicated to building knowledge, leadership, and career readiness in the fast-growing field of Facilities Management — the profession that keeps campuses, hospitals, businesses, and communities running smoothly. Our passion is sustainability, business, design, and leadership, this is our chance to connect, learn, and grow with peers and professionals.
Ho’okāpili
In response to God’s love, grace and truth: The Purpose of the Chapter is to establish at the University of Hawai’i at West O’ahu a witnessing community of students and faculty who follow Jesus: growing in love for God, God’s Word, God’s people of every ethnicity and culture and God’s purposes in the world.
IG: @hookapili, Email: maya.puaa@intervarsity.org
ʻAi Pōhaku Indigenous Peoplesʻ Club
To offer Students, Faculty/Staff, and Community members the opportunity to learn and practice the ancestral knowledge of this place. Which includes but is not limited to service for nation building.
– Providing opportunities to care for the environment.
– Providing exposure to Hawaiian intelligence, Hawaiian literature, and cultural traditions.
– Providing opportunities for social interaction and connection among campus and community members.
– Providing opportunity to identify and support their felt responsibility towards Hawaiʻi.
IG: @huiaipohaku, Email: huiaipohaku@gmail.com
ʻAuliʻikolomanu
ʻAuliʻikolomanu club aims to perpetuate ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi among itʻs members, campus, and community in traditional Hawaiian and contemporary context. It also aims to normalize ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi in our daily lives both on and off campus.
Our vision is a Hawaiʻi where ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is renormalized throughout all facets of daily life. We also envision a campus at UH West Oʻahu where ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is prioritized, normalized, heard and spoken throughout.
IG: @olelomauhwo
International Social Club
International Social Club promotes the idea that people from diverse backgrounds can work together, contribute to the community, socialize, and share knowledge and culture through enhancing international awareness, cooperation, cultural diversity, experience, and dialogue among students of different nations.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Club
The Tea Ceremony Club aims to introduce students to the diverse uses and distinct properties of the Japanese tea ceremony, mainly four aspects – history, visual culture, practicum, and philosophy. The club enhances students’ knowledge of the historical development, spiritual, and philosophical discipline behind the tea ceremony, as well as aesthetic contemplation of tea utensils, tea rooms, calligraphy, kimonos, and flower arrangements as a whole. Students are encouraged to analyze various types of visual representations of the Japanese tea culture and their relation to contexts of time and place to achieve a peaceful state of mind.
IG: @jtcc_at_uhwo
FB: UHWO Tea Ceremony Club
Ka Mana O Nā Pueo (Power of the Pueos)
Ka Mana o Nā Pueo (KMOP) at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu (UHWO) is dedicated to fostering student activism and empowerment among diverse communities of the leeward coast. Through inclusive platforms for self-expression, education, and cross-cultural engagement, we stand in solidarity with those affected by injustice worldwide. Our mission is to educate, inspire, and mobilize students to address the pressing social issues of US occupation and militarization in Hawaiʻi, strengthen our roots of unity, and create a more just and sustainable future for all races, creeds, colors, ages, national origins, ethnic backgrounds, genders, abilities, sexual orientations, and religions.
IG: @mana_pueo
Libraries Inspire Thinking (LIT) Club
The Libraries Inspire Thinking (LIT) Club is all about creating a welcoming space where students can connect, learn, and have fun together. We want the library to be more than a place to study; it’s a space to share ideas, make friends, and explore new interests. Through book clubs, creative workshops, student-led projects, and special events, we help each other find new resources, build connections with faculty and staff, and make the most of the library. We aim to foster belonging, inspire creativity, and empower libraries as vital spaces for learning and growth.
Email: LitClub707@gmail.com
Nā Pale O Kualakaʻi Aloha Aina Club
Nā Pale is committed to fostering civic engagement, promoting positive social change, and cultivating an enduring connection with the land through indigenous-based practices. The members of this organization are dedicated to building a loving relationship with aloha ʻāina, applying these principles within Kō Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina (the Hawaiian Archipelago), Moananuiākea (Oceania), and around the world. Through structured critical reflection, organized discussions, and communal support, students are encouraged to analyze their life experiences and apply the lessons to their academic, personal, and career aspirations.
IG: @aloha.aina.uhwo, Email: alohaainaclub@gmail.com
Pueo Gaming
We are the official gaming and Esports club at UHWO. We host game nights for all UHWO students and Pueo Gaming members. We also have competitive teams that represent UHWO in national competition. We have teams in five game titles: Valorant, League of Legends, Marvel Rivals, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros Ultimate. We give the chance for not only UHWO students to play for our teams but for students in the entire UH System. Our goal is to connect people through gaming and create a safe space for people to meet and socialize.
IG: @pueogaming, Email: pgriso@hawaii.edu or pueogaminguhwo@gmail.com
West O'ahu Film Club
The West O’ahu Film Club offers the students of the University of Hawai’i at West O’ahu (UHWO) the chance to come together to share their love for everything related to film. To facilitate this love, the club will host monthly meetings where members can gather around to watch any designated film and analyze its components such as its cinematography, sound design, and editing. Additionally, members can share their own video projects or collaborate
with others on films as a way to promote creativity and receive helpful feedback.
IG: @westoahufilmclub, Email: cv40@hawaii.edu