Hawaii Summer Internships for College Students

For college students, summer is an ideal period to connect classroom learning with real-world applications, and internships stand out as one of the most effective methods to achieve this. Internships offer professional experience, aid in developing professional skills, and enable connections with individuals who can influence future career paths. In-person internships hold particular value as they provide opportunities to learn directly from mentors, collaborate with peers, and understand the requirements for success in a professional setting.

Why Intern in Hawaii?

Hawaii presents a diverse array of internship opportunities across various fields, including environmental science, healthcare, hospitality, and technology. Interns have the chance to learn from seasoned professionals, contribute to significant community or research projects, and cultivate both technical and interpersonal skills. Whether you're a Hawaii resident or a visitor for the summer, these programs provide a setting that combines academic advancement with cultural and environmental consciousness, giving you the chance to build experience.

Featured Internship Programs in Hawaii

Here are several internship opportunities available in Hawaii for college students:

1. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Remote (global)
Cost: Varies
Dates: Multiple cohorts (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (January, May, September, November)
Eligibility: Students available for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks (undergraduates and gap year students)

The Ladder University Internship Program is a virtual, selective program that partners students with startups and nonprofits worldwide. Interns engage in real-world projects aligned with the needs of their assigned startup and present their work upon completion. This program emphasizes close collaboration with startup managers.

2. Hawaii Pacific Health Summer Student Research Program (SSRP)

Location: Hawaii Pacific Health, Honolulu, HI
Stipend: Provided
Dates: June 15 - August 7
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: Undergraduate students interested in medicine or research

This 8-week summer internship offers a chance to engage in clinical research from beginning to end. Students collaborate with physician mentors to develop clinical research project proposals and act as the project’s Principal Investigator. The program includes a structured medical curriculum, career talks with physicians, and healthcare facility site visits. Interns learn to design studies, collect and analyze data, and present their findings. It is suited for pre-med students and those interested in healthcare research.

Read also: BYU Hawaii Tuition Fees Explained

3. First Hawaiian Bank Summer Associate Program

Location: First Hawaiian Bank, Honolulu, HI
Stipend: $18/hour
Dates: 40-hour work weeks between June to August
Application Deadline: Typically posted in the winter
Eligibility: Rising senior undergraduates with advanced business coursework and a minimum 3.0 GPA

First Hawaiian Bank provides a paid summer associate program for undergraduates interested in banking. Ideal for students with coursework in finance, accounting, or economics, associates are placed in various departments to gain practical experience in a collaborative setting. This program offers networking opportunities within Hawaii's business community and experience at a major financial institution.

4. Hospital Internship Program (Information Missing)

Note: The user did not provide information regarding the name and details of this program.

This program is suited for undergraduates exploring different medical field paths, from hospital administration to clinical support.

5. Mālama Maunalua Summer Internship Program

Location: Mālama Maunalua, Honolulu, HI (Maunalua Bay)
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 9 - August 16
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Undergraduate students and recent graduates interested in marine science, conservation, or environmental studies

Mālama Maunalua’s 10-week program is a field-based experience focused on conservation. Interns work on regional marine and terrestrial resource issues, gaining hands-on experience in scientific research, environmental nonprofit operations, and community outreach. Participants engage in projects such as coral and native algae restoration, field research, and data management, while connecting with community members and conservation professionals.

6. Akamai Internship Program

Location: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hilo, HI (with placements on Hawaiʻi Island and Maui)
Stipend: $4,600 stipend, housing, and travel support
Dates: June 1 - August 7
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: Undergraduates from or currently living in Hawaii and enrolled at a University of Hawaii campus

The Akamai Internship Program offers a summer work experience at observatories, tech companies, and science facilities in Hawaii. This paid internship begins with a preparatory course at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, followed by a 7-week project with a mentor. Past interns have been placed at observatories like Mauna Kea and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope. The program concludes with a symposium where students present their work.

Read also: On-Campus Housing Options

7. Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) Young Scientist Opportunity (PYSO)

Location: NOAA Inouye Regional Center, Honolulu, HI
Stipend: Paid
Eligibility: U.S. citizen enrolled in an undergraduate program, with at least 24 credit hours earned and majoring in a discipline or study area related to marine or atmospheric science, research, technology, or education, and supportive of NOAA and the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research programs and mission.

This paid summer internship is hosted at the NOAA Inouye Regional Center in Honolulu. The PYSO program offers hands-on training and research experience in marine science and resource management. Interns are paired with mentors from NOAA Fisheries and work on projects related to local marine ecosystems.

8. The Queen's Medical Center Summer Research Internship (SRI)

Location: The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, HI
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 16 - August 8
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduates who are Hawaii residents and have a minimum 3.3 GPA

This internship allows college students to work on research projects under the guidance of experienced faculty and staff at The Queen's Medical Center. The SRI program includes a thorough introduction to research skills, a mentored research project, physician shadowing opportunities, facility tours, and cultural experiences.

9. Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science (PIPES)

Location: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents who are enrolled undergraduates.

PIPES is an NSF-funded summer program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo focused on tropical ecology, evolution, and conservation science. This 10-week experience includes an orientation, followed by matching with a mentor from a university, federal, or state agency in one of four pathways: Ancestral, Ecological, Community, and Research.

10. Hawaiian Electric Summer Internship Program

Location: Various offices across Hawaii
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10-12 weeks during the summer, varying by specific position
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines varying by role
Eligibility: Current undergraduate student with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Specific majors (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Computer Science) are required for technical roles.

Hawaiian Electric offers a project-based summer internship to gain experience in the utility and energy sector. Interns work with mentors on projects related to their field of study, such as engineering, IT, or business. The program includes cross-functional activities to learn about company operations and workplace culture.

11. Maui Ocean Center Internship Program

Location: Maui Ocean Center, Maʻalaea, HI
Stipend: Unpaid
Dates: A minimum of 10 weekdays for college interns, offered in summer
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduates (and high school students) with a preference for those studying marine sciences or related fields

This program offers an in-depth experience for students interested in marine biology, animal care, and public education. Interns work alongside marine naturalists and aquarists at one of Hawaii's top aquariums, with responsibilities including exhibit interpretation, educational presentations, animal care, and water quality testing.

Read also: Cost of Hawaii Preparatory Academy

12. Kupu Hawaiʻi Youth Conservation Corps (HYCC) Summer Program

Location: Various host sites across Maui and O’ahu
Stipend: $17/hour ($18/hour for Maui members) and a $1,565 AmeriCorps Education Award upon completion
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Typically closes in the spring
Eligibility: Must be at least 17 years old. Open to undergraduates and recent graduates

The HYCC Summer Program is an 8-week experience for college students interested in conservation and natural resource management. Participants are placed on a team at a host site, gaining fieldwork experience. Projects involve native plant restoration, invasive species removal, and trail maintenance.

Additional Opportunities

Lumiere Research Scholar Program

This program offers independent research opportunities for students and is founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation provides need-based financial aid for low-income students.

Tips for Securing an Internship

Resume and Profiles

Update your resume and fully complete your Handshake profile. Recruiters are more likely to engage with complete profiles indicating interest in working in Hawaii.

Internship Interview

Prepare for interviews by reviewing your resume and cover letter. Provide specific examples of your experiences. Consider mock interviews with your university’s career center or a trusted friend.

Networking

Connect with coworkers during your internship, treating both industry professionals and fellow interns with respect. Ask colleagues for coffee chats or informational interviews to learn about their career paths.

Getting Around Hawaii

Plan your transportation in advance to explore Hawaii. Use the search bar to locate internships in specific cities.

Housing

Find rentals using resources like Craigslist and Zillow. Consider your connections in the city.

Considerations for Interns

Before moving, ensure you have addressed key considerations:

Have you checked out tips on how to land an internship?
Do you need your internship to provide compensation?
Are you renting in an affordable neighborhood?
Do you have a vehicle? If not, are you comfortable using public transportation frequently?
Will the food options available work for you?

Gaining Experience

If you lack prior experience, review your resume and highlight skills gained from courses, extracurriculars, volunteer work, and organizations.

Important Considerations for Interning in Hawaiʻi

Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund advises prospective interns to carefully consider travel logistics due to ongoing challenges and increased costs associated with travel to Hawaiʻi. The island of Maui is still recovering from the catastrophic fires in Lāhainā, which has impacted lodging, car rentals, and food expenses.

Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund Internship Opportunities

Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund offers year-round opportunities to participate in their programs, including:

Sea turtle projects
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Discovery Center environmental education activities on Maui
Marine debris cleanups and estuary restoration workdays on Hawaiʻi Island

Their internship program is designed to immerse individuals in island life and culture while contributing to environmental conservation. Internships on Maui can be tailored from one week to over a month and may include scholastic credit or community-service options. Select opportunities on Hawai‘i Island focus on marine debris, anchialine ecosystems, and dry-forest/coastal strand plant communities. Priority is given to local residents or those with existing connections to Hawaiʻi.

Note: It is crucial to research travel and housing options before applying due to current difficulties and expenses.

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