The public is invited to get a sneak peek of the brand new University of Hawaiʻi—West Oʻahu campus in Kapolei at a grand opening celebration on Saturday, August 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There will be free entertainment, food trucks and family activities to showcase the latest in 21st-century higher education.
UH West Oʻahu will welcome students to the new campus when the fall semester begins for all University of Hawaiʻi campuses on Monday, August 20.
More than 220 freshmen are registered for the fall semester and nearly 2,000 more students will transfer from the Pearl City campus to the new Kapolei campus.
“We’re really excited to be at this point of opening the new campus,” said UH West Oʻahu Chancellor Gene Awakuni. “I invite you to come and see for yourself why I’m so confident that UH West Oʻahu will be a tremendous source of pride for our students and the community at large. It’s been a long journey, and we want you to celebrate this new beginning with us.”
“This is also a huge milestone in Kapolei’s development,” said Richard Dahl, president and CEO of James Campbell Company. “The presence of a four-year university is going to add tremendously to the city’s educational and intellectual resources and have a sizeable impact on the region’s economic growth.”
Grand opening celebration
After dignitaries untie the traditional maile in a ceremony at 10 a.m., UH West Oʻahu will throw its doors open to the public at 11 a.m. so that the community can learn first hand about the campus. Tours will be provided of the state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms, and activities will highlight the academic disciplines that UH West Oʻahu offers its students and the community.
Families are encouraged to bring their keiki, who will have lots to keep them busy in three tents of free games and prizes sponsored by the Friends of Kapolei Hale.
Food trucks will have food and drinks available for sale.
Entertainment schedule
There will be a variety of entertainment throughout the day including hula, Hawaiian music, reggae, pop, classical, jazz, and choral music.
- 11:00 a.m. – UH West Oʻahu Hula Class
- 11:30 a.m. – Kapolei High School Band
- 11:50 a.m. – Lost Roots
- 12:30 p.m. – Kapolei High School Choir
- 12:50 p.m. – Halau O Kaululauaʻe
- 1:10 p.m. – Puʻuloa
- 1:30 p.m. – Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club
- 2:00 p.m. – Chamber Music Hawaii
- 2:45 p.m. – Amanda Tafel
- 3:05 p.m. – Aaron Mahi, Martin Pahinui, George Kuo
- 3:55 p.m. – Kapolei High School Polynesian Club
- 4:15 p.m. – Nesian N.I.N.E.
