Our February 3-Week NICE Program students have submitted their photos for our photo contest! From their memorable time in Hawaii, students sent entries for three categories: fun with friends, scenery, and food.
Enjoy the three winning photos below!
Fun with Friends
Winner: Soka Ono, University of the Ryukyus
Scenery
Winner: Hirona Hashimoto
Food
Winner: Ayame Sugi, Chuo University
Congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone who participated and voted for the 3-Week February 2026 photo contest!
Click here to see more submissions on our NICE Program photo contest website!
Black History Month is anticipated each February honoring the history, achievements, and ongoing contributions of African Americans in the United States. Particularly in Hawaiʻi, its significance is shaped by the multicultural heritage and history of fighting for justice and self-determination. African Americans have been part of Hawaiʻi’s story since the early nineteenth century, most notably from its history of military and public service. This widely celebrated month recaps the most significant figures throughout black history and its direct impact to life in Hawaiʻi.
Black History Month started in 1976 by the Gerald Ford—the 38th President of the United States declaring February as its nationally celebrated month. Ford encouraged American citizens to honor the accomplishments and contributions of the Black community. This now transitions into today as a widely celebrated recognition across the globe with Black History Month events and educational experiences.
Since 1976, United States Presidents issued an annual proclamation endorsing Black History Month set by the Association for the Study of African American Life & History (ASALH). The ASALH has been pivotal for advancing African American history and preservation for schools, communities, and organizations to come together and celebrate the achievements within the Black community.
Rosa Parks
On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks, primarily known for her efforts as an African American civil rights activist encountered an iconic status during the civil rights movement. Parks refused to vacate a seat on the bus for a white passenger after being instructed to move to the back by the bus driver. Police arrived to the scene and took Parks into custody.
This arrest sparked a successful boycott of buses in Montgomery a few days later. Residents refused to board city buses and rode in Black-owned cabs or sometimes even walked the lengths of 20 miles. This movement served as a direct blow to bus companies’ profits as many buses stood no purpose for months.
Parks received many honors over the course of her life, including the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People’s (NAACP) Springarn Medal in 1979, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1999. After her death in 2005 at the age of 92, she became the first woman to lie in honor of the Capitol Rotunda in Washington D.C.
Bernard Harris
Bernard Harris became the first African American astronaut to walk in space on February 9, 1995. Harris took part in the STS-63 mission where he conducted research and held a telemedicine conference from orbit. Prior to his successful space shuttle missions, Harris was first admitted into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) astronaut program in the summer of 1991. He shared his dream of setting foot on space after consulting with his teacher, who previously worked at NASA before transitioning into the Texas Tech University School of Medicine. Harris then took part as a clinical scientist and flight surgeon before entering the astronaut program.
Harris’s spacewalk journey proves that any person, no matter their racial background, can be a visual representation of proof that aspired success is always attainable. Harris inspired future generations to pursue STEM education through the creation of programs such as the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Camp which specifically targeted minority students searching for a boost in confidence.
Change of Perception in Hawaiʻi
Particularly in Hawaiʻi, Black people were welcomed in the early 19th century and generally able to seamlessly assimilate into local culture. This idea changed however in the following decades, partially due to the growing perception of lighter skin tones having higher status, as missionaries began marrying into Hawaiian families.
To counteract since 2015, The Popolo Project has been committed to highlighting Black diversity and sharing narratives for and about Black people in a space that is relatively new to Hawaiʻi. Events hosted by The Popolo Project connect the local communities to learn more about Black communities in Hawaiʻi and beyond. Recent projects include public talks about the Black Lives Matter movement and the Honolulu African American Film Festival.
To learn more and get involved with these communities check out more from The Popolo Project webpage or the Hawaiʻi chapter of NAACP.
Learning more about the significance of Black history has a tremendous domino effect on understanding more about diverse and rich culture heritage, just as we seek living in Hawaiʻi. This month helps us understand the importance of our personal stories and why being prideful of our identity holds significant purpose. To explore more Black History Month monuments, check out the National Museum of African American History and Culture webpage for a comprehensive rundown.
Valentine’s Day is a widely recognized holiday that is celebrated by many countries around the world. Occurring every year on February 14th, this holiday honors love and romance as a commercial celebration for partners, friends, and family. Whether you plan to go take your significant other to a gourmet restaurant or just watch a romcom movie at home, learn how to make the most out of your Valentine’s Day experience when spending your holiday in Hawaiʻi.
Where to Celebrate?
The stunning sunsets in Hawaiʻi come with legendary sailing and dinner cruises offered by various companies islandwide. These excursions are also often accompanied by live music offering a festive Valentineʻs Day touch. Refer here for notable boat tours to celebrate your Valentineʻs Day holiday. Also attached are signature dinner shows ranging from luʻaus, live music performances, and more.
If you and your partner are craving more excitement, Hawaiʻi has plenty of adventure-filled experiences to bond over. Sign up for a Kapalua Zipline Tour or take surfing lessons together on Oahuʻs famous North Shore. The Mauna Loa Helicopter Tour also offers private helicopter charters that fly across the spectacular scenery of active lava flows and magical waterfalls.
Where to Buy Gifts?
Valentine’s Day gifts can be discovered through many different locations whether you may be searching on a budget or paying luxury-level prices. Cheap gift alternatives for flowers, chocolates, and more can be discovered at various Safeway, Walmart, or Target locations. Each store site may also provide different jewelry or gift baskets to spend on for your special person as well.
For artisanal and expensive gifts, refer here to check out the Wedding Ring Shop. Collection of necklaces and earrings are crafted with impeccable details that mirrors beauty of our islands. This fine jewelry is designed by renowned brands such as TACORI, Gabriel & Co., and more.
Red Pineappleis a unique boutique location in Kaimuki, offering curated, high-end gift baskets, artisan candles, and jewelry. They specialize in creating custom-made gift baskets for loved ones that are locally inspired to Hawaiʻi. Same-day delivery is also offered to hotels and across the island if you happen to be searching for a last minute Valentine’s Day gift.
Where to Eat?
Here are three high-end restaurants to visit in Hawaiʻi to make the most out of your Valentine’s Day dining experience. Each destination provides a memorable way to celebrate while enjoying the beauty and culinary excellence of the islands.
Chef Chai, located at Kapiʻolani Boulevard, is offering a special Valentine’s Day dinner for $125 per person, featuring a thoughtfully curated multi-course menu.
The evening opens with a selection of starters and appetizers such as vegetable souffle or butternut squash and lobster bisque. Entrees range from vegetable terrine and miso Chilean sea bass to beef tenderloin Wellington, finishing with shared desserts like coconut cake, chocolate lava cake, or coffee creme brulee.
An early bird special of $115 per person is available for guests seated between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM on February 14th, with more details linked here for reservation.
DECK Waikiki, located at the Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel, is offering a four-course Valentine’s Day dinner priced at $100 per guest, starting service at 3:30pm on February 14th.
The experience begins with a duck confit tart amuse and a choice of fresh salads, followed by second-course options like baked brie, lamb chops, or roasted beets. Entrees include filet mignon or miso-marinated salmon, and the evening finishes with desserts selections of basque cheesecake or hazelnut mousse.
MW Restaurant is located at Kapiʻolani Boulevard with a Valentine’s Day special tasting menu. The service is priced at $110 per person available on 14th at 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Guest may also choose to order from the a la carte menu.
The tasting menu opens with a choice of truffle asparagus soup or a seafood sampler for an additional $5 supplement. Entrees range from duck confit and steamed kanpachi to a surf and turf upgrade, ending with desserts like strawberry shave ice, chocolate lover’s dream, or cherries jubilee.
For more information on reservation, please refer to the link here.
We would like to introduce a few of our bright-minded students from Hankyong National University participating in the A La Carte NICE Program. Hear more about their favorite memories and experiences throughout the duration of their three week stay.
Chaerin “Cherry” Sim
Cherry is studying Product and Space Design at Hankyong National University. In this program, she is not only understanding the English language, but how to converse in English outside the classroom. She also highlights the unique opportunity to learn about the culture of Hawaiʻi with other students from Korea in English.
“Iʻm learning about English but more like how to…[have] confidence in front of the native [speakers]…”
Celine Choi
Celine is a second year student studying Industrial Design. Ever since she was young, Celine always wanted to visit other countries to learn English. This was her chance to finally do so. Celine wants to give a shout-out to her NICE program teacher, Aimee. She says Aimee is supportive and understanding, and that makes it easier for her to learn English.
“Her [Aimee’s] kindness helped me do my best [in class].”
Cherry (left) and Celine (right) at the first Cultural Workshop: Lei Making.
Gyunhoon “John” Pi
John is currently studying Animal Environmental Sciences at Hankyong National University. As a student of the NICE Program, John emphasizes the importance of learning English for universal purposes. He hopes to improve his English speaking to communicate with different people from across the world. John’s favorite part about living in Hawaiʻi has been the scenic viewpoints and having a relaxing lifestyle at the beach.
“Because English is a worldwide language, it is very important to talk with other people from all over the world… so I think learning English and talking with English is very important to live in life.”
Congratulations again to the Hankyong National University students for your active engagement and enthusiasm! We wish you the best ahead during the next phase of your bright futures.
The NICE Program welcomed students from Hangkyong National University and members of the Winter 3-Week NICE Program. Recap on a few memorable experiences for the students during their educational stay!
The Service Learning Elective Course (SLEC) serves as an optional class for NICE Program students, offering hands-on learning experience while giving back to the community. Students of the Fall 2025 10-Week NICE Program participated in the course, having the chance to engage in three memorable excursions: Lyon Arboretum, Kanewai Loi, and Malama Maunalua. Throughout each visit, students learned directly about the environmental and cultural histories of each site before engaging in their volunteer work.
Lyon Arboretum
Lyon Arboretum
Kanewai Loʻi
Kanewai Loʻi
Malama Maunalua
Malama Maunalua
Meet four students: Ren Miyashima, Hono Murata, Chihiro Hara, and Saita Iwasaki. Each student is a Service Learning Elective Course participant all based from Ryukoku University in Osaka, Japan. Service Learning not only stood out as an opportunity for the students to be more community-oriented, but also to practice their English speaking.
Saita reflected on his experiences being able to work with indigenous plants throughout the course. As an individual volunteer service activity, Saita had chose to research about the origins of each excursion site and the environmental issues each faces with comparison to Japan.
“I learned through service learning about original Hawaiian nature and history, and the relationship between nature and the people who live in Hawaii.”
Chihiro offered a different perspective in her Service Learning reflection. Her reasoning for electing to choose a volunteer service activity, was to not only learn about Hawaiian nature and invasive species, but learn how its significance connects to the people. Engaging with local communities allowed Chihiro to overcome shyness and gain greater confidence when speaking English in a foreign setting.
“I think it (English ability) improved because I grew to speak with more initiative, and when I speak with my host family in English, I can enjoy speaking better than I thought.”
One of the most notable Service Learning activities was the Kanewai Lo’i excursion. This service event is a recurring community workday on the first Saturday of each month. Volunteers help with planting, weeding, cleaning streams, and maintaining the quality of taro patches across the university.
Ren picked the Loʻi not only as his most memorable experience in the Service Learning Elective Course, but throughout his time collectively in Hawaii. Some notable areas that Ren highlighted was learning about the background and historical significance the Loʻi Patch has on local communities. These experiences helped Ren grow fonder of Hawaiian culture and become easier-going when communicating with locals.
“[Aloha] spirit, I like. I like the relaxed and easygoing thoughts of local people.”
As an individual activity, Ren chose to volunteer alongside other UH Mānoa students for a beach clean-up event at Ala Moana Beach Park. Having never been to Ala Moana Beach, Ren decided to use this opportunity to not only explore more of what Hawaii has to offer, but connect with community-oriented individuals.
Ren Miyashima (right in both photos) at the Ala Moana Beach Park Clean-Up.
The last of our four students, Hono, took pride in contributing all her efforts to the individual activity project. Hono desired to work in an opportunity that was meaningful to her and involved close ties with her host family members based in Hawaii. She enjoyed a great deal of fun excursions with her family, along with visiting the north shore for the first time.
“It [SLEC] was interesting…communication with local people are [very] difficult, but I can improve my English skills a little bit, so [it was] fun.”
Hono chose to do her individual activity on an environmental initiative at Kuilei Cliffs Beach, located alongside Diamond Head Crater. Throughout this project, Hono identified and pulled out invasive plant species to help raise awareness for the overall and protection and thriving of native plants.
Congratulations to each of these students for the successful completion of the Fall 2025 10-Week NICE Program and we hope SLEC has had a lasting impact beyond the classroom experience.
The next Service Learning Elective Course will begin in April. For more information please contact ipinfo@hawaii.edu.
Hello everyone, my name is Trinity Chan, and I graduated this past December (2025) with a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management. I began my graduate journey feeling nervous and uncertain, as I entered the program with less professional experience in the HR field compared to many of my classmates. Despite those initial doubts, the program challenged me in ways that helped me grow both academically and personally, pushing me outside of my comfort zone and strengthening my confidence along the way.
This program helped me develop a deeper understanding of human resources, along with valuable skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. It also reinforced my interest in working with people and supporting their growth, which is something I hope to continue doing throughout my career.
Throughout the 16-month program, I was fortunate to build strong and lasting friendships with my cohort. Everyone was incredibly supportive of one another, both personally and professionally. We celebrated family milestones, career advancements, and we also leaned on each other during more challenging moments. I am deeply grateful for each person in my cohort, my family and my friends, as they played a significant role in shaping my graduate school journey.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue working with the NICE Program. I genuinely enjoy working alongside such supportive and dedicated colleagues, and I am thankful for the encouragement I’ve received along the way. I appreciate everyone who took the time to congratulate me and celebrate this milestone with me.
Hi everyone! My name is Seun Kim (everyone in the office calls me Joy). I am originally from South Korea and moved to Hawai’i as an international student in 2022. My desire to relocate here on island stemmed from various reasons, most notably to become better proficient in English and study Japanese language and culture as well. Through these experiences, I hope to one day work as a flight attendant to communicate and travel with people from all across the world.
Now reflecting back as I near graduation, living in Hawai’i definitely fulfilled those expectations. From my experiences working as a student assistant for the NICE office (May 2023 – December 2025), I am thankful for the diverse group of students I had the privilege of meeting and befriending.
“Studying abroad in Hawaiʻi was undoubtedly a turning point in my life.”
Growing up, my parents had always encouraged me to study abroad and travel across the world, mainly due to foreign exposure and it benefiting my personal growth. Taking up this action was originally only a thought and was never executed until the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, it grew difficult for me to find a position within the aviation industry and immediately settle in Korea. Due to these circumstances and subsequent desire to improve my language speaking ability, I finally took on that initial step deciding to study abroad.
“During my time in Hawaii, I learned not only languages, but also cultures, American, Hawaiian and Japanese.”
Engaging in an English-only lifestyle was definitely an adjustment, but as time went on, I grew fonder and began to grow a deeper love for Hawai’i’s cultural environment. Having conversations with classmates at school and colleagues in the NICE office not only strengthened my confidence in English speaking and writing, but helped me learn more about American culture in the United States. Before moving to Hawai’i, I would also would never have had the opportunity to learn and speak English andJapanese. Enrolling in the language classes was another impactful experience helping me explore a wider range of cultures.
“With the Aloha mindset, I’ve become more positive and relaxed.”
In addition, being away from hectic city life and instead surrounded by the ocean and lush green forests was a great change of scenery for my peace of mind. Back in Korea, I would work in a faster-paced environment with strict deadlines. Hawai’i served as the opposite, helping me learn the values of slowing down and approaching areas of life with greater calmness. At times this change of mindset can still feel like an adjustment, but throughout my experiences it has taught me to clear my mind of unnecessary worries. This sense of Aloha spirit is what I hope to carry forth upon returning to life in Korea.
“I’m truly grateful for everyone who made my time in Hawaii special.”
I started working for the NICE office thanks to the recommendation of a close friend. Having never worked an office job beforehand, I am especially thankful for my supervisors and colleagues who helped me learn in such a kind and enjoyable way. Creating video content, blogs, and working with social media projects for the NICE Program was truly a rewarding experience and something I hope to cherish moving forward.
“The cool breeze, the hot sun, rainbows, acai bowls and fresh poke!”
Leaving behind all the qualities I love about Hawaiʻi still feels surreal. Now saying goodbye to the island I have grown so attached to, I will carry forth these memories with me upon entering the next chapter of my life. Hawai’i will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will definitely visit again!
The NICE Program welcomed students from Ryukoku University, Nagoya University of Foreign Studies, Kyungsung University, and others for the Fall 10-Week NICE Program. The students studied English for 10-weeks, focusing on English grammar, listening, oral production, integrated skills and TOEIC as an elective. Here are some moments captured!
When you think of Christmas movies, which one comes to mind first? There is not winter in Hawaiʻi, so Christmas here feels more like summer, but we can still enjoy the cozy holiday vibes by watching movies set in snowy, white Christmas scenes!
If you want to get into the Christmas spirit and practice your English this holiday season, here are some movies I recommend!
Home Alone (1990)
The Story follows two burglars who target empty houses while families are away on holiday, but things take an unexpected turn when Kevin is accidentally left home alone. He ends up protecting his house from the thieves all by himself even though he is a young boy. It is both funny and thrilling to see the clumsy burglars constantly outsmarted by a clever little kid. The Home Alone movies have several sequels, so it is also fun to pick and choose which one to watch!
2. The Santa Clause (1994)
Scott, an ordinary divorced man, discovers Santa Claus on his roof on Christmas Eve. When he puts on Santa’s suit, he suddenly finds himself in the position of becoming the real Santa Claus. He must prove to everyone that he is indeed the real Santa. What makes this movie fun is that, as soon as he puts on the Santa suit, his appearance slowly starts to transform, his beard grows white, and his body gets larger, gradually turning him into Santa Claus. Will he able to understand the true meaning of Christmas and fulfill his role as Santa?
3. The Polar Express (2004)
The Polar Express begins with a young boy who has stopped believing in Christmas. One night, he boards a mysterious train called the Polar Express, bound for the North Pole. Along the journey, he meets other children and experiences a series of wondrous adventures, Will he come to believe in Santa Claus again? Watch this heartwarming film to find out!
4. The Grinch (2018)
The Grinch is a lonely green creature who despises Christmas. He hates the joy and festivity that come with the holiday, so he decided to steal Christmas. Disguised as Santa Claus, he plans to take away all the presents to soothe his grumpy heart. Will the Grinch really be able to take away all the happiness and joy of Christmas? The film’s vividly colored buildings, glowing lights, and rich sound effects enhance the magical Christmas atmosphere, making it even more enchanting.
5. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Nightmare Before Christmas tells the story of Jack, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who accidentally discovers Christmas Town and tries to take over Christmas. Since Jack does not truly understand what Christmas means, he performs Santa’s role in his own spooky way, terrifying children instead of delighting them. Directed by Tim Burton, known for his dark and fantastical style, the film cleverly connects the joy of Christmas with the eeriness of nightmares, as suggested by its title.
NICE Program 