'Oneahana Ho'ike Honua

The STEMworks ʻŌnaehana Hōʻike Honua is a free educational community event in Hilo designed to introduce Geographic Information Systems (GIS) through hands-on, culturally relevant activities. GIS is a tool for managing and analyzing geographic data, useful for illustrating patterns and trends on maps.

This event aims to encourage more young people in Hawaiʻi to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education and careers that directly support their communities and the ʻāina. Participants will learn about the inspiring work local scientists are undertaking to address the needs and challenges of the islands.

Importantly, the event will feature ʻōiwi-led organizations, helping keiki understand that there is a place for them in STEM. Careers related to GIS are abundant in the islands, offering pathways for students to remain in Hawaiʻi and build long-term careers with local employers.

Hosted by STEMworks, a program of Maui Economic Development Board, this event follows the successful Hilo GIS Day in November 2025, which welcomed 98 East Hawaiʻi high school students to the UH Hilo campus. In 2026, the event will have two components: one day of activities for high school students at the UH Hilo campus, funded by grants, and a second day of free family activities open to the public at the Prince Kūhiō Mall in Hilo.

Participants can expect:

• Hands-on activities connecting traditional Hawaiian wayfinding and land management practices with ongoing research.
• Engagement with cutting-edge scientific research partners.
• Opportunities to explore topics such as astronomy, invasive species management, disaster preparedness, and geography.
• Interactive sessions including flying drones and learning moʻolelo related to astronomy and navigation.
• Basics of using GIS software to create maps.

Partner organizations include PISCES, Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum, Hawaiʻi Geographic Information Coordinating Council, UH Hilo Geography Department, and many others.

We anticipate at least 300 participants at this event.

For registration or more information, visit: event details

Learn more at the organization website.