The Hawaiian Leadership Development Program (HLDP)
of the University of Hawai'i at Hilo provides support and
opportunities to Native Hawaiians to:
  • Develop Leadership Skills
  • Succeed in College
  • Pacticipate in Cultural Experiences
  • Be Role Models for Members of the Hawaiian Community
  • Strengthen Ties with the Hawaiian Community and its Leaders


Services and Activities: The program provides academic and personal support through academic advising, career and financial aid counseling and personal guidance. Participants in the program enroll in regular and special college level courses such as University 101, Hawaiian Leadership and Hawaiian Studies courses. In addition, structured out-of-class activities include: cultural exposure, mentor-student relationships, leadership experiences, community service projects, workshops and seminars.

Learning Skill and Personal Development workshops are presented each semester and include the following topics; Time Management, Study Skills Strategies, Career Decision Making, Cultural Diversity, and Stress Management. Activities of the program include cultural enrichment, recreational and social gatherings, leadership experiences, community service projects, visitations to high schools throughout the state of Hawai'i, workshops and seminars. Each year participants are involved in planning and organizing an annual Hawaiian Leadership Conference held in the Fall.

Who Can Apply? Preference for selection to the program is extended to individuals who provide evidence of and display:

Native Hawaiian Ancestry
Enrollment at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo
Academic Ability
Leadership Potential

Mentorship/Internship Component During the participant's junior and/or senior year in college, leadership opportunities are available through competitive internships in selected areas in and off-campus and through attendance and presentations at conferences and workshops. The Mentorship/Internship component provides selected participants in the program with on and off-campus opportunities to pursue their academic and personal interests, further develop their leadership abilities, expose them to cultural values whenever possible and prepare them for future employment in the community. Internships are competitive and available during a participant's junior and senior year in college. Selection is based upon their interest and educational and career goals as well as their motivation, maturity, and preparedness.