
Oli (chants) were offered outside the Nāulu Center at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu on January 14, marking the start of a traditional ceremony to welcome new UH President Wendy Hensel, who officially started on January 1. The Native Hawaiian protocol honored Hensel’s arrival, and formally extended an invitation to the campus. The UH West Oʻahu visit is Hensel’s first stop on a tour of the 10-campus UH system and education centers throughout her first 90 days on the job.
“There’s so much heart here. There’s so many people who are deeply invested in this university,” said Hensel. “For me to be a champion of this community I need to understand that. I’m beyond excited to make the personal connections, to hear the stories, to really understand the place and the ʻāina (land) and ʻohana (family).”
Honoring Honouliuli

A highlight of the ceremony was the chanting of Mele Honouliuli by UH West Oʻahu faculty, staff and students. The chant honors the Honouliuli ahupuaʻa, the area where the nearly 300-acre campus sits.
“It really is an opportunity for everyone, our visitors, newcomers like the president, as well as those people who are Indigenous to this place to always recognize the shoulders on which we stand,” said UH West Oʻahu Chancellor Maenette Benham. “That’s why it’s so important that we do a kīpaepae (protocol tradition) of welcome.”
Building connections

Throughout the day, Hensel met with governance groups, faculty, staff and the campus leadership team, emphasizing her dedication to pilina, a Native Hawaiian concept of interconnectedness and enduring relationships.
UH West Oʻahu sociology major and student leader Aralen Hāʻilima Haiola described UH’s new president as genuine and authentic.
“One of my big takeaways was probably just knowing that she’s here for our students,” said Haiola. “She’s not here just to ʻdrop the ship’ as she said. She’s gonna stay here. She’s gonna continue to see us. She’s going to continue to be a big supporter of all the students. And we’re her favorites, so I love that part!”
The visit concluded with an open forum on the West Oʻahu campus, providing approximately 80 students and employees in attendance with an opportunity to share their insights directly. Similar forums will take place at every campus on Hensel’s tour.
President Hensel campus/education centers visit schedule
- Tuesday, January 14 – UH West Oʻahu
- Wednesday, January 22 – UH Mānoa
- Thursday, January 23 – UH Mānoa
- Monday, January 27 – Kapiʻolani CC
- Monday, February 3 – Leeward CC
- Wednesday, February 5 – Leeward CC Waiʻanae Moku
- Monday, February 10 – Lānaʻi Education Center
- Tuesday, February 11 – Honolulu CC
- Tuesday, February 18 – UH Hilo
- Monday, February 24 – Hawaiʻi CC
- Tuesday February 25 – Kō Education Center and Hawaiʻi CC Pālamanui
- Monday, March 3 – UH Maui College and Maui University Center
- Tuesday, March 4 – Molokaʻi Education Center
- Wednesday, March 5 – Kauaʻi CC and Kauaʻi University Center
- Monday, March 24 – Windward CC
For more information about President Hensel, visit the Meet President Hensel webpage. She is also active on social media and encourages the UH community to connect with her on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.