The University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges served as hosts for the 2025 Western Association of College and University Business Officers (WACUBO) Annual Conference May 4–7 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village in Kona, welcoming more than 700 higher education professionals from 14 states, Guam and the Marshall Islands.
Throughout the event, attendees were introduced to Hawaiian culture through meaningful traditions. The conference opened with a traditional kīpaepae (welcome) ceremony by Hawaiʻi Community College faculty and staff, grounding the event in Hawaiian protocol and cultural respect. Attendees were further immersed in local traditions through mele (songs) and moʻolelo (stories) shared by the Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society, offering a heartfelt tribute to the history and spirit of the land.
“This conference was a meaningful opportunity to show how we do business here in Hawaiʻi—with heart, connection and culture,” said Della Teraoka, interim vice president of UH Community Colleges. “We’re honored to host our peers from across the region and share the unique values that guide higher education in our islands.”
Retired UH Community Colleges associate vice president for administrative services Mike Unebasami served as conference host, with UH Regent Mike Miyahira welcoming participants on behalf of the University of Hawaiʻi.
Attendees participated in engaging sessions, workshops,and panel discussions, sharing best practices and strengthening connections across the Western Region focused on innovation, partnerships, and collaboration in higher education.
As part of its commitment to community engagement, WACUBO also partnered with Kanu o ka ʻĀina New Century Public Charter School, a bilingual, Hawaiian-focused K–12 school in Waimea. Conference attendees supported the school’s cultural and environmental programs through donations via an Amazon Wish List, helping to enhance hands-on, ʻāina (land)-based learning experiences for their students.
WACUBO, established in 1937, supports professional development and knowledge-sharing among college and university business officers across the West and Pacific Rim.
