More than 4,000 haumāna (students), faculty and staff filled the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus on August 25, for the annual Welina Mānoa First Day of School Kick-Off.
The afternoon event featured a resource fair spanning Legacy Path, Kuykendall Lawn and the Campus Center Courtyard. More than 50 campus departments and programs participated, sharing information on student resources, activities and giveaways. Haumāna explored opportunities ranging from academics to activities and employment, all while enjoying food, games and entertainment.
“Here at Mānoa it is all about the student experience,” UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos said. “This first day, Welina Mānoa brings all our students together here at Campus Center and on Legacy Path. We are excited to have our students back on campus. They’re gonna have an unbelievable experience.”
“It’s definitely valuable to know the resources the campus provides—all the different departments and all the important offices like financial aid,” said James Taylor, a UH Mānoa senior majoring in travel industry management. “There are so many different majors to potentially decide on. It will definitely help any new student or even returning students figure out what they want to do in the future.”
The event also included prize drawings and interactive activities designed to help students connect with campus resources and build community. Both new and returning Rainbow Warriors and Wahine took part in the festivities, marking the start of the fall 2025 semester.
Welina Mānoa served as the semester’s first major student engagement event. Next up is the free Welcome Back Bash on Friday, August 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Campus Center Courtyard. Visit the UH Mānoa Campus Center Board Activities Council Instagram page for more details.
