The University of Hawaiʻi is gaining a major tech powerhouse in its efforts to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), entrepreneurship and more. Guy Kawasaki, former chief evangelist of Apple, author and current evangelist for online graphic, image and video tool company Canva, has joined UH Foundation Board of Trustees and as an informal advisor to President Wendy Hensel. Kawasaki, in his capacity as a UH Foundation Trustee, is offering a resource to faculty members on strategic uses of AI as well as entrepreneurship.
Kawasaki brings a rare blend of Silicon Valley savvy and deep Hawaiʻi roots. Born and raised on Oʻahu, he is a graduate of ʻIolani School and Stanford University, with an MBA from UCLA. He rose to fame in the 1980s at Apple, where he played a key role in marketing the original Macintosh. He has since become a prolific author, investor, speaker, podcaster and advocate for democratizing technology through accessible tools such as Canva.
Now, Kawasaki is returning home—both literally and figuratively.
“I think you can divide life into three pieces,” he said in a recent interview. “First, you learn… and then you earn… and then you return. So I’m in the return phase. My son is at the University of Hawaiʻi, I’m from Hawaiʻi—it all lines up. Now I can return something to Hawaiʻi and help my son’s school. It’s perfect.”
Hensel was excited to be able to accept Kawasaki’s offer of his expertise to UH in multiple ways. His depth of knowledge in technology and entrepreneurship is vast and touches on some of the popular companies in America. He has also agreed to take a seat as a trustee on the UH Foundation Board.
“Having someone of Guy’s stature—whose understanding of technology’s evolution is both vast and visionary—is truly a gift, and a reflection of the remarkable talent that comes from Hawaiʻi,” Hensel said. “His deep roots in the islands, coupled with his eagerness to give back at such a pivotal moment in AI and beyond, make this an extraordinary opportunity for all of us.”
Kawasaki offered to meet with faculty groups and speak at classes throughout the 10 campuses as part of his role.
Understanding AI’s future
Kawasaki believes AI represents one of the most transformative forces of our time—and one that can benefit Hawaiʻi immensely if embraced with intention and urgency.
“AI is a humongous, humongous new factor. And in a sense, it’s leveling the playing field,” he said. “AI in Hawaiʻi should stand not for artificial intelligence—but for ‘Aloha Intelligence.’ Our kind of AI combines aloha with technology. It’s a different kind of intelligence, and I see no reason why the University of Hawaiʻi cannot rise to the top in the practical use of AI.”
In Silicon Valley, Kawasaki witnessed firsthand how early adoption of emerging technologies can fuel economic growth and opportunity. But he challenges the notion that innovation is limited to the continental U.S.
“Just because students are in Hawaiʻi doesn’t mean their careers are limited to agriculture, retail, or tourism,” he said. “They can do anything. And it’s not like Silicon Valley has a monopoly on smart people. What they do have is ambition—and Hawaiʻi has the heart.”
His message to students and educators is simple: don’t overthink it—just start using AI.
“Stick your email in and ask it to improve it. Use it to edit papers, check facts, tighten writing. Just play with it. Don’t make it a big deal.”
Kawasaki’s partnership with UH signals a commitment to innovation infused with local values—bridging high tech with aloha.
