UHNews.org posted more than 1,600 stories in the very eventful 2025. Here are 10 top UH Mānoa stories of the year:
Project to transform heart of UH Mānoa campus set to begin
The project on McCarthy Mall has two phases: 1) the construction of a modern, five-story building for interdisciplinary learning and 2) significant upgrades to the iconic tree-lined mall and the Paradise Palms Food Court. It is tentatively scheduled for completion by the fall of 2027.
Jason Momoa casts UH alum in Chief of War TV series
Kaina Makua, who earned a BA in Hawaiian studies and an MA in education and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi wasn’t seeking the spotlight at a canoe paddling regatta in 2019. But among the crowd that day, actor Jason Momoa saw something more: the future face of a king.
Hale Haukani opens, new housing facility for UH Mānoa community
Located between the East-West Center and Mānoa Stream, Hale Haukani consists of two residential towers, 18 and 12 stories, with 316 units and 558 beds in studio, two-, three- and four-bedroom layouts. The facility also includes a new childcare center, retail space, study rooms, bike storage, laundry facilities and outdoor amenity decks.
Bizarre ‘bone collector’ caterpillar discovered by UH scientists
This member of the Hawaiian Fancy Case Caterpillar group has been named the “bone collector” caterpillar due to its macabre habit of adding insect body parts into its silken, portable case. Researchers have observed them measuring and attaching fly wings, weevil heads and earwig abdomens to their cases.
Crowds go ‘lulu’ for lululemon at UH Mānoa bookstore
The lululemon | UH collection made its exclusive in-store debut in August, and about 200 people lined up before the doors opened at 8 a.m. with the first person lined up before 5 a.m. The Aloha Collection drop the next month sold out in hours as well.
Hungry marine fungi may be the key to reducing plastic pollution
Plastic pollution is a critical issue in Hawaiʻi because of our location in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Ocean currents deliver to our shores plastic waste from around the world, and nearby is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Hawaiʻi Bowl champs! Warriors deliver thrilling comeback over Cal
It was a Christmas Eve miracle in Mānoa. A Sheraton Hawaiʻi Bowl matchup already brimming with storylines and local connections saved its most dramatic moments for last when a backup quarterback threw the winning touchdown pass with 10 seconds left to lift the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa football team to a thrilling 35-31 win over California.
Tsunami warning puts focus on Waikīkī evacuation plan modeled by UH
On July 29, a magnitude-8.8 earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula triggered statewide alerts in Hawaiʻi. While the most severe impacts were avoided, the fear of an incoming wave prompted thousands to flee Waikīkī, leading to significant traffic congestion on key evacuation routes.
UH astronomer finds the universe could be spinning
A new study by researchers including István Szapudi of the Institute for Astronomy suggests the universe may rotate—just extremely slowly. The finding could help solve one of astronomy’s biggest puzzles: measuring how fast the universe is expanding.
Downtown Honolulu, Chinatown revitalization plans developed by UH students
Twelve graduate students explored alternative scenarios focused on cultural identity, transportation and sustainable development in order to address safety and security, public health and urban environmental quality.
More UH Mānoa stories
UH astronomers discover the biggest explosion since the Big Bang
Hawaiʻi islands sinking faster in some areas; risk for flooding
Kīlauea volcano ash prompts largest open ocean phytoplankton bloom
UH Mānoa named one of America’s most beautiful campuses
Coldplay kisscam clip sparks viral frenzy, UH professor weighs in on parasocial culture
Hawaiʻi Bowl champs! Warriors deliver thrilling comeback over Cal
