UHNews.org posted more than 1,600 stories in the very eventful 2025. Here are 10 of the most popular UH News stories of the year:
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.
From Hilo to Miss Hawaiʻi USA
When Issha Rose Mata was crowned Miss Hawaiʻi USA, it marked more than a personal milestone—it was a moment of pride for Hilo and the generations of ʻohana, teachers and mentors who helped shape her journey. Mata grew up across the street from UH Hilo, where she and two of her siblings studied.
UH West Oʻahu alumna crowned Miss Hawaiʻi
Emalia Dalire graduated from UH West Oʻahu with a bachelor of arts in business administration with a concentration in marketing. Her community service initiative is, “K.E.Y. to Life: Keep Empowering Yourself” the same platform she promoted as Miss Hawaiʻi Teen Volunteer.
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.
Kīlauea volcano ash prompts largest open ocean phytoplankton bloom
When Kīlauea erupted in May 2018, an enormous amount of ash was released into the atmosphere, and a study revealed that a rare and large summertime phytoplankton bloom in the North Pacific in summer 2018 was prompted by that ash falling approximately 1,200 miles west of the volcano.
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.
Hawaiʻi islands sinking faster in some areas; risk for flooding
Some parts of Hawaiʻi are sinking faster than others, and as sea level rises, the infrastructure, businesses and communities in these low-lying areas are at risk of flooding sooner than anticipated, particularly in certain urban areas of Oʻahu.
Q&A: Exploring Chief of War with UH kumu
To help viewers connect with the real history behind the drama, Hawaiian studies instructor Mehana Kaʻiama Makaʻinaʻi teamed up with Hawaiʻi Public Radio storyteller Russell Kalani Subiono on the Feathers and Fire podcast offering historical insight and personal reflection.
Coldplay kisscam clip sparks viral frenzy, UH professor weighs in on parasocial culture
The huge public reaction reveals deeper insights about how we relate to strangers online, according to Professor Jingyi Gu: “We create stories or personas around people we don’t know in order to make sense of the world around us, understand others and ourselves, and express our cultural, moral and social values.”
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.
