What might come to mind when you think about Hawaii is packing your bag and coming for a vacation in paradise surrounded by all the beautiful beaches you’ve been dreaming of. This is exactly what I thought of before coming to college here, but then I realized that this was not the full story after I got here. I discovered that the island has a lot more to offer and my whole perspective about this place totally changed. I found that aside from its beautiful beaches and the peaceful environment, seeing lava flowing from a volcanic eruption out of a mountain has become one of my most extraordinary lifetime experiences.
This summer and fall people have watched the eruption through social media, and have been surprised and fascinated by the eruption of the most active volcano on earth, “Kilauea Volcano” on the Big Island of Hawaii. The lava has been pouring like a waterfall down to the sea for months and the Big Island is getting bigger and bigger day by day. This amazing natural phenomenon has attracted tourists’ attention from all over the world.
More than just an amazing spectacle, the active flowing lava provides a unique opportunity to explore more about this natural phenomenon. Therefore, the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo) takes advantage of the proximity of the lava as part of the field study and research activities for its geology and biology students. Students assisted by experts have been engaging in this hands-on learning which can only offered by UH Hilo. Apart from field practices, the university clubs also have taken advantage of the amazing event for club outings and excursions. There are really no words to explain the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing lava flow to the ocean.
Due to all these reasons, thinking of coming to college in UH Hilo, one of America’s most diverse college campuses, would be one of the best decisions that you could make. For those who are interested in natural science, UH Hilo offers one-of-a-kind opportunities to study the natural process in action. Several of UH Hilo’s science departments have earned the reputation of being among the best natural science programs in the country due to the hands-on field practices that students get involved in for many of the majors. Included in these highly acknowledged programs are Marine Science, Astronomy, Pharmacy, and Computer Science.
So, come join us at UH Hilo and live and study on an island that offers a chance to see the planet evolving and growing while enjoying your studies in a safe, beautiful corner of paradise.
Helio Miguel de Araujo
UH Hilo