12 Summer Internships in Hawaii for College Students
- Stephen Turban
- 10 hours ago
- 8 min read
Summer is a great time to bridge the gap between what you learn in class and what actually happens in the workplace, and internships are one of the best ways to do that. Internships give you professional experience, help you build professional skills, and connect you with people who can shape your future career path. In-person internships are especially valuable because you get to learn directly from mentors, collaborate with peers, and learn what it takes to succeed in a work environment.
Why should you attend an internship in Hawaii?
Hawaii offers a wide range of internship opportunities across fields like environmental science, healthcare, hospitality, and technology. As an intern, you can learn directly from experienced professionals, work on meaningful community or research projects, and develop both technical and interpersonal skills. Whether you’re from Hawaii or visiting for the summer, these programs give you the chance to build experience in a setting that blends academic growth with cultural and environmental awareness.
To help with your search, here’s our list of 12 internships in Hawaii for college students.
If you are looking for paid online internships, check out our blog here.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to undergraduates and gap year students!
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup. Apply now!
Location: Hawaii Pacific Health, Honolulu, HI
Stipend: No cost; a stipend is provided
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students with an interest in medicine or research
This 8-week summer internship in Hawaii for college students is a unique opportunity to participate in real clinical research from start to finish. Each student works with a practicing physician mentor to develop a clinical research project proposal and serves as the project’s Principal Investigator. Beyond the hands-on research experience, the program includes a structured medical curriculum, career talks with physicians, and site visits to healthcare facilities. Interns learn how to design a study, collect and analyze data, and present their findings at the end of the program. This is an ideal program for pre-med students and those interested in a career in healthcare research.
Location: First Hawaiian Bank, Honolulu, HI
Stipend: $18/hour
Dates: 40-hour work weeks between June to August
Application Deadline: Applications are typically posted in the winter
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students who are rising seniors, with advanced coursework in business-related fields and a minimum GPA of 3.0
First Hawaiian Bank offers a paid summer associate program for undergraduates interested in exploring a career in banking. This internship is best suited for students who have completed advanced coursework in fields such as finance, accounting, or economics. Associates are placed in different departments to gain practical experience and are supported in a collaborative, professional environment. This is a great opportunity to network within Hawaii's business community and gain experience at one of the state's largest financial institutions.
Location: Hawaii Pacific Health facilities, Honolulu, HI
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 6 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Keep an eye on the website for the latest details
Eligibility: Open to both high school seniors and current college students
This 6-week paid internship is designed for college students who want first-hand experience in the healthcare industry. As an intern, you’ll learn about hospital systems, explore a wide range of healthcare careers, and take part in day-to-day activities and projects that show how different roles work together. This program is an ideal choice for undergraduates who are exploring different paths within the medical field, from hospital administration to clinical support.
Location: Mālama Maunalua, Honolulu, HI (Maunalua Bay)
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 9 – August 16
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students and recent graduates interested in marine science, conservation, or environmental studies
Mālama Maunalua’s 10-week summer internship program is a field-based experience for students and recent graduates interested in conservation. As a Maunalua intern, you’ll work on regional marine and terrestrial resource issues, gaining hands-on experience in scientific research, environmental nonprofit operations, and community outreach. Participants directly work on projects such as coral and native algae restoration, conducting field research, and managing data, all while connecting with community members and conservation professionals.
Location: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hilo, HI (and various placement sites on Hawaiʻi Island and Maui)
Stipend: No cost. A $4,600 stipend is provided, along with housing and travel support.
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate either from Hawaii or currently living in Hawaii and enrolled at a University of Hawaii campus
The Akamai Internship Program provides college students with a summer work experience at an observatory, tech company, or science facility in Hawaii. This paid internship is a cornerstone of the state's high-tech workforce development initiative. The program begins with a one-week preparatory course at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, after which you’ll be placed with a mentor for a 7-week project. Interns in the past have been placed at renowned observatories such as Mauna Kea and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope. The experience wraps up with a symposium where students present findings of the work completed over the summer.
Location: NOAA Inouye Regional Center, Honolulu, HI
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10-12 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Application windows typically open in the winter
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen enrolled in an undergraduate program, with at least 24 credit hours earned and majoring in a discipline or study area related to marine or atmospheric science, research, technology, or education, and supportive of NOAA and the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research programs and mission.
This summer internship in Hawaii for college students is a paid summer experience hosted at the NOAA Inouye Regional Center in Honolulu. The PYSO program is designed to provide hands-on training and formal research experience in marine science and resource management. You’ll be paired one-on-one with dedicated mentors from NOAA Fisheries and work on projects related to local marine ecosystems. This internship offers invaluable exposure to federal science operations, data collection, and environmental policy, making it an exceptional summer internship in Hawaii for college students passionate about ocean conservation.
Location: The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, HI
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates who are Hawaii residents and have a minimum 3.3 GPA
This internship gives college students the chance to work directly on research projects under the mentorship of experienced faculty and staff at The Queen's Medical Center. The SRI program offers five main components: a thorough introduction to didactics, i.e., the necessary skills required to conduct research, a mentored research project, an opportunity to shadow physicians in hospitals and/or clinics, facility tours, and cultural experiences. Together, these elements offer outstanding exposure, skill building, and networking opportunities, making the program a comprehensive experience for students interested in a career in medicine or healthcare research.
Location: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hilo, HI
Stipend: Provides a stipend, housing, and travel allowance
Dates: 10 weeks starting May 25
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens/permanent residents who are enrolled undergraduates.
Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science (PIPES) is an NSF-funded summer program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo focused on tropical ecology, evolution, and conservation science. This 10-week experience begins with a 4-day orientation, after which you’ll be matched with a mentor from a university, federal, or state agency in one of four specialized pathways. The Ancestral Pathway involves ethnographic research and cultural practice apprenticeships. The Ecological Pathway focuses on work like invasive species removal or marine and terrestrial surveys. In the Community Pathway, interns help implement sustainable management plans or assist with data management. Lastly, the Research Pathway lets you design your own research project or contribute to an existing one. The high level of exposure to both cutting-edge scientific work, engagement with native Hawaiian practices, one-on-one mentorship, development workshops, and cohort learning spaces makes PIPES an extremely valuable learning experience for students interested in conservation and environmental science.
Location: Various offices across Hawaii
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10-12 weeks during the summer, varying by specific position
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines varying by role
Eligibility: Must be a current undergraduate student with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Specific majors (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Computer Science) are required for technical roles.
Hawaiian Electric offers a project-based summer internship for college students to gain real-world experience in the utility and energy sector. You’ll work with a dedicated mentor on challenging projects relevant to your field of study, such as engineering, IT, or business. This program also includes cross-functional activities to help interns learn about the company's operations and workplace culture. It’s a good way to understand the workings of a power company while gaining hands-on industry-specific experience.
Location: Maui Ocean Center, Maʻalaea, HI
Stipend: No cost to apply; this is an unpaid internship. Students must secure their own housing and transportation.
Dates: A minimum of 10 weekdays for college interns, offered in summer
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates (and high school students) with a preference for those studying marine sciences or related fields
This program provides an in-depth experience for students interested in marine biology, animal care, and public education. You’ll work alongside marine naturalists and aquarists at one of Hawaii's top-rated aquariums. Your responsibilities may include exhibit interpretation, educational presentations, animal care, and water quality testing. This internship provides a valuable opportunity to work directly with Hawaii's unique marine life and build practical skills in the field.
Location: Various host sites across Maui and O’ahu
Stipend: No cost; participants receive a stipend of $17/hour ($18/hour for Maui members) and a $1,565 AmeriCorps Education Award upon completion
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in the spring
Eligibility: Must be at least 17 years old. Open to undergraduates and recent graduates
The HYCC Summer Program is an 8-week experience for college students interested in conservation and natural resource management. You’ll be placed on a team at a single host site, gaining hands-on fieldwork experience throughout the summer. Projects often involve native plant restoration, invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and other work that supports Hawaii’s ecosystems. This program offers a supportive learning environment and a chance to explore Hawaii's ecosystems up close. It is an excellent option for college students who enjoy working outdoors and want to make a tangible impact on the environment.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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