NICE Program

As part of the Community Day curriculum, the Spring 10-Week NICE students celebrated May Day at Kapiolani Park on May 1st. Students learn how to make flower leis while enjoying live Hawaiian music and dances.

Check out more pictures below:

Orientation

Hula Workshop

Optional Activity: Kamaʻāina Day at ʻIolani Palace

NICE Plus Special Activity for Tama Art University

As part of the Spring 2026 NICE Plus, the Tama Art University students went on a tour of the Department of Art facilities at the University of Mānoa.

NICE Plus Special Activity for Hokkaido University of Science

The Spring 2026 NICE Plus for Hokkaido University of Science participated in special activities at University of Hawaiʻi affiliated health and science facilities. They went on a tour of the Lyon Arboretum to learn about medicinal plants. The students also attended a special lecture by Dr. Junji Machi of the University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine, and had a tour of Kuakini Hospital.

Graduation

Our March 2-Week and 3-Week NICE Program students have submitted their photos for our photo contest! From their memorable time in Hawaii, students sent entries for three categories: fun with friends, scenery, and food.

Enjoy the three winning photos below!

Fun with Friends

Winner: Jinglin He, Kwansei Gakuin University

Scenery

Winner: Ryoka Hama, University of Hyogo

Food

Winner: Kano Hamada, Ryukoku University

Congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone who participated and voted for the March 2026 Photo Contest!

Click here to see more submissions on our NICE Program photo contest website!

Lyon Arboretum

Kanewai Loʻi

Guest Lectures: Surfrider @ UH Mānoa & Food Vault Hawaiʻi

The Surfrider Foundation at UH Mānoa promotes the protection and appreciation of the oceans, beaches, and the aqua system. They hold various beach and stream cleanups everyone can participate in.

Food Vault Hawaiʻi was established by UH Mānoa Senate, ASUH, to assist UH Mānoa students facing food insecurity. Their pantry is open to anybody in need and they also hold Food Drops every second Wednesday of the month during the academic semester.

Our February 3-Week NICE Program students have submitted their photos for our photo contest! From their memorable time in Hawaii, students sent entries for three categories: fun with friends, scenery, and food.

Enjoy the three winning photos below!

Fun with Friends

Winner: Soka Ono, University of the Ryukyus

Scenery

Winner: Hirona Hashimoto

Food

Winner: Ayame Sugi, Chuo University

Congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone who participated and voted for the 3-Week February 2026 photo contest!

Click here to see more submissions on our NICE Program photo contest website!

Black History Month is anticipated each February honoring the history, achievements, and ongoing contributions of African Americans in the United States. Particularly in Hawaiʻi, its significance is shaped by the multicultural heritage and history of fighting for justice and self-determination. African Americans have been part of Hawaiʻi’s story since the early nineteenth century, most notably from its history of military and public service. This widely celebrated month recaps the most significant figures throughout black history and its direct impact to life in Hawaiʻi.

News, U. (2024, February 8). UH celebrates Black History month. University of Hawaiʻi System News. https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2024/02/08/black-history-month-at-uh/

How it Started

Black History Month started in 1976 by the Gerald Ford—the 38th President of the United States declaring February as its nationally celebrated month. Ford encouraged American citizens to honor the accomplishments and contributions of the Black community. This now transitions into today as a widely celebrated recognition across the globe with Black History Month events and educational experiences.

Since 1976, United States Presidents issued an annual proclamation endorsing Black History Month set by the Association for the Study of African American Life & History (ASALH). The ASALH has been pivotal for advancing African American history and preservation for schools, communities, and organizations to come together and celebrate the achievements within the Black community.

Rosa Parks

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks, primarily known for her efforts as an African American civil rights activist encountered an iconic status during the civil rights movement. Parks refused to vacate a seat on the bus for a white passenger after being instructed to move to the back by the bus driver. Police arrived to the scene and took Parks into custody.

Rosa Parks | Biography, accomplishments, quotes, family, & facts | britannica. (n.d.-b). https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosa-Parks

This arrest sparked a successful boycott of buses in Montgomery a few days later. Residents refused to board city buses and rode in Black-owned cabs or sometimes even walked the lengths of 20 miles. This movement served as a direct blow to bus companies’ profits as many buses stood no purpose for months.

Parks received many honors over the course of her life, including the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People’s (NAACP) Springarn Medal in 1979, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1999. After her death in 2005 at the age of 92, she became the first woman to lie in honor of the Capitol Rotunda in Washington D.C.

Bernard Harris

Bernard Harris became the first African American astronaut to walk in space on February 9, 1995. Harris took part in the STS-63 mission where he conducted research and held a telemedicine conference from orbit. Prior to his successful space shuttle missions, Harris was first admitted into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) astronaut program in the summer of 1991. He shared his dream of setting foot on space after consulting with his teacher, who previously worked at NASA before transitioning into the Texas Tech University School of Medicine. Harris then took part as a clinical scientist and flight surgeon before entering the astronaut program.

KUT 90.5 | By John L. Hanson Jr. (2025, September 5). The first African American astronaut to spacewalk dr. Bernard A harris, JR. KUT Radio, Austin’s NPR Station. https://www.kut.org/life-arts/2025-09-02/the-first-african-american-astronaut-to-spacewalk-dr-bernard-a-harris-jr

Harris’s spacewalk journey proves that any person, no matter their racial background, can be a visual representation of proof that aspired success is always attainable. Harris inspired future generations to pursue STEM education through the creation of programs such as the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Camp which specifically targeted minority students searching for a boost in confidence.

Change of Perception in Hawaiʻi

Particularly in Hawaiʻi, Black people were welcomed in the early 19th century and generally able to seamlessly assimilate into local culture. This idea changed however in the following decades, partially due to the growing perception of lighter skin tones having higher status, as missionaries began marrying into Hawaiian families.

To counteract since 2015, The Popolo Project has been committed to highlighting Black diversity and sharing narratives for and about Black people in a space that is relatively new to Hawaiʻi. Events hosted by The Popolo Project connect the local communities to learn more about Black communities in Hawaiʻi and beyond. Recent projects include public talks about the Black Lives Matter movement and the Honolulu African American Film Festival.

To learn more and get involved with these communities check out more from The Popolo Project webpage or the Hawaiʻi chapter of NAACP.

Project, P. (2022, October 5). Black August 2022 family work day at Kōkua Learning Farm. The Pōpolo Project. https://www.thepopoloproject.org/blog//black-august-2022-family-work-day-at-kkua-learning-farm

Learning more about the significance of Black history has a tremendous domino effect on understanding more about diverse and rich culture heritage, just as we seek living in Hawaiʻi. This month helps us understand the importance of our personal stories and why being prideful of our identity holds significant purpose. To explore more Black History Month monuments, check out the National Museum of African American History and Culture webpage for a comprehensive rundown.

Valentine’s Day is a widely recognized holiday that is celebrated by many countries around the world. Occurring every year on February 14th, this holiday honors love and romance as a commercial celebration for partners, friends, and family. Whether you plan to go take your significant other to a gourmet restaurant or just watch a romcom movie at home, learn how to make the most out of your Valentine’s Day experience when spending your holiday in Hawaiʻi.

Where to Celebrate?

The stunning sunsets in Hawaiʻi come with legendary sailing and dinner cruises offered by various companies islandwide. These excursions are also often accompanied by live music offering a festive Valentineʻs Day touch. Refer here for notable boat tours to celebrate your Valentineʻs Day holiday. Also attached are signature dinner shows ranging from luʻaus, live music performances, and more.

If you and your partner are craving more excitement, Hawaiʻi has plenty of adventure-filled experiences to bond over. Sign up for a Kapalua Zipline Tour or take surfing lessons together on Oahuʻs famous North Shore. The Mauna Loa Helicopter Tour also offers private helicopter charters that fly across the spectacular scenery of active lava flows and magical waterfalls.

Where to Buy Gifts?

Valentine’s Day gifts can be discovered through many different locations whether you may be searching on a budget or paying luxury-level prices. Cheap gift alternatives for flowers, chocolates, and more can be discovered at various Safeway, Walmart, or Target locations. Each store site may also provide different jewelry or gift baskets to spend on for your special person as well.

For artisanal and expensive gifts, refer here to check out the Wedding Ring Shop. Collection of necklaces and earrings are crafted with impeccable details that mirrors beauty of our islands. This fine jewelry is designed by renowned brands such as TACORI, Gabriel & Co., and more.

Red Pineapple is a unique boutique location in Kaimuki, offering curated, high-end gift baskets, artisan candles, and jewelry. They specialize in creating custom-made gift baskets for loved ones that are locally inspired to Hawaiʻi. Same-day delivery is also offered to hotels and across the island if you happen to be searching for a last minute Valentine’s Day gift.

Where to Eat?

Here are three high-end restaurants to visit in Hawaiʻi to make the most out of your Valentine’s Day dining experience. Each destination provides a memorable way to celebrate while enjoying the beauty and culinary excellence of the islands.

Chef Chai, located at Kapiʻolani Boulevard, is offering a special Valentine’s Day dinner for $125 per person, featuring a thoughtfully curated multi-course menu.

The evening opens with a selection of starters and appetizers such as vegetable souffle or butternut squash and lobster bisque. Entrees range from vegetable terrine and miso Chilean sea bass to beef tenderloin Wellington, finishing with shared desserts like coconut cake, chocolate lava cake, or coffee creme brulee.

An early bird special of $115 per person is available for guests seated between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM on February 14th, with more details linked here for reservation.

DECK Waikiki, located at the Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel, is offering a four-course Valentine’s Day dinner priced at $100 per guest, starting service at 3:30pm on February 14th.

The experience begins with a duck confit tart amuse and a choice of fresh salads, followed by second-course options like baked brie, lamb chops, or roasted beets. Entrees include filet mignon or miso-marinated salmon, and the evening finishes with desserts selections of basque cheesecake or hazelnut mousse.

More details are available linked here.

MW Restaurant is located at Kapiʻolani Boulevard with a Valentine’s Day special tasting menu. The service is priced at $110 per person available on 14th at 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Guest may also choose to order from the a la carte menu.

The tasting menu opens with a choice of truffle asparagus soup or a seafood sampler for an additional $5 supplement. Entrees range from duck confit and steamed kanpachi to a surf and turf upgrade, ending with desserts like strawberry shave ice, chocolate lover’s dream, or cherries jubilee.

For more information on reservation, please refer to the link here.

We would like to introduce a few of our bright-minded students from Hankyong National University participating in the A La Carte NICE Program. Hear more about their favorite memories and experiences throughout the duration of their three week stay.

Chaerin “Cherry” Sim

Cherry is studying Product and Space Design at Hankyong National University. In this program, she is not only understanding the English language, but how to converse in English outside the classroom. She also highlights the unique opportunity to learn about the culture of Hawaiʻi with other students from Korea in English.

Celine Choi

Celine is a second year student studying Industrial Design. Ever since she was young, Celine always wanted to visit other countries to learn English. This was her chance to finally do so. Celine wants to give a shout-out to her NICE program teacher, Aimee. She says Aimee is supportive and understanding, and that makes it easier for her to learn English.

Gyunhoon “John” Pi

John is currently studying Animal Environmental Sciences at Hankyong National University. As a student of the NICE Program, John emphasizes the importance of learning English for universal purposes. He hopes to improve his English speaking to communicate with different people from across the world. John’s favorite part about living in Hawaiʻi has been the scenic viewpoints and having a relaxing lifestyle at the beach.

Congratulations again to the Hankyong National University students for your active engagement and enthusiasm! We wish you the best ahead during the next phase of your bright futures.

The NICE Program welcomed students from Hangkyong National University and members of the Winter 3-Week NICE Program. Recap on a few memorable experiences for the students during their educational stay!

Orientation & Campus Tour

Cultural Workshop #1 – Lei

Cultural Workshop #2 – Hula

Graduation