Exchange Report
The Hawaiian Experience by Thomas Keogh
A five month exchange to Hawaii was an exciting prospect and an experience I could not pass up.
After a year of planning and organising between the University of Waikato and the University of
Hawaii, at Hilo (UHH), I arrived in the tropical paradise of the Hawaiian Islands. Assistance from the
helpful staff at Waikato Student Union international office and equivalent staff from UHH made the
planning process possible. This report is going to cover my experience and hopefully provide some
helpful information for other students interested in undertaking an exchange programme and
experiencing other cultures.
Reasons why I decided to go on exchange:
Travelling has always been something I’ve wanted to do, to experience other cultures and
environments. After hearing about the exchange programme from a friend and attending a
presentation about the exchange to UHH, I was set on going. The exchange programme provided me
with the opportunity to travel while continuing my study. Hawaii was an easy option for me as I’m a
surfer, love the outdoors and study Marine Science. The tropical climate, a recognised Marine
Science programme and the opportunity to live in the birth place of surfing made it the perfect
choice for me. It was also an opportunity to experience another culture and meet a variety of people
from different backgrounds.
Travel and VISA:
When planning your travel ensure you have the start dates of your study and (if you have organised
accommodation through the host University) the earliest date you can move in. Purchase your
flights as soon as possible to coincide with the start of your study – the earlier, the cheaper. Choose
the airline to suit your budget but read the fine print of what is included in your flight. Some things
to look for are luggage allowances, meals included and flexible flying dates. I flew with Jetstar from
Sydney to Honolulu and was not aware that the ticket did not include meals, drinks or
entertainment. This added to expenses as I had to buy everything on board and it would have most
likely been a better option to pay a few extra dollars for a different flight, one where everything is
included in the cost of the ticket. Also, I had to change the dates of my flights on the way home and
it ended up costing me and $400US. With flexible dates on your flights it makes these kinds of
changes easy and leaves you with options.
One of the most time consuming things to organise for an exchange is your VISA. You will be
required to get a study VISA for the entire time you will be in the country you are planning to study.
This is very important as it is the documentation required for you to legally be in the country. For
Hawaii I required a USA study VISA - this has to be applied for and gained through the USA consulate
General in Auckland or Wellington. Being on a study VISA in the USA you are not permitted to work,
but there is one option if you are running low on money and that is to work on campus. If you can
find cash-paid work, it is possible to make money with no paper trail. A study VISA for the USA allows
you to be in the country for the duration of your study, plus an extra 60 days after. This provides a
perfect opportunity to explore and travel within the United States. I did not make it to the main land
but used this extra time to explore other islands in the Hawaiian archipelago and spend time with
friends I had met while studying at UHH.
The people:
The local Hawaiians are nice and giving people. Respect goes a long way in the islands - respect the
people, their culture and their land, and you will receive respect from them. Their culture was very
interesting to me and provided an insight into this Polynesian way of life. There are many similarities
to Maori culture, and some differences too. The Hawaiians have a strong connection to the land and
ocean. Their legends have many similarities to Maori, with Maui taking a major role in many. Their
strong connection with the land and ocean go back with the legends: the people believe the land is
an ancestor and as a relative, should be treated with the upmost respect. My roommate was a local
Hawaiian who was immersed in his culture. He taught me simple courtesies to do with the people
and the land. One that intrigued me was when drinking Kava (or as the Hawaiians call it, ‘Ava’) a
prayer was said and then the first cup offered to Aina (the land) by pouring it on the ground after the
prayer is said. Over the time I spent in the islands, and especially with the locals, it gave me a new
found interest and respect for New Zealand and our culture.
Something I was not expecting was the amount of Americans and other international students
studying at UHH. This variety of people and cultures made it an interesting experience for me. So
many different people converging in the same place for similar reasons made for a fun time.
Everyone was there to enjoy themselves for a whole semester or more, in a tropical paradise.
Support staff:
The International Student Union at UHH was exceptional in creating an enjoyable experience for the
visiting students, with a good introduction to the campus, advice whenever needed and activities
planned most weekends. My favourite weekend activity with the international students was sailing.
It was held down in Hilo bay and we were taught how to sail small two man yachts. Other activities
included trips up Mauna Kea, to the lava flows, to Waipio Valley, stand up paddle boarding,
paddling, volley ball, and to the beautiful white sand beaches on the other side of the island in Kona.
These trips were optional so if you wanted to do your own thing on the weekend that was fine but it
gave me the opportunity to explore the island and enjoy it with friends without any hassles of
organising the trips.
The Big Island:
The Big Island, also called Hawaii, is the largest in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is also the youngest,
highest and has the most diverse terrain of all the islands. There is a tropical rainforest on the east
side were Hilo and UHH is situated. This is because it is the windward and therefore, wet side of the
island. Over the west side, or Kona side, it is very dry and hot – much like a desert. Kona side has the
beautiful white sand beaches and is often sunny and hot.
Dividing the two sides of the island is Mauna Kea - the highest mountain on the island. It often
snows there during winter time. This was an awesome experience to be in the snow on a tropical
island. Some friends and I made the mission up the mountain in the early hours one morning and
made it in time for sunrise. It was funny to see the Hawaiians shivering, almost absolutely freezing,
as it was the first time they had seen snow. It was a beautiful sight to see the sun rising over the
ocean with tropical beaches of around 20-30°C, and be up on the mountain in fresh snow.
To the south is where the lava flows are. It is a rugged area with fresh basalt lava covering much of
the land. This is where you can go to see lava actually flowing from the erupting volcano and is one
of the things I sadly missed out on. South point is the most southern point of USA and there is an
awesome jump off the cliffs into the ocean, along with some exceptional snorkelling and diving
down below.
To the north is Waimea and the big valleys on the northeast coast. Waimea blew me away as it looks
just like NZ with pasture and cows everywhere. The valleys are amazing with huge, steep cliffs
surrounding river flats and a beach. The river flats are used for growing taro (Kalo) and in the case of
Waipio Valley, are very sacred places. They were the sights for many ancient battles and there are
stories of them being haunted by the ‘night marches’, believed to be the ghosts of the Hawaiian
warrior ancestors who still march their old tracks during the night. It is said you can hear the
drumming of the marchers on dusk and see their torches travelling the tracks down the steep cliffs. I
never experienced anything of this nature but it is a good story as most of the Hawaiian legends and
stories are.
The Big Island also has excellent diving, swimming holes, horse treks, 4WDing, wind surfing and
surfing to be had all around the island.
Financial details:
The first thing is that the NZ$ obviously is not as strong as the US$ so your money may not go as far
as you think. This is easily planned for though, and many things are cheaper there than they are here
so it can work out equal. Be aware that they do not include tax in the price of anything so you will
have to pay a little extra than the labelled price. I think tax is only 5% so it is not much extra but it
can be an inconvenience and something you will have to get used to.
Insurance:
Health insurance is required for your exchange and the level of insurance is specified by the
university applications. Make sure to read the fine print of your insurance agreement! I was caught
out by this as the fine print of my agreement with Southern Cross insurance stated that I was not
allowed to be drinking when I got injured or admitted to medical services. On Halloween I cut my
head open and required seven stitches. I was drinking at the time, and Southern Cross refused to
fund my medical bills. Medical care and hospital bills in USA are ridiculous. Something that would be
free in NZ can cost thousands in the States - I found out the hard way. I ended up receiving bills of up
to $2,400US all because I didn’t get the right health insurance for my personal needs. Be sure to
choose the right insurance for what you plan to do and most importantly, consider those things you
don’t plan for but may happen. I have heard from an American doctor working in the Gisborne
Hospital that the host universities can provide information and access to good health insurance. I
recommend contacting your host university no matter where you are going and decide whether you
wish to purchase insurance through them or a NZ company. Whichever you choose, make sure it is
right for you!
The American doctor in Gisborne also gave me a contact number for international student services
at UHH: 808 9747313. I recommend ringing this number if you have any queries regarding an
exchange to Hilo.
Travel:
Studying in Hilo provides the opportunity to travel throughout the Hawaiian archipelago and to main
USA depending on your budget. I never made it to the mainland but had an awesome time exploring
two other islands, Oahu and Kauai. All the islands in the Hawaiian archipelago are diverse and
beautiful in their own way. Each island has a slightly different culture, vibe and things to experience.
Studying at UHH you will meet locals from different islands and it is a good way to experience the
area with some local help and knowledge.
Conclusion:
The exchange was an amazing experience and I had an enjoyable time! I highly recommend taking
these opportunities provided through the exchange programme at Waikato - it could be a life
changing experience. It is the perfect way to travel and experience the world while still studying and
progressing through your degree.
Thank you to all who made it possible I will never forget what you have done for me and the
outstanding experiences I had which were made possible thanks to your input.
Photos:
Kelvin and myself chilling outside Hale Kauanoe, the Halls of residence I stayed in on campus.
Swimming at the boiling pots. My favourite swimming hole! Awesome jumps and beautiful scenery.
Upstream at the boilng pots - beautiful. The boiling pots are only a short drive from campus.
Cascading pools at the boiling pots. You can jump from the cliffs into the water down river into the
different pools.
Studying hard in Hawaii, yeah right! Haha. My group in a marine science class taking samples off the
Hilo breakwater in Hilo Bay.
SCUBA diving in Kona. Awesome opportunities to get your dive certificate in beautiful clear water.
Post dive in Kona. Going to have a quick feed and rest for sunset and then back down for a night dive
to see Manta Rays. An unbelievable experience!
Me and the bro Vince from Maui - sunrise in the snow, Mauna Kea.
Sunset, Kona side.
The crew down at green sands on the big island. Hour and half drive from the Rainforests of Hilo to
the desert on the south shore.
Waipio Valley.
Sunset Beach North Shore Oahu, summer time. Flat as a lake.
Pipe North Shore Oahu, winter. I stayed on the beach this day, thought I would save the lifequards
some work.
Bodysurfing Keiki Shorebreak North Shore Oahu. So much fun!!!
125lb Yellow Tuna caught off NW corner of Oahu. We went on a day Charter out of Haleiwa
Harbour, a fun day with funny locals. The fishing wasn’t bad either.
Kelvin, BJ, Maxim, Myself, and Bronson above the Kalo fields in Hanalei, Kauai. BJ and Bronson are
local Hawaiians who grew up on Kauai. I met BJ at UHH and he invited Kelvin, Maxim and I to go stay
for Thanksgiving. Was an awesome experience with such a loving and giving family the Aiwohi’s.
They also had me and my brother come to stay after the semester had finished. We stayed for two
and half weeks and received the most awesome hospitality. Can’t thank them enough.