For those in Hawaii or looking to study there, research-focused summer programs offer a solid opportunity to develop advanced skills, explore their passions, and gain hands-on experience in specific fields. Whether you’re interested in environmental science, marine biology, technology, or cultural studies, these programs provide a unique chance to work on projects that go beyond traditional classroom learning.
Below, we’ve highlighted 10 research programs for high school students in Hawaii!
1. UH Cancer Center High School Cancer Research Program
Location: University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, Hawai’i
Program Dates: The program usually runs each year in the spring
Deadline: Not enough information to be asserted
Subject Areas: STEM, Medicine, Biomedical Research
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders
The UH Cancer Center High School Cancer Research Program is a focused, week-long course introducing students to the fundamentals of cancer research and related career paths. The program centers on hands-on activities in population science research, with an emphasis on cancer prevention and addressing health disparities unique to Hawaiʻi. Led by a team of multidisciplinary faculty, the program includes presentations and collaborative group activities covering topics such as epidemiology, genomics, public health, behavioral health, and computational (dry-lab) research techniques.
Unlike open-application programs, participation in this initiative is by invitation only. In Spring 2025, the program will invite science teachers directly, who will then identify and nominate eligible students for the experience.
2. Marine Science Investigations at the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology
Cost: $500 for Hawai’i residents; $1,000 for non-Hawai’i residents
Location: University of Hawai’i at Manoa Outreach College
Program Dates: June 2 – 6
Deadline: April 19
Subject Areas: Marine Biology, Research, STEM
Eligibility: High school students
This 5-day summer program offers an interactive and immersive learning experience for students passionate about marine science research. You will explore marine science concepts and research techniques used by professionals at the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB). The program includes various modules such as marine bioacoustics, coral feeding and microplastics studies, ocean acidification experiments, reef transects and data analysis, a science walking tour of the island, and an introduction to HIMB’s research activities.
Held at HIMB on Moku o Lo‘e in Kāne‘ohe Bay, part of the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology at UH Mānoa, you will travel to the island aboard the dedicated education vessel, Ka Noelo Kai, departing from Heʻeia Kea Small Boat Harbor (a 15-minute journey). This is a non-graded, non-credit course.
3. Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Summer Program
Cost: $525 (needs-based scholarships are available)
Location: John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawai’i
Program Dates: July 7 – 11
Deadline: Usually falls in February
Subject Areas: STEM, Medicine, Public Health
Eligibility: Grades 10-12
The program typically includes small-group problem-based learning, gross anatomy lab demonstrations, clinical skills labs, computerized manikin simulations, and simulated patient interactions. Through these activities, you will gain knowledge in key areas such as the epidemiology, signs, symptoms, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses common in Hawaii. You will also explore the anatomy of the heart and lungs, linking structural knowledge to related diseases, and learn basic clinical skills like measuring vital signs and listening to heart and lung sounds with stethoscopes.
4. Research Scholars Marine Science—Hawaii Program
Cost: $3,675
Location: O’ahu Island, Hawai’i
Program Dates: July 30 – August 8
Deadline: April 4
Subject Areas: Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
The Research Scholars Marine Science—Hawaii Program offers a 10-day experience on the island of Oahu. This program is focused on marine science and environmental stewardship and is a great option for those who want to engage in hands-on learning through restoration and research activities.
You will collaborate with Mālama Maunalua to participate in various restoration and research initiatives at Maunalua Bay. These projects may include efforts such as restoring the Ala Mahamoe watershed, removing invasive algae, monitoring coral reefs through transect surveys, and out-planting heat-resistant coral. You will also use ArcGIS to assess the impacts of land-based pollution and climate change on the bay, analyzing both publicly available data and data they collect. Your findings will be compiled into a story map that showcases their contributions and supports Mālama Maunalua’s ongoing conservation efforts.
5. Pacific STEP-UP Program
Cost: Free
Location: John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai’i
Program Dates: 8 weeks from June to August
Deadline: February 15
Subject Areas: STEM, Ecology, Biology
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds
The STEP-UP program offers hands-on biomedical and behavioral research opportunities to high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds. The Pacific STEP-UP component is specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by students in the Pacific Basin who are interested in science and research careers.
Through this program, you will have the chance to conduct research under the mentorship of experienced researchers at local partnering institutions. The research internship lasts 8 weeks during the summer (typically June-August). You will receive a stipend and may also have the opportunity to travel to Bethesda, Maryland, to present your research at the NIH/NIDDK High School STEP-UP Summer Research Symposium held annually at the National Institutes of Health.
6. CIRCLE Grant Summer Research Program
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Program Dates: Late April/early May to August
Deadline: April 13 (tentative, based on previous cohorts)
Subject Areas: STEM Research, Healthcare
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-12
This program is designed to provide science research experience and mentorship to students across various educational levels, from high school to post-graduate/non-traditional students. Here, you will collaborate on research projects in STEM and healthcare fields, developing critical thinking and research skills under the guidance of experienced principal investigators.
7. Hawai’i Pre-Health Career Corps
Cost: Free
Location: John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai’i at Manoa
Program Dates: Year-round
Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Subject Areas: Healthcare, Medicine, Research
Eligibility: High school students
The Hawaiʻi Pre-Health Career Corps (PHCC) is a free, year-round program open to students of all ages who are interested in pursuing a health career. Through mentorship, hands-on experiences like hospital shadowing, and research opportunities, the program helps students explore various career paths within the medical field. Participants gain valuable insights into the diverse roles within healthcare and receive guidance on the academic and professional pathways to pursue their chosen careers. For further information, register here.
8. Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Cost:
- International Boarding: $7,100
- Domestic Boarding: $6,000
- Day Program: $1,900
Location: Kamuela, Hawaii
Program Dates: Varies depending on the project/program. Inquire here to know more.
Deadline: Deadlines vary based on specific program
Subject Areas: Marine Biology, Ecology, Conservation
Eligibility: Students aged 11–17 (grades 6–12)
The Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) offers a selection of four-week summer academies for students aged 11 to 17, combining focused academic exploration with Hawaii’s cultural and natural richness. Located on the Big Island, these programs provide opportunities for participants to engage deeply in specialized fields while experiencing the island’s unique environment.
HPA’s academies cover a broad spectrum of subjects, including creative writing, marine biology, and sustainability. For instance, the Young Authors Academy supports students in crafting stories inspired by Hawaii’s landscapes, while the Marine Explorations program enables participants to study marine ecosystems through hands-on fieldwork in coastal waters. Sustainability projects include practical initiatives in renewable energy, sustainable farming, and ecological conservation.
9. MITES Semester Program
Cost: Free (transportation to MIT for the conference is the only cost)
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: June 16 – December 8 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application Deadline: February 1
Subject Areas: STEM, Engineering, Computer Science
Eligibility: High school juniors; priority is given to underrepresented, underserved, and first-generation students
The MITES Semester Program is a six-month hybrid initiative designed for high school juniors interested in STEM education and college preparation. Running from June to December, this national program combines rigorous online coursework with weekly webinars, workshops, and social events aimed at enhancing students’ academic skills and confidence.
You will enroll in two advanced science and engineering courses, exploring topics such as Machine Learning, Thermodynamics, and Astrophysics. You can also take a project-based course and a foundational core course in areas like Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, or Science Writing and Communication. The curriculum provides a strong academic foundation while fostering skills necessary for research and future academic opportunities.
10. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Program Dates:
- Session One: June 16 – July 4
- Session Two: July 7 – July 25
Deadline: February 3
Subject Areas: Mathematics
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders with a demonstrated interest in mathematics
The Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) is an advanced summer program for high school students passionate about mathematics. Established in 1994, SUMaC offers a rigorous and collaborative environment designed to challenge students through lectures, guided research, and group problem-solving. Open to rising 11th and 12th graders, this program attracts participants from over 50 countries, creating a diverse and intellectually stimulating community.
SUMaC is a highly selective program that offers students the chance to delve into advanced mathematical theories while connecting with peers who share a similar passion for the subject.
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs!
This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from.
You can find the application link here!
Image source – University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa logo
