In June 2025, 16 Hawaiʻi high school students joined PAAC’s Freeman Vietnam Study Tour to explore the culture, history, and resilience of Vietnam. From Hội An to Hà Nội, students engaged in hands-on learning, cultural exchanges, and unforgettable experiences that shaped their growth as global citizens.

Meet the PAAC Class of 2025 — Hawaiʻi high school seniors who grew into global leaders through hands-on experiences, cultural exchange, and values-driven learning. Discover their stories of growth, purpose, and impact.

Four students from Kealakehe High School represented Hawaiʻi at the 2025 Academic WorldQuest National Competition in D.C.—from tackling global trivia to speaking at the UAE Embassy, their journey was one to remember.

Congratulations to Prisma School’s Vivienne Momo Hill and Kalani High School’s Jayden Tran, the first Hawaiʻi students to earn PAAC’s Global Issues Certificate, certified by the United Nations CIFAL Honolulu Center and UNITAR.

Celebrating PAAC’s 2025 Academic Scholarship & Award Winners | Honoring Hawaiʻi’s Future Global Leaders

Meet the inspiring recipients of the 2025 Paul S. Honda Scholarship and Eddie Tangen Award, presented by the Pacific & Asian Affairs Council (PAAC). These outstanding high school students from across Hawaiʻi have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and passion for global change. Learn how they’re advancing international understanding, tackling real-world issues, and paving the way for a more just and connected future through youth advocacy, cultural preservation, and educational excellence.

Hawaiʻi students deepen Sister-State ties with Ilocos Sur through culture, history, and shared stories on PAAC’s 2025 Philippines Study Tour.

Hawaiʻi high school students prepare for the 2025 Philippines Sister-State Study Tour with a weekend of cultural workshops, language lessons, and team-building fun.

Over 130 students from Hawaiʻi gathered at the 2024 Global Vision Summit to address fast fashion's human and environmental costs. Through immersive simulations, inspiring keynotes, and hands-on negotiations, they explored global supply chain ethics and crafted actionable solutions for a sustainable future.

PAAC is excited to announce that applications for our 2025 Freeman Summer Study Tour to Vietnam are now being accepted. Under the theme “Cultivating Resilient Communities”, students will be immersed in Vietnamese history, politics, and culture. Students will also learn about global issues, strengthen 21st century skills, and build a strong sense of community with their fellow travelers. The group will be visiting Hội An, Huế , and Hà Nội.

Thanks to the generosity of The Freeman Foundation, the majority of participants with demonstrated financial need and/or demonstrated commitment to PAAC programs have received merit- and/or need-based financial aid for this program.

Link to Student Application Form

When are the applications due?

📅 Friday, January 17, 2025 at 11:59PM

Who can I contact if I have any questions?

Contact Carol Li <paac@paachawaii.org> if you have any questions.

PAAC is thrilled to announce that we are now accepting applications for our Spring 2025 Study Tour to the Philippines. Under the theme “Weaving Our Interconnected Stories”, students will visit historical sites and take part in cultural engagement activities in Manila, Vigan and Laoag to gain first-hand knowledge of the Philippines.

Link to Student Application Form

When are the applications due?

📅 Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 11:59PM

Who can I contact if I have any questions?

Contact Carol Li <paac@paachawaii.org> if you have any questions.