Cultivating Futures: Hawaiʻi Island Students Engage with 79 Organizations

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, students from across Hawaiʻi Island gathered at Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium for Na Leo O Nā ʻŌpio: Fall 2025 High School Career Opportunities Expo, one of the largest youth career events of the year. The expo welcomed 428 students, 45 chaperones, and 13 schools, creating a rare space for high schoolers to explore career pathways and connect directly with professionals from across multiple industries.

Students engaged with careers in healthcare, public service, business, the military, arts and media, technical trades, natural resources, maritime industries, and more. A total of 79 organizations and 212 presenters offered demonstrations, answered questions, and shared the skills, education, and real-world experience needed to thrive in their fields. The hands-on environment encouraged students to explore familiar interests while discovering opportunities they may have never considered.

The success of Na Leo O Nā ʻŌpio reflected the strength of community partnerships across Hawaiʻi Island. Staff, volunteers, educators, and students worked collaboratively behind the scenes to create a welcoming, well-organized environment where young people could confidently explore their future pathways.

More than just an event, the expo served as a launching point for students beginning to shape their professional goals. Organizers and exhibitors emphasized how valuable it is for youth to engage with real experts—people who can share stories, guidance, and encouragement from lived experience.

“The Career Expo was truly amazing,” said Hemi Martinez, Vibrant Hawaiʻi Ambassador. “The students were engaged from start to finish, and the teamwork from staff and volunteers showcased the aloha that makes events like this possible.”

By bringing together hundreds of students and dozens of industry professionals, Na Leo O Nā ʻŌpio creates a concentrated moment of possibility. Whether through a single conversation, a hands-on demo, or a new spark of curiosity, students walked away with knowledge that can influence their educational decisions, career interests, and long-term aspirations.

Events like this strengthen the bridge between education and workforce development and highlight our island’s collective commitment to preparing Hawaiʻi Island’s youth for bright, fulfilling futures.