The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa news roundup highlights a wild mix of research breakthroughs, community happenings, and campus updates. Science, culture, and public service keep colliding out here on Hawaiʻi’s islands.
From native bird and coral studies to boots-on-the-ground conservation and policy work, the articles show UH Mānoa’s role in pushing knowledge forward. It’s about supporting resilient landscapes and communities, especially as climate stress ramps up.
UH Mānoa Research and Biodiversity in Focus
This year’s discoveries and ecological updates cover everything from avian disease to reef biology and land snail conservation. The university keeps pushing science into action, whether that means stewardship or policy debates.
Avian malaria and honeycreepers
Avian malaria is now everywhere among Hawaiʻi’s birds, and it’s a major driver behind the decline and possible extinction of native honeycreepers. Researchers say we need habitat management, vector control, and climate-smart conservation to protect these birds, whose whole evolutionary story is tangled up with Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems.
Hexacorals: cross-ocean similarities unsettle expectations
UH researchers found colorful hexcorals that look almost identical across both the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific. This is surprising—it shakes up old ideas about how marine species diverge and connect. It’s got folks rethinking coral resilience and how reef communities move and adapt as oceans change.
Island land snails and extinction risk
Studies on island land snails show extinction rates from 30% up to a staggering 80% for some species. Hawaiʻi’s mollusks are at serious risk from habitat loss, invasive predators, and climate pressures. The need for targeted conservation and fast action feels pretty urgent if we want to keep these rare lineages around.
Climate, Weather, and Environmental Stress
Hawaiʻi’s right in the thick of climate trend analysis these days. Climate reports call 2025 one of the driest and hottest years ever. That’s rough—water, ecosystems, and communities are all feeling the squeeze.
2025 drought and warmth in Hawaiʻi
The record dryness and high temps in 2025 are pushing up fire risk, worsening drought, and making life tough for agriculture and native restoration. UH Mānoa researchers are on it, tracking changes to help shape adaptation strategies for ecosystems and public health across the islands.
Campus closures and weather-related disruptions
On February 9, officials shut down all UH campuses because of severe weather. Both in-person and online classes got canceled. It’s a pretty stark reminder that extreme weather can hit higher education hard and fast, and we need to get serious about resilient infrastructure and backup plans.
Community Engagement and Education
UH Mānoa goes well beyond labs and fieldwork. Outreach, education, and policy work connect scientists with lawmakers, students, and the wider community. There’s everything from One Health collaborations to hands-on conservation events and public exhibits.
Campus to the Capitol and One Health
The university rolled out a “Campus to the Capitol” effort, putting One Health research in front of lawmakers. It’s about showing how human, animal, and environmental health all intersect. The goal? Bring science into policy talks that actually improve regional well-being and ecosystem care.
Research Day and community resilience
Research Day exhibits put a spotlight on community-based resilience work. Scientists share projects aimed at local adaptation, disaster prep, and sustainable living. These events help tighten the bonds between UH Mānoa, residents, and partners all over Hawaiʻi.
Culture, conservation outreach, and public events
UH Mānoa and its partners haven’t just focused on scientific work. They’ve also hosted a bunch of community activities, like a Maui-native hana keaka—a Hawaiian theatrical performance—exploring how people rebuild after the Lahaina wildfires.
On campus, folks got to meet pest-sniffing conservation dogs and join gardening clinics that push for biosecurity and native-plant restoration. The Waikīkī Aquarium Friends group put together Hōʻa Hoʻolaulea: Sealed with a Kiss, a Valentine’s-themed market meant to spark conversations about conservation and raise some funds.
- Hana keaka premiere addressing Lahaina rebuilding
- Pest-sniffing conservation dogs and native-plant restoration clinics
- Waikīkī Aquarium Friends market event
- Research Day exhibits and Campus to the Capitol policy engagement
Here is the source article for this story: Newsroom of the University of Hawaii System – Manoa, Hilo, West Oahu, Honolulu, Hawaii, Kapiolani, Kauai, Leeward, Maui, Windward