Hawai’i CC Day draws hundreds with classic cars, culinary craft, careers

Hawai'i CC's Agriculture professor Lew Nakamura shared hydroponic growing tips with event-goers.

Student in the Electrical Installation and Maintenance Technology program

Tracey Niimi, Executive Assistant to Mayor Kimo Alameda, and Chancellor Susan Kazama

Hawaiʻi CC Autobody Repair and Painting Program students

Attendee with the Agriculture program’s fresh soybeans and hydroponic lettuce

Fresh malasadas, made with Hawai‘i CC Culinary program’s famous bread rolls

Culinary students presented various cooking demonstrations

-The Auto Show and Shine event at Hawai'i CC Day had record-breaking participation this year.

“Limbo” lowest car contest

Nearly 400 students, faculty, staff and community members celebrated Hawai‘i Community College Day at the Manono campus on April 12. The annual event highlights academic programs, technical training and workforce development opportunities on Hawai‘i Island.

The college’s auto body repair and painting program hosted the ever-popular car show, hosted by the college’s auto body repair and painting program. This year’s record-breaking show drew almost 80 classic beauties, tricked-out tuners and modern marvels.

“This was the most cars we’ve ever had at the Hawai‘i CC Day car show,” said Colby Koreyasu, assistant professor in the auto body program. “We also introduced some exciting new contests this year, including a car limbo, loudest SPL (sound pressure level) competition, and an articulation ramp for four-wheel drive vehicles. It’s really great to see generations of car enthusiasts—as well as past and present students—come out and support our program.”

Real-world skills, career training

Throughout the day, visitors explored hands-on exhibits, program demonstrations and a career fair featuring local employers and workforce partners. Faculty and staff answered questions about admissions, financial aid and program pathways, offering prospective students a deeper understanding of how Hawai‘i CC can support their educational and career goals.

“Hawai‘i CC Day is about bringing people together,” said Hawai‘i CC Chancellor Susan Kazama. “It gives the community a chance to see what we offer—not just in terms of academics, but in real-world skills and career training. It’s a way to showcase our college, open up conversations, and convey how education at Hawai‘i CC is directly tied to opportunities for our island and our students.”

The event also featured a produce sale by the Agriculture Program, and highlighted the Culinary Arts Program. 

“We proudly showcased our culinary arts students through live cooking demonstrations and highlighted our program by serving ‘ono dishes like misoyaki butterfish, chicken katsu, loco mocos, burgers, salads, sandwiches, desserts and a variety of other short order items—all prepared by our talented students,” said Tori Hiro, culinary program lab manager. “These delicious items gave the community a real taste of what our program is all about.”

Hawai‘i CC Day celebrates kauhale—where everyone within the college “village” plays a role in supporting student learning and success. 

“Hawai‘i Community College Day is one of the moments during the school year when we come together as one kauhale to celebrate and showcase our programs,” said Hiro.

For more information about Hawaiʻi CC’s liberal arts and career and technical education programs, visit hawaii.hawaii.edu.