EP'IK Summer at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) is a 1-week summer experience for both high school students and teachers that provides exposure to the geosciences, careers pathways, and the importance of geoscience within our community. EPʻIK Summer also emphasizes ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge) and the regard for kuleana (responsibility) for the Earth.
EP'IK Summer emphasizes geoscience research and education from the ocean floor to outer space. Through hands-on activities, group collaboration, and discussions & lab tours with SOEST geoscientists, EP'IK Summer explores the physical, chemical, and biological processes of the Earth & other planets. We explore the unique tropical volcanic island and surrounding marine environments in Hawai‘i. EP'IK Summer workshops change every year, but in the past we have offered topics focused on:
- volcanoes
- earthquakes
- water
- oceans & ocean exploration
- beaches & coastal erosion
- climate change
- environmental issues
- planets & moons of the Solar System
Check out our Gallery page for more info.
Neighbor island students and teachers - please apply! Campus housing and travel to Oʻahu may be available for neighbor island participants. Virtual participation, as always, is also welcome.
Get paid while learning! Each student participant will receive a $600 stipend for completing the EP'IK Summer program.
2024 CAMP DATES: July 22-26, 2024 (Monday - Friday), 9am - 3pm, plus full-day field trips on some days.
EPʻIK SUMMER APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 1, 2024
Students: Apply here!
Teachers: Apply here!
Hereʻs what previous EPʻIK Summer participants have to say...
"I got to actually hear from the scientists themselves on what they do and how they do it and what exactly they study. It made the field of geoscience seem much clearer to me."
"I like that there were a lot of teachers and that we got to cover a lot of topics. I felt like a lot of valuable information was being taught. I really enjoyed learning about future college and career options also."
"I learned that geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future. That’s what I first thought in the beginning but I learned over time that they study so much more - pretty much everything on the island, such as volcanoes, oceans tides, moons and stars."
"I absolutely think that ʻike and kuleana values are a part of science. I feel that while doing our research, we have a responsibility to be respectful to our surroundings which contribute to Hawaiian knowledge. It is important that we know these things so that we can conduct our research while not being disrespectful to anyone."
"I really enjoyed the EPʻIK experience and seeing some of the laboratories at SOEST in person! I also loved learning new facts and things that have yet to be discovered. It motivates me to become a scientist."
"Something I liked most about EPʻIK Summer was being able to meet new people and learning about the diverse topics in Earth Science with Hawaiian ʻIke included, since usually schools don't do that at all."
"I love this program! I just wish more of Hawaii’s population got to have this type of mentorship and I so hope that those in high school can find inspiring programs or mentors like EP'IK offers, to guide them towards the rewarding and fulfilling careers we saw from SOEST."
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In 2020, EPʻIK Summer teamed up with UHM researchers and the Voice of the Sea to participate in a remote oceanographic cruise via the research vessel Kilo Moana to explore the abyssal plains north of the Hawaiian Islands. Check out the Voice of the Sea episode that captured it all, Virtually Exploring the Abyssal Plains.