Internships in Honolulu, Hawaii (USA)

While you may not associate skyscrapers with tropical beaches, Honolulu has both, lending itself well to internship opportunities across all types of work. Often considered a crossroads between the United States and Asia, the city has become a successful business hub and is home to multinational companies and local organizations alike. The best part? After a hard day at the office, you can easily head out for a quick surf session or hit up Chinatown for some dim sum with friends. 

Short-term and summer internships vs. long-term internships. Internships in Honolulu can be just a few short weeks or last an entire year, depending on your schedule and the company’s needs. While a short-term internship can certainly be beneficial, consider a longer program as well. This will give you time to get to know your company’s workplace culture, make some local friends, and feel at home on the island of Oahu. 

Popular fields of work. Hawaii is a nature lover’s paradise, and many internships are centered around the natural sciences. Those studying ecology and environmental studies will have plenty of opportunities to choose from, as will zoology and marine science majors. The island’s location as a major trade hub makes it a good spot for business students to get experience, and with all the tourism the island generates, hospitality internships are also plentiful. 

Paid vs. unpaid internships in Honolulu. Many internships in Honolulu are paid, while others offer other benefits such as discounted or free housing. You’ll need to check in with your internship provider for specifics, but keep in mind that the cost of living in Honolulu isn’t cheap (neither is the plane ticket to get there!) so it’s best to arrive with some savings to get you started.