Internships in Honolulu, Hawaii (USA)

40 Internships in Honolulu, Hawaii (USA)
Institute for Global Studies
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Join interns from all over the world on an IGS internship in various locations abroad, from Sydney to Dublin! We have a long history of collaborating with radio stations to offer students the chance to be on air or deal with hands-on tasks. Our Radio Broadcasting internships are a great way to im
See All 40 ProgramsA Guide to Internships Abroad in Honolulu
Popular Internships in Honolulu
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.
Life in Honolulu for Interns
While life can’t always be rainbows and sunshine, interning in Honolulu is sure to provide plenty of both. In addition to gorgeous weather on the regular, Hawaiian locals are known to be friendly and laid-back, and it won’t be long before your friends consider you ohana (family).
Living on an island certainly comes with tradeoffs, and in Honolulu’s case, they come in the form of cost and space. The cost of living in Hawaii is fairly high, which makes sense when you consider that most goods have literally crossed an ocean to reach you. While some internships in Honolulu are paid, come prepared with extra cash if you plan on doing a lot of shopping and eating out.
Island life also means that space is at a premium, and rent can be higher than you’d expect. Some internship programs include housing (often in a shared apartment or guest house with other interns), so be sure to verify before hopping on the plane. If your program doesn’t assist with housing, finding a local roommate is a great way to cut down costs and gain insight into the Hawaiian culture.
GoAbroad Insider Tips
Even though Hawaii is technically part of the United States, life in Honolulu is decidedly different than elsewhere on the mainland. Take advantage of this distinct culture and learn something new when you get a break from the office. Pick up a ukulele, sign up for surfing lessons, or learn about the island’s history at the ‘Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum. Honolulu’s location also attracts residents from nearby Pacific Islands and Asia, giving you the perfect opportunity learn about many different cultures.
Interning in Honolulu also offers an enticing mix of urban and outdoor activities, and you’ll find hiking trails not far from trendy nightclubs. Most Hawaiians enjoy life outside, and you’ll be able to follow suit, from swimming and hiking to mountain biking and scuba diving. If you get bored exploring Oahu (and that’s highly unlikely), Hawaii’s other islands are just a short flight away and perfect for a weekend getaway.
Whether you’re getting professional street cred while interning for a major healthcare company or gaining valuable agricultural experience at an organic farm, choosing from any of these internships in Honolulu are a great way to further your career goals. You’ll also discover why everyone who lives in Hawaii is so happy, and you just might start scheming for ways to extend your stay in the Big Pineapple.
For more information on life in the Aloha state, don’t forget to read our comprehensive guide on interning abroad in Hawaii.
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Latest Program Reviews
So much learning
February 24, 2021by: Pamela S - United KingdomChildren and women are being exposed to so many risks, like emotional, psychological, sexual, and physical abuses. While society are doing its best to address these issues, there are still a handful of cases left unheard and unresolved. In my internship, I was tasked to answer hotline calls from abused women and children, interact in their therapy sessions, and even organize parties for the children in the shelter. These kids are so adorable and I could not bear the fact that some people are finding it easy to resent them. At the outset, before we started our internships, we are trained by licensed guidance counselors and psychologists and told us what to and not to do. I learned a lot.
An honor to be chosen as an intern
February 24, 2021by: Leanna U - UgandaIndeed, domestic violence poses serious threats to women and their children. I have witnessed it first hand in my own home, and I regret every second of it. When I was presented with the chance to work with women and children in their care shelters, I was ecstatic. Even told it to my mom and she was very supportive. Internships like these are rare, and being chosen as an intern here is an honor for me. Happy to do it with IGS! :)
Fulfilling
February 24, 2021by: Jordyn T - United StatesAs a policy student, I really am very interested with this internship. When my classmate told me her experience with IGS, I did not hesitate and applied. Good thing, IGS's courses are available the whole year, so I was able to find an internship suitable to my needs and preferences. I got to experience 3 weeks of fulfilling and rewarding internship, and actually make a difference on others' lives.
Sepanx is real
February 16, 2021by: Alixia L - MyanmarSepanx is real! (separation anxiety) I gained so many charming friends in my internship in USA! My workmates are adorable people. As to the job duties, we did leisure travel arrangements, cruises, tours, independent packages, corporate travel-related sales. We also arranged their service - air, car, hotel reservations. I got to try a lot of hotels (for free!) because we "develop incoming leads and turn them into bookings". They also told me that I have potential to become a full-time consultant after the internship period. I am thrilled!
Got new set of mothers and sisters
February 16, 2021by: Tyra F - United StatesI really love traveling. They say that when you do something you love, you won't have to work a day in your life. So this is my first step to being a travel consultant. The firm I was assigned to is very hospitable - was welcomed by an all-female staff, which made me really comfortable. They are like sisters and mothers to me. I got particularly close to Jessica, my partner in our Japan project, and to Ms. Lilia, who is my boss in one of our arrangement/ deal with a rude customer! They are so nice even if some customers are so rude, that's why I really admire them. It was grace under pressure, in the most literal sense!
Knowing the ins and outs of travel consultancy
February 16, 2021by: Pedro Gonzales - MexicoWorking for a travel consultancy firm made me realize how interesting this field is for me. I talked to clients, created itineraries, did research on fares, and communicated with a lot of people. When I said phone calls are main part of my job duties, I ain't lying. But the fact that I learned about the operations (ins and outs) of travel consultancy is very significant to me. Very valuable, since I plan to open a travel consultancy firm in the near future!
Working for an art gallery is my dream!
February 16, 2021by: Jeraldine Ong - ChinaWorking for an art gallery is my dream! And to do it in Paris is way beyond my expectations. Everyday, there are prepared different units of the gallery. And everyday there are some seemingly daunting tasks. But I am glad that my supervisors are mentoring me all throughout the process. I also did some research, printed some captions, worked with the marketing and creatives team. This internship gave me my dream and I would always cherish it. <3 I would like to give my sincerest thanks to the IGS group for this amazing adventure. Your programme opened doors for me to meet a lot of people and travelled different places.
Different gallery set ups everyday
February 16, 2021by: Dana Farhad - IranIGS gave me a position in a medium-sized museum and I loved everything about it. I super like that it's not too big to be filled with so much people, as it trigers my social anxiety. I love also that it isn't too small to not do anything. i was trained in how to communicate with visitors, and was oriented on the history of the majestic pieces of art. Thankj you very much, IGS!
Good times
February 16, 2021by: Jomar Obien - IndonesiaHappy to have good times with my co-interns. happy to bond with them and visit tourist destinations on Saturdays and Sundays and on days when there are not much work in office. happy because this internship is really organized
Gear preparations, reef surveys
February 15, 2021by: Christine Margareth S - American SamoaMy major is actually Journalism, but the diving world really draws my attention that much. So, I took the plunge and tried this IGS internship program. What we did everyday was preparing gear for dives, conducting reef surveys and even website management to highlight threats to reef systems. My journ experience was also used, as I have created contents for the shop's website, also some SEO stuff, and some copywriting. Staff are always smiling, and Hawaii is extremely beautiful. How I wish I could spend eternity there.
Insane experience
February 15, 2021by: Andrei K - AustraliaIn general, a Divemaster course will take on average anywhere between 6 weeks - 6 months to complete. Here, it took me 3.5 months. :) On mornings and afternoons, we assist visitors in their tours, coordinated with the other staff, did researches in the back office, and even did some marketing stuff when there are just few visitors. On days when no visitors are around, they teach me towards my PADI certification goal and really made time to orient me. Grateful for this beautiful opportunity. Serving dual purpose - enjoying and learning in the internship... also getting a certification. Insane.
Cebu is beautiful!
February 15, 2021by: Jordin S - United StatesGot the chance to work with local and foreign staff in Cebu, Philippines. Working in the dive shop got me an opportunity to meet diff kinds of people, so I get to learn their language also. Good thing Cebuanos are very fluent in English, I had no difficulty in understanding them. Among the many tourist destinations I went to, I think that taoist temple, tops lookout, and the whaleshark spotting are my top favorite adventures.
My introverted self was able to adjust easily
December 12, 2020by: Cleo A. - United Arab EmiratesProgram: Hawaii’s Favorite Internship Opportunities: 60 Options
We worked in the IT field in Hawaii and worked with a very respected IT team. Hawaii’s culture is always happy and people are very hospitable. My fellow interns are diverse. Some are from Hawaii itself, some from US, and some from Japan. I like that I get to meet people with the same ideas as me. Wanna say thanks to the IGS team for making this happen. My introverted self was able to adjust and it will always be something I would cherish. Kudos!
Excursions to the eruptions sites of Big Island and volcanoes national park
December 12, 2020by: Wariel Nguyen - VietnamProgram: Hawaii’s Favorite Internship Opportunities: 60 Options
We had an excursion to the eruption sites of Big Island and Volcanoes National Park. My main fields of interest are arts and archaeology so this is so overwhelming for me. Only downside is that I wanted the internship to be longer. I could have stayed much longer. It was full of fun and great people.
Hawaii is amazing
December 12, 2020by: Karl Bowman - WalesProgram: Hawaii’s Favorite Internship Opportunities: 60 Options
I had an internship with coral reef research with top scientists. Dr. Adams is very approachable and eager to help us have our dream placements. I’m really happy I gave this a try. Thanks to IGS and all its staff. Hawaii is amazing!
All-female staff in Paris
December 12, 2020by: Katherine Stuart - Hawaii (USA)The Institute for Global Studies confirmed me at one of the top intellectual property law firms in Paris, France. I really enjoyed using a foreign language in the workplace and being a part of an all-female staff. There were moments of high stress, but also high rewards. This is the first big step on my path to becoming a lawyer.
My preferences are very well considered
December 12, 2020by: Krissy E - CanadaI thought it would be a longshot to get confirmed at a Costa Rica-based attorney. The staff at the IGS found me a place in downtown San Jose. Great job! Experience is wonderful. My co-interns are very helpful and sweet. Can't wait to see them again after this pandemic.
Business law internship in Chicago
December 12, 2020by: Brittany U - United StatesI completed a business law internship under IGS with firm in Chicago. I had a great experience and the staff was top notch. The research I performed for the firm was used in several important cases. It was rewarding seeing my hard work used in the real world.
a blessing in disguise
November 05, 2020by: Jen Thorpe - United Arab EmiratesProgram: Veterinary Science (Wildlife/Animal Care) Internships
This IGS internship is a blessing in disguise. I had a lot of family problems this year; so I decided to have some time alone and so decided to apply for IGS. I have little background on veterinary medicine but I aspire to be a veterinarian soon. We assisted with taking vital statistics of the animals, and fed them, and even bathed some of them. The calming atmosphere is so refreshing and it made me rethink my life perspective. All I can say is I am a lot happier now, and I am now on my first year of Vet Med.
PPC Advertising is cool too
November 05, 2020by: Paul Malfoy - CanadaProgram: Graphic Design (Information Technology) Internships
I have years of Graphic Design experience, but I never really paid much attention to Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, Search engine optimization (SEO), and Blog writing, which are kinda related to my field. In my internship in Spain, we are opened to these fields and are encouraged to try and see for ourselves our strengths on those areas. I would say that for PPC, I rate myself as 9/10; for SEO, 8/10; and blog, 7.5/10. Not bad. Thanks, IGS, for letting us explore the world of our chosen fields, and those connected thereto.
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I wanted to travel, needed a change, and a new experience.
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