15 Business Internships for Undergraduates in Hawaii
If you’re an undergraduate eager to explore the field of business and gain real-world experience, completing an internship is one of the best ways to do it. Internships also open doors to professional networks, meaning you’ll have opportunities to connect with mentors, collaborate with experienced staff, and receive feedback to enhance your professional growth. It not only strengthens your resume but also demonstrates to employers or graduate programs that you’ve actively sought out practical experience in your field.
For those looking for business-administration specific internships, look at our blog here, and for those interested in business-research internships, check out our blog here.
Why should I do a business internship in college?
Business internships give you the chance to work on meaningful projects in areas such as marketing, finance, operations, or data analysis while seeing how organizations function day to day. You might conduct market research, assist with business operations, or help with client-related projects. These experiences allow you to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings while building valuable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and time management. They also help you understand which areas of business align best with your interests and strengths.
Here’s a curated list of 15 business internships for undergraduates in Hawaii!
1. Hawaiian Electric Summer Internship Program
Location: Various offices across Hawaii
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10-12 weeks during the summer; Varies by specific position
Application Deadline: Rolling; Varies by role
Eligibility: Current undergraduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA; Specific majors (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Computer Science) are required for technical roles
Hawaiian Electric offers a project-based summer internship designed for college students who want to gain practical experience in the utility and energy sector. In this program, you will work closely with a mentor on meaningful projects related to your field of study, such as engineering, information technology, or business. Along with project work, the internship includes cross-functional activities that help you understand different aspects of the company’s operations and workplace culture. Through this experience,you will gain valuable insight into how a major power company functions while developing hands-on skills relevant to your career interests.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies; Financial aid offered; Unpaid
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you’ll work with startups and nonprofits from around the world. The startups range across a variety of industries, including business, health tech, AI & ML, and more. As part of your internship, you will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup you are working with, and present your work at the end of your internship. You will also work closely with your manager at the startup.Apply now!
3. Make-A-Wish Hawaii Internship Program
Location: Make-A-Wish, Honolulu, HI
Stipend: Unpaid
Dates: Summer, fall, and spring cohorts (20 hours per week in the summer & 10 hours per week in the spring and fall)
Application Deadline:Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Current college students (recent graduates may apply for the summer term)
The Make-A-Wish Hawaii internship program gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while supporting a nonprofit dedicated to granting wishes for children with critical illnesses. During the internship, you will work with different teams such as communications, events, program services, or development, helping with tasks like organizing fundraising events, supporting wish-related activities, creating outreach materials, and assisting with administrative work. The program allows you to build practical skills in areas such as project coordination, nonprofit operations, and community engagement while working in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
4. HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union – Accounting College Internship
Location: HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union, Honolulu, HI
Stipend: $18/hour
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Enrolled or planning to enroll in a 2-year, 4-year, or post-baccalaureate degree program at an accredited college or university
The Accounting College Internship at HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in accounting within a financial services environment. You will work alongside accounting professionals, assist with real-world financial and operational projects, participate in team meetings, and learn how accounting functions support the day-to-day operations of a credit union. Throughout the program, you will strengthen your technical accounting knowledge, communication and collaboration skills, and professional workplace competencies while receiving mentorship and exposure to the financial industry. The internship concludes with a presentation that allows you to showcase your work and key learning outcomes.
5. Hawaiian Airlines Summer Internship Program
Location: Hawaiian Airlines, Honolulu, HI
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: October 31 (tentative)
Eligibility: Current undergraduates (often juniors with at least one semester remaining)
The Hawaiian Airlines Summer Internship Program allows you to gain hands-on experience within one of Hawaii’s largest airlines. During the program, you will work on real projects alongside experienced professionals in departments such as marketing, engineering, finance, operations, IT, and supply chain. You will collaborate with teams, contribute ideas to ongoing projects, and gain insight into how different parts of an airline operate. In addition to professional experience, the program often includes mentorship, networking opportunities, and travel benefits, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the aviation industry while building valuable career skills.
6. Grit × Forge Marketing: Summer Sales Internship in Honolulu
Location: Grit Marketing, Honolulu, HI
Stipend: Paid
Dates: May – August
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: College students or young adults interested in sales, marketing, or entrepreneurship
During this internship, you will gain practical experience in sales and marketing while working in a dynamic and team-focused environment. Offered by Grit × Forge Marketing, the program provides structured training in sales strategies, customer communication, and lead generation. You will interact with potential customers, learn how to present services effectively, and develop skills in negotiation and relationship building. Along with hands-on sales experience, the internship includes mentorship and team activities that help you strengthen your professional and leadership skills while gaining insight into real-world business operations.
7. Servco Pacific Inc. Summer Internship Program
Location: Servco, Honolulu, HI
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Varies by internship
Eligibility: Current college student or recent graduate
The Servco Pacific Inc. Summer Internship Program provides college students with the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience while contributing to real projects within the company. During the internship, you will work alongside experienced professionals in departments such as marketing, finance, technology, data, and operations, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge to real business challenges. You will take part in mentorship sessions, networking events, and team collaborations that help you build professional skills and learn about the company’s workplace culture. The program also includes presentations and learning activities that give you a deeper understanding of Servco’s operations across its automotive, mobility, and business services sectors, making it a valuable opportunity to gain industry exposure and professional connections.
8. Aloha Petroleum: Summer Intern Finance/Accounting Program
Location: Aloha Petroleum, Honolulu, HI
Stipend: $20 – $23/hour
Dates: May 18 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 15 (tentative)
Eligibility: Current undergraduates or graduates majoring in accounting, finance, or a related field
In this internship, you will gain hands-on experience in corporate finance and accounting while working alongside professionals at Aloha Petroleum. You will contribute to real-world financial operations, support activities such as financial reporting, reconciliations, transaction management, and month-end processes, and learn how finance teams help drive business decisions. Through project-based work and daily responsibilities, you will develop technical accounting and financial analysis skills, gain exposure to industry-standard systems and practices, and strengthen your communication, problem-solving, and collaboration abilities in a professional corporate environment.
9. Sultan Ventures Internship
Location: Sultan Ventures, Honolulu, HI
Stipend: Unpaid
Dates: 3-4 months, with schedules often running in the spring or summer (exact dates vary)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: College students interested in entrepreneurship, startups, venture capital, marketing, or business development
The Sultan Ventures internship program offers you the chance to gain practical experience within Hawaii’s startup and innovation ecosystem. In this internship, you may work on projects related to market research, marketing initiatives, event planning, and business development that support startup accelerator programs and entrepreneurial initiatives. As an intern, you will collaborate with professionals and emerging companies, gaining insight into how startups grow and how venture organizations support them. Through this experience, you will develop skills in communication, research, and project coordination while learning about entrepreneurship and venture capital in a real-world setting.
10. Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations: Hele Imua Internship Program
Location: Various government agencies across Hawaii
Stipend: $20/hour (tentative)
Dates: 12-week summer program (typically June – August)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school graduates, college students, or recent graduates with a cumulative GPA of 2.5+
The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Hele Imua Internship Program offers you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working within state government agencies across Hawaii. During the 12-week program, you will contribute to real projects in areas such as business administration, finance, information technology, public service, and agriculture, while learning about government operations and workplace expectations. The program also provides mentorship, professional development, and exposure to high-demand career fields, helping you build practical skills, expand your networks, and prepare for future employment opportunities within Hawaii’s workforce.
11. Business Majors Internship at HART
Location: Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART), Honolulu, HI
Stipend: $16/hour
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students currently majoring in business; Should have preferably completed at least one year of college coursework
The Business Majors Internship at HART is a government internship that provides you with exposure to the development and operations of Honolulu’s Skyline rail transit project. In this internship, you will gain hands-on experience in areas such as business operations, finance, budgeting, human resources, procurement, and project management while supporting tasks like data analysis, reporting, and administrative work. You will also participate in team meetings, contribute to ongoing projects, and receive mentorship from professionals, helping you understand how large public infrastructure systems are planned and managed while building practical business, communication, and teamwork skills.
12. University of Hawaiʻi: Mānoa Career Center Virtual Career Fair
Location: Virtual (Career Fair); Actual internships may be in-person
Stipend: Paid and unpaid internships
Dates: Varies by internship
Application Deadline: Varies by internship
Eligibility: Students and alumni of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa; Students from all majors and academic backgrounds are encouraged to attend the Virtual Career Fair
The University of Hawaii at Manoa Career Center Virtual Career Fair is an online event that brings together students, alumni, and employers from a wide range of industries, including business and finance. Through this event, you can meet company representatives, learn about available internships and job opportunities, and gain insights into different career fields. The event also gives you the chance to share your resume, attend employer information sessions, and ask questions about roles, workplace culture, and recruitment processes. By taking part, you can build professional connections, explore potential career opportunities, and develop a clearer understanding of the business world.
13. Novartis Sales Rotational Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10 weeks over the summer
Application Deadline: November – December
Eligibility: U.S. current undergraduate students; Specific criteria can vary
The Novartis Sales Rotational Internship Program is designed to prepare you for entry-level roles as Territory Account Specialists in pharmaceutical sales and marketing. In this program,you will focus on a specific pharmaceutical product, learning its medical profile and developing the skills to effectively promote it to healthcare providers and organizations. Under the guidance of an experienced Novartis sales specialist, you will refine your sales techniques while aligning with regional priorities. The internship also includes networking events, access to online educational resources, and professional development training, with top-performing interns considered for post-graduation opportunities within the company.
14. Parker Dewey Microinternships
Location: Virtual + In-person options
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Year-round; Projects vary in length (5-40 hours)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Current or recent graduates (18+) from a U.S.-based college or university who are authorized to work in the U.S. or have a valid ITIN
In this internship, you will participate in short-term, paid projects through the Parker Dewey Micro-Internship platform, typically lasting between 5 and 40 hours. You will apply to projects that match your interests and complete real-world tasks in areas such as marketing, research, data analysis, sales, and administrative support. Working remotely on a flexible schedule, you will gain practical experience, strengthen professional skills, and build your portfolio while receiving a fixed payment upon completion of each project. The program allows you to take on multiple micro-internships throughout the year, helping you explore different career paths without a long-term commitment.
15. Intern Abroad HQ Business & Economics program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $998 – $1,099; Unpaid
Dates: Flexible
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Must be a student or recent graduate (undergraduate level or above)
In this program, you will be matched with a host organization where you will contribute to tasks such as market research, business development, marketing support, data analysis, and project coordination. The experience is supported by a guided learning curriculum, mentorship, and regular feedback, helping you understand how global businesses and startups operate. You will also build a professional portfolio, receive a certificate and reference letter upon completion, and gain practical skills incommunication, teamwork, and business problem-solving through a flexible, self-paced internship structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Several of these internships, like Make-A-Wish Hawaii and Sultan Ventures, are unpaid. Are they still worth pursuing compared to paid options like Aloha Petroleum or Hawaiian Airlines?
Absolutely, and they offer something the paid corporate roles often don't: direct exposure to Hawaii's nonprofit and startup ecosystems specifically. Make-A-Wish Hawaii gives you hands-on nonprofit operations experience across fundraising, events, and community engagement, which is valuable if you're considering a career in the nonprofit or social impact sector. Sultan Ventures puts you inside Hawaii's startup accelerator world, giving you a front-row seat to how local entrepreneurship and venture support actually function, a niche and genuinely useful perspective if you're interested in business development or venture capital. If income is a priority for your summer, pairing one of these unpaid experiences with a part-time paid role elsewhere is a reasonable way to get both.
2. HART's Business Majors Internship and the Hele Imua program both involve government or public infrastructure work. How does interning with a public agency compare to a private company like Hawaiian Electric or Servco?
Public sector internships like these give you a distinctive view of how large-scale infrastructure and public programs get planned, funded, and executed, which is different from the project-based work you'd see at a private company. HART specifically connects you to the development of Honolulu's Skyline rail transit project, a major, highly visible public works initiative, giving you exposure to budgeting, procurement, and project management at a scale rarely available to undergraduates. The Hele Imua program is broader, spanning multiple government agencies and functions including business administration and even agriculture, making it a good fit if you want to sample different government roles before settling on a specific path. Private sector roles at companies like Hawaiian Electric or Servco tend to be more clearly structured around a specific business function and often pair you with a single mentor and team for the summer.
3. Parker Dewey and Intern Abroad HQ both operate on flexible, project-based models rather than a single fixed placement. What's the practical difference between the two?
The biggest difference is cost and structure. Parker Dewey is a paid, short-term micro-internship platform where you apply to individual projects ranging from 5 to 40 hours and receive a fixed payment for each one completed, letting you build varied experience without any upfront cost. Intern Abroad HQ, by contrast, charges a program fee of $998 to $1,099 and matches you with a single host organization for a longer, mentored placement that includes a guided curriculum and a certificate at the end. If you want to test multiple types of business work quickly and get paid along the way, Parker Dewey is the more efficient option; if you want a more structured, sustained mentorship experience and are comfortable paying for that structure, Intern Abroad HQ offers a different kind of value.
Key Takeaways
This list covers 16 business internships for undergraduates in Hawaii, spanning major local employers like Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaiian Electric, and Servco, government and public infrastructure roles at HART and the Hawaii Department of Labor, and Hawaii-specific nonprofit and startup ecosystem placements at Make-A-Wish Hawaii and Sultan Ventures. Pay varies considerably, from clear hourly rates like Aloha Petroleum's $20 to $23 per hour and HawaiiUSA's $18 per hour, to several unpaid options at Make-A-Wish Hawaii, Sultan Ventures, and Ladder Internships, with Parker Dewey offering a flexible, paid alternative through short individual projects rather than a single summer-long placement. For students who want a fully remote option without needing to be based in Hawaii specifically, Ladder Internships, Parker Dewey, and Intern Abroad HQ are the three most geographically flexible choices on this list, though they differ meaningfully in cost and structure.
Image source - Hawaiian Electric logo