On March 12, the inaugural day of the program in Hilo, students were greeted with a traditional Kīpaepae (welcome ceremony) led by the staff and students of the I Ola Hāloa Center for Hawaiʻi Life Styles at Hawaii Community College. This ceremonial introduction set the stage for a day filled with cultural exploration, diversity appreciation, and a focus on cultural sustainability.
During the welcome ceremony, students were invited to engage in hands-on activities, including trying their hand at playing the Pāfu (drum) and Pū (conch shell). These interactive experiences allowed students to immerse themselves in Hawaiian indigenous culture and gain a deeper understanding of its traditions.The day continued with a thought-provoking lecture on cultural diversity delivered by Dr. Don Bysouth, underscoring the importance of understanding and respecting various cultural perspectives in today's interconnected world.

In the evening, students had the opportunity to further their cultural exchange by joining members of the Japan Club at UH Hilo for dinner. Prior to their arrival in Hilo, KU students had met some of the UH Hilo students online as apart of their COIL session. Engaging in conversations in both English and Japanese, students forged meaningful connections and embraced the opportunity to learn from one another's cultural backgrounds.