Sponsored by: American Association of Physics Teachers, Hawaii Chapter
Aspiring engineers and physics enthusiasts, get ready to put your design skills to the test in the Hawaii Regional Bridge Building Competition! Aligned with the guidelines of the International Bridge Building Contest, this event challenges participants to create efficient, load-bearing bridges using only approved materials. Compete with other talented students across Hawaii as you aim to construct a bridge that maximizes strength while minimizing weight. This competition is a fantastic opportunity to apply your understanding of physics and engineering principles in a fun and challenging environment!
ENTRY DEADLINE: Friday, January 30, 2026
DELIVERY DUE DATE FOR BRIDGES MAILED-IN/SHIPPED: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026.
IN-PERSON BRIDGE DROP OFF TIME: Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
LOCATION FOR IN-PERSON DROP OFF: University of Hawaii at Manoa, Physical Science Building. See Campus Map.
The 2026 Bridge Building Contest is being held as a separate event from this year’s Physics Olympics. Each bridge must be built by an individual student following the 2026 International Bridge Building Contest Rules. Students must be entered and bridges must be received or delivered by the deadlines above. Bridge testing will be conducted at the University of Hawaii Manoa campus, Physical Science Building.
To enter, teachers shall email the Hawaii Regional Coordinator and Test Director by the entry deadline with the following information:
TEACHER’S NAME:
NAME OF SCHOOL:
NAMES OF STUDENTS ENTERING CONTEST:
Completed bridges shall have an identification slip of paper looped to a bridge structural member with the following information:
SCHOOL:
TEACHER:
NAME OF BRIDGE BUILDER:
ONLY TEACHERS will be allowed to deliver bridges in-person on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Students shall NOT deliver their bridges themselves. Bridges shall be delivered that day between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to the UH Manoa Physical Science Building, First Floor under the covered breezeway located between Keller Hall and the Physical Science Building. See Campus Map. (Campus parking is NOT FREE but vehicles may use the parking lot behind Kennedy Theatre for drop-off purposes only.)
If a teacher cannot deliver students’ bridges on Feb. 13, consideration may be given to allow delivery at an earlier date but only with prior approval and arrangement with the Hawaii Regional Coordinator.
Mailed-in or shipped-in bridges must be RECEIVED by Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. Allow time for mailing/shipping. Bridges shall be sent to:
HAWAII REGION BRIDGE BUILDING CONTEST
1403 KAWELOKA ST.
PEARL CITY, HI 96782
ATTEN: EDMUND URABE
Bridge testing results will be provided to participating teachers via email. First and second place bridge builders will be recognized and awarded at the Physics Olympics Award Ceremony, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, 12:00 p.m. at Kapiolani Community College. First and second place bridge builders will be eligible to represent the Hawaii Region and compete at the 2026 International Bridge Building Contest to be held in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Email the following to enter or if there are any questions:
Edmund Urabe, P.E., Hawaii Regional Coordinator
eurabe@hawaii.edu
Dr. Michael Nassir, Testing Director
nassir@hawaii.edu