Following the annual conference in Tokyo, the organizers are pleased to announce that the 8th Pacific International Politics Conference (PIPC) will be held in Hawaii, the U.S., from July 9 to 10, 2026.
The University of Hawai'i at Hilo will host the conference. Hilo is located on the northeastern side of the island of Hawai`i (The Big Island). It is famous for two volcanoes, Kilauea (one of the world's most active volcanoes) and Maunaloa (the world's largest active subaerial volcano). The University of Hawai`i at Hilo was founded in 1945.
Flight to the Big Island
On the flight from Honolulu (HNL) to Hilo (ITO), a seat on the right-hand side (starboard side) may offer views of Pearl Harbor shortly after departure and Maunakea Mountain a few minutes before landing. A seat on the left-hand side (port side) may provide views of Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay a few minutes after departure. On your return flight, these views are generally possible from the opposite side of the aircraft.
Transportation to the Conference Hotel
From Hilo Airport, the best way to reach the Conference Hotel (the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel) is to use the Uber app or take a taxi. It might be good to install the Uber app before your trip.
Restaurants near the Hotel
There are not so many restaurants around the hotel area:
• Hilo Bay Café
• Ponds Hilo
• Ken’s House of Pancakes
• Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo
Visiting downtown or the shopping malls (Puainako, Prince Kuhio) will give you a wider range of options.
Recreation
Prepare umbrella, sunglasses, & cap to explore the Big Island. Hilo is the rainiest city in the U.S. It rains almost every night.
Hilo side:
• Walking distance from hotel: Japanese garden; Coconut island; Babe Ruth Banyan tree
• Kilauea volcano: 40 minutes from Hilo
• Mauna Kea (recommended for sunset): 40 minutes from Hilo + 1 hour break + 30 minutes to the summit
Northern area:
• Waipio Valley Lookout: 70 minutes from Hilo
• Pololu Valley Lookout: 2 hours from Hilo
Kona side:
• Puukohola Heiau (Hawaii’s religious site)
• Hapuna Beach
• Kaloko-Honokohau (Hawaii’s religious site)
• Hulihee Palace & Kamakahonu historic landmark at Kona
Steering Organizers
Erik Gartzke, University of California, San Diego
Benjamin Goldsmith, Australian National University
Koji Kagotani, Chuo University
Soo Yeon Kim, University of British Columbia
Local Organizer
Keisuke Nakao, University of Hawai`i at Hilo