Hawai‘i History Day Program Rules

• Group sizes are limited to THREE students maximum in the State of Hawai‘i

• Once a group project enters the frst level of competition beyond the school level, students may not be added or replaced. If the group loses one or more members, even temporarily, the remaining group members are still eligible to compete. This is true, even if only one student remains. The project is still a group entry because it refects the work of multiple students.

• Changing categories or topics is not permitted after entering the frst level of NHD competition beyond the school level. Narrowing and refning topics are permitted and encouraged.

• All other NHD rules apply to the Hawai‘i History Day program

About the Hawai‘i History Day Program

Hawai‘i History Day, a program of the Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities, is a year-long history education program that invigorates the teaching and learning of history in grades 4-12. It promotes a theme-based, research-centered model for history and civics education. History Day culminates in presenting and evaluating these projects at school, district, state, and national history days. Hawai‘i History Day is a National History Day (NHD) state affiliate.

Hawai‘i History Day Has Three Divisions:

• Senior Division: Students in grades 9-12

• Junior Division: Students in grades 6-8

• Youth Division: Students in grades 4-5

Students present their projects in English or ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, using one of five formats:

• Exhibit

• Performance

• Documentary

• Paper

• Website

Who can participate?

Public, private, charter, Hawaiian language immersion and home school students in grades 4-12 are eligible to participate in the Hawai‘i State DOE District in which their school is located. 

FOR HAWAI‘I ENTRIES, GROUP SIZES ARE LIMITED TO 1-3 STUDENTS MAX.

What to Expect  the Day of the Competition

What to Expect During the contest

• Dress Attire:  Aloha or business casual attire is highly recommended.

• Papers, documentaries and Websites:  Projects will be judged ahead of time so students do not need to bring copies of their papers

• Exhibits need to be set up before the start of the fair. Students should provide 3 copies of their process paper and annotated bibliography

• Performances:  Students are responsible for bringing ALL necessary props needed for their performance.  Students will NOT BE ALLOWED to borrow or use any items other than the tables and chairs located in their judging rooms for their performances.  If students need specific sized tables or chairs, it is highly recommended that you provide your own.  Please DO NOT expect the host school to provide you with your props.

• Parents and teachers are responsible for watching their own kids at ALL TIMES.

• Students are to follow all DOE rules and are to be respectful of the host campus.

• Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled interview time to your interview room as your time slot may move up if there are students who forfeit their interviews.

• Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Judge Criteria