UXHI Conference
2025
UXHI Conference
2025
An annual event for Hawaiʻi's design community and an immersive day of knowledge-sharing, inspiration, and networking.
An annual event for Hawaiʻi's design community and an immersive day of knowledge-sharing, inspiration, and networking.
About UXHI
When
00 Days
Sat, Oct 25, 2025
Ticket sales have ended, see you there!
Conference Theme
Conference Theme
Conference Theme
This yearʻs UXHI Conference celebrates aloha ʻāina, love for the land.
More accurately translated, ʻāina means: that which feeds. When we care for the land, the land will care for us. When the land thrives, we thrive. And yet, Hawaiians have long honored a relationship with ʻāina that’s grounded in reciprocity rather than transaction.
This year’s theme calls on us to embrace our kuleana as designers—to care not only for the people we design for, but also for the resources we rely on, creating solutions that are sustainable, thoughtful, and in harmony with the world around us.
Activity Agenda
Plenty kind things happening at the conference other than talks and workshops! Throughout the day, join in on extra activities designed to help you connect, create, and capture memories—from getting professional feedback on your portfolio to snapping photos with friends and updating your headshot.
11 am - 4 pm
Portfolio Reviews
11 am - 4 pm
Portfolio Reviews
11 am - 4 pm
Portfolio Reviews
All day
Photo Booth
Sponsored by Boom Photo Booth
All day
Photo Booth
Sponsored by Boom Photo Booth
All day
Photo Booth
Sponsored by Boom Photo Booth
All day
Professional Headshot
All day
Professional Headshot
All day
Professional Headshot
Programming Agenda
8 am
Doors Open Coffee & Breakfast
8 am
Doors Open Coffee & Breakfast
8 am
Doors Open Coffee & Breakfast
9 am
Main Room
Opening Remarks
Kat Duran-Higa & Jennifer Kumura
9 am
Main Room
Opening Remarks
Kat Duran-Higa & Jennifer Kumura
9 am
Main Room
Opening Remarks
Kat Duran-Higa & Jennifer Kumura
9:15 am
Main Room
Keynote
Wahi Pana: Storied Places
Wahi Pana
9:15 am
Main Room
Keynote
Wahi Pana: Storied Places
Wahi Pana
9:15 am
Main Room
Keynote
Wahi Pana: Storied Places
Wahi Pana
10 am
Main Room
panel
Generative AI and the future of UX
Yan Vishnepolsky, David Sharek, Vicky Vo, and Arleen Fernando
10 am
Main Room
panel
Generative AI and the future of UX
Yan Vishnepolsky, David Sharek, Vicky Vo, and Arleen Fernando
10 am
Main Room
panel
Generative AI and the future of UX
Yan Vishnepolsky, David Sharek, Vicky Vo, and Arleen Fernando
Purple Box
talk
Impossible to Ignore: Expanding Your Luck for Design Opportunities
Michelle Tran and Gage Minamoto
Purple Box
talk
Impossible to Ignore: Expanding Your Luck for Design Opportunities
Michelle Tran and Gage Minamoto
Purple Box
talk
Impossible to Ignore: Expanding Your Luck for Design Opportunities
Michelle Tran and Gage Minamoto
11 am
Main Room
Workshop
State of UX in Hawai’i
Michelle Tran
11 am
Main Room
Workshop
State of UX in Hawai’i
Michelle Tran
11 am
Main Room
Workshop
State of UX in Hawai’i
Michelle Tran
12 pm
Lunch
12 pm
Lunch
12 pm
Lunch
1 pm
Main Room
panel
Connecting to Place: Bridging Community, Culture, and Practice in Hawaiʻi
Dr. Laura Morrison, Dr. Ululani Brigitte Russo Oana, Todd Cullison, Makana Waikiki, Corinne Okada Takara
1 pm
Main Room
panel
Connecting to Place: Bridging Community, Culture, and Practice in Hawaiʻi
Dr. Laura Morrison, Dr. Ululani Brigitte Russo Oana, Todd Cullison, Makana Waikiki, Corinne Okada Takara
1 pm
Main Room
panel
Connecting to Place: Bridging Community, Culture, and Practice in Hawaiʻi
Dr. Laura Morrison, Dr. Ululani Brigitte Russo Oana, Todd Cullison, Makana Waikiki, Corinne Okada Takara
Purple Box
workshop
Listening with Aloha: Designing Research That Feeds the People Who Feed Us
Sean Tangco and Romyn Kim Sabatchi
Purple Box
workshop
Listening with Aloha: Designing Research That Feeds the People Who Feed Us
Sean Tangco and Romyn Kim Sabatchi
Purple Box
workshop
Listening with Aloha: Designing Research That Feeds the People Who Feed Us
Sean Tangco and Romyn Kim Sabatchi
2 pm
Main Room
talk
Built By Us: Why Local Talent Should Design Local Tech- A Zippy’s Case Study
Taryn Fukuji, Josh Koh, Ana Delostrico and Sage Suzuki
2 pm
Main Room
talk
Built By Us: Why Local Talent Should Design Local Tech- A Zippy’s Case Study
Taryn Fukuji, Josh Koh, Ana Delostrico and Sage Suzuki
2 pm
Main Room
talk
Built By Us: Why Local Talent Should Design Local Tech- A Zippy’s Case Study
Taryn Fukuji, Josh Koh, Ana Delostrico and Sage Suzuki
Purple Box
talk
Innovating Within Boundaries: Designing Change in Regulated Systems
Melissa Chan, Naomi Bluesummers and Katrina Sison Tan
Purple Box
talk
Innovating Within Boundaries: Designing Change in Regulated Systems
Melissa Chan, Naomi Bluesummers and Katrina Sison Tan
Purple Box
talk
Innovating Within Boundaries: Designing Change in Regulated Systems
Melissa Chan, Naomi Bluesummers and Katrina Sison Tan
3 pm
Main Room
Round Table Discussion
Let’s Talk Story: Round-table Discussions
May Sermonia, Lori Lum, Moshe Karabelnik, Ann Choe, and Jennifer Kumura
3 pm
Main Room
Round Table Discussion
Let’s Talk Story: Round-table Discussions
May Sermonia, Lori Lum, Moshe Karabelnik, Ann Choe, and Jennifer Kumura
3 pm
Main Room
Round Table Discussion
Let’s Talk Story: Round-table Discussions
May Sermonia, Lori Lum, Moshe Karabelnik, Ann Choe, and Jennifer Kumura
Purple Box
talk
An Introduction to Tech Criticism
Kim Davidson
Purple Box
talk
An Introduction to Tech Criticism
Kim Davidson
Purple Box
talk
An Introduction to Tech Criticism
Kim Davidson
4 pm
Main Room
keynote
Designing with ʻĀina: Place-Based Design from an ʻŌiwi Perspective
Purple Mai'a: Zachary Pilien, Jaden Kapali, Tre Zamora, Pōhaikealoha Panoke, Leimomi Bong
4 pm
Main Room
keynote
Designing with ʻĀina: Place-Based Design from an ʻŌiwi Perspective
Purple Mai'a: Zachary Pilien, Jaden Kapali, Tre Zamora, Pōhaikealoha Panoke, Leimomi Bong
4 pm
Main Room
keynote
Designing with ʻĀina: Place-Based Design from an ʻŌiwi Perspective
Purple Mai'a: Zachary Pilien, Jaden Kapali, Tre Zamora, Pōhaikealoha Panoke, Leimomi Bong
5 pm
Main Room
Closing Remarks
Kat Duran-Higa & Jennifer Kumura
5 pm
Main Room
Closing Remarks
Kat Duran-Higa & Jennifer Kumura
5 pm
Main Room
Closing Remarks
Kat Duran-Higa & Jennifer Kumura
First Wave of Speakers
First Wave of Speakers
First Wave of Speakers
More voices to join the lineup!
The UXHI Conference brings together voices from Hawaiʻi and beyond who are shaping the future of human-centered design. Our speakers share real stories, lessons learned, and fresh perspectives to inspire and empower the next wave of designers.
STAY AHEAD
Learn the latest UX trends, tools, and techniques to elevate your skills.
STAY AHEAD
Learn the latest UX trends, tools, and techniques to elevate your skills.
STAY AHEAD
Learn the latest UX trends, tools, and techniques to elevate your skills.
BUILD CONNECTIONS
Network with Hawaii’s vibrant UX community of professionals and aspiring designers.
BUILD CONNECTIONS
Network with Hawaii’s vibrant UX community of professionals and aspiring designers.
BUILD CONNECTIONS
Network with Hawaii’s vibrant UX community of professionals and aspiring designers.
REFINE YOUR CRAFT
Participate in workshops, portfolio reviews, and sessions to enhance your design approach.
REFINE YOUR CRAFT
Participate in workshops, portfolio reviews, and sessions to enhance your design approach.
REFINE YOUR CRAFT
Participate in workshops, portfolio reviews, and sessions to enhance your design approach.
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER
Gain actionable insights to grow, whether you're a pro, a student, or switching careers.
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER
Gain actionable insights to grow, whether you're a pro, a student, or switching careers.
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER
Gain actionable insights to grow, whether you're a pro, a student, or switching careers.
IN ONE WEEK :: OCTOBER 25, 2025 :: BY DESIGNERS, FOR DESIGNERS :: UXHICON 2024 BY THE NUMBERS :: 11 TALKS 20 SPEAKERS 100+ ATTENDEES ::
Everything you need to know
Everything you need to know
Who should attend the conference?
This event is ideal for anyone interested in design and innovation, including students, beginners, and senior professionals in UX/UI, graphic, and product design, as well as UX teams, developers, project managers, and creative directors.
Who should attend the conference?
This event is ideal for anyone interested in design and innovation, including students, beginners, and senior professionals in UX/UI, graphic, and product design, as well as UX teams, developers, project managers, and creative directors.
Who should attend the conference?
This event is ideal for anyone interested in design and innovation, including students, beginners, and senior professionals in UX/UI, graphic, and product design, as well as UX teams, developers, project managers, and creative directors.
Is the conference in-person, virtual, or hybrid?
The conference will be in person only.
Is the conference in-person, virtual, or hybrid?
The conference will be in person only.
Is the conference in-person, virtual, or hybrid?
The conference will be in person only.
What does the registration ticket include?
The registration fee includes, entry to all sessions and networking, all-day coffee, breakfast, lunch, snacks and swags.
What does the registration ticket include?
The registration fee includes, entry to all sessions and networking, all-day coffee, breakfast, lunch, snacks and swags.
What does the registration ticket include?
The registration fee includes, entry to all sessions and networking, all-day coffee, breakfast, lunch, snacks and swags.
Are there group discounts available?
Currently, we don't offer group discounts. We highly encourage your team to take advantage of the Early Bird tickets, which are already available at a reduced rate.
Are there group discounts available?
Currently, we don't offer group discounts. We highly encourage your team to take advantage of the Early Bird tickets, which are already available at a reduced rate.
Are there group discounts available?
Currently, we don't offer group discounts. We highly encourage your team to take advantage of the Early Bird tickets, which are already available at a reduced rate.
Will the sessions be recorded?
No, the sessions won't be recorded.
Will the sessions be recorded?
No, the sessions won't be recorded.
Will the sessions be recorded?
No, the sessions won't be recorded.
Can I get a refund if I'm not able to attend?
Yes, cancellations made by Thursday, September 25 will receive a full refund. After that date, no refunds can be made.
Can I get a refund if I'm not able to attend?
Yes, cancellations made by Thursday, September 25 will receive a full refund. After that date, no refunds can be made.
Can I get a refund if I'm not able to attend?
Yes, cancellations made by Thursday, September 25 will receive a full refund. After that date, no refunds can be made.
What are the parking options available for attendees?
Attendees may park in the white-striped stalls near the entrance of Lot C at the venue (paid parking), see the parking map. Limited metered street parking is also available nearby.
Please note: parking passes will not be provided this year.
What are the parking options available for attendees?
Attendees may park in the white-striped stalls near the entrance of Lot C at the venue (paid parking), see the parking map. Limited metered street parking is also available nearby.
Please note: parking passes will not be provided this year.
What are the parking options available for attendees?
Attendees may park in the white-striped stalls near the entrance of Lot C at the venue (paid parking), see the parking map. Limited metered street parking is also available nearby.
Please note: parking passes will not be provided this year.
Who can I contact for more information?
For general inquiries, please email aloha@uxhiconference.com or Slack @Karli Young and @Sony Atmadjaja
Who can I contact for more information?
For general inquiries, please email aloha@uxhiconference.com or Slack @Karli Young and @Sony Atmadjaja
Who can I contact for more information?
For general inquiries, please email aloha@uxhiconference.com or Slack @Karli Young and @Sony Atmadjaja
Testimonials
Testimonials
Testimonials
"The diversity of perspectives and the opportunity to learn from others was truly invaluable."
Claudia R
2023 conference attendee
"The diversity of perspectives and the opportunity to learn from others was truly invaluable."
Claudia R
2023 conference attendee
"The diversity of perspectives and the opportunity to learn from others was truly invaluable."
Claudia R
2023 conference attendee
"It's so exciting to go to tech events in Hawai'i that really feel like they're about Hawai'i and are actually specific to here."
2024 conference attendee
"It's so exciting to go to tech events in Hawai'i that really feel like they're about Hawai'i and are actually specific to here."
2024 conference attendee
"It's so exciting to go to tech events in Hawai'i that really feel like they're about Hawai'i and are actually specific to here."
2024 conference attendee
Entrepreneurs Sandbox
Entrepreneurs Sandbox
Entrepreneurs Sandbox
Located in the heart of Kakaʻako, the Entrepreneurs Sandbox is a modern co-working and event space designed to foster innovation and collaboration. With flexible indoor and outdoor areas, it’s the perfect setting for connecting, learning, and building community.
Metered street parking is available nearby, and paid parking is available at the adjacent lot (entrance on Keawe Street), see the parking map. The venue is fully ADA accessible, with wheelchair access and accessible restrooms on-site.
Please note: parking passes will not be provided this year.
About
About
About
We are a female-founded, volunteer-led community dedicated to connecting and elevating the field of human-centered design for our local community.
Our mission is to foster collaboration and innovation in design, technology, and community-driven solutions in Hawai'i and empower UX designers with skills and tools they need to succeed.
Meet the Co-Chairs behind
Meet the Co-Chairs behind
Meet the Co-Chairs behind
2025 Conference Partners
2025 Conference Partners
We couldn't do this alone. Big mahalo to our incredible partners and sponsors
for investing into our diverse community. Your support fuels creativity and innovation in the tech community, enabling us to bring together the brightest minds and the most exciting ideas.
SILVER SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
HAWAI'I MAKERS PARTNERS
HAWAI'I MAKERS PARTNERS
