Education & Workforce Development

National Civics Bee® Hawaii

Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, hosts a nonpartisan statewide civics competition for middle school students.

2nd Annual National Civics Bee® Hawaii State Finals

Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Kaimuki high school Auditorium

Join us for the Hawai‘i State Finals of the National Civics Bee, where middle school students from across the state showcase their knowledge of civics and government. Finalists advanced by writing outstanding essays and will now compete in a live quiz-style competition for the chance to represent Hawai‘i at the National Championship in Washington, D.C.

Open to the community. Free admission.

2026 event recap

Mahalo to the brilliant middle schoolers, educators, and families who came together for this year’s competition. The energy and enthusiasm from every participant were a powerful reminder of why fostering the next generation of informed, engaged citizens matters.

Congratulations to all finalists, and a special recognition to our top three:

🥇 1st Place: Hailey S., Moanalua Middle School

🥈 2nd Place: Iilenakupuaewa K., Sacred Hearts Academy

🥉 3rd Place: Glenn T., Prince David Kawananakoa Middle School

A heartfelt mahalo to our esteemed panel of judges for their time and expertise, and to the legislators who came out to champion civic education. Your presence reinforced the real-world stakes of what these students are learning.

The future of civic engagement is in good hands. Follow us to stay informed about the 3rd Annual National Civics Bee. We can’t wait to see you there!

About the Program

The National Civics Bee® encourages young 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Modeled after traditional spelling and geography bees, the competition gives students the chance to share ideas for improving their communities and show their enthusiasm for civics. The winner of the National Civics Bee® Hawaii State Finals will receive a trip to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee® national championship in Fall 2026.

For inquiries, contact Sophia Wibholm, Associate Director of Education, at swibholm@cochawaii.org.

Hawaii’s First State Champion Advances to Nationals

Last year marked Hawaii’s inaugural National Civics Bee, and Ryker Perales, a student from Moanalua Middle School, became our very first state champion. This November, he will proudly represent Hawaii at the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C., on November 11th, 2025, where he’ll compete for a $100,000 contribution to a 529 education savings plan.

Watch the championship live >

Read more about Ryker’s journey in this feature article.