
Three Hawaiʻi high schools are preparing for an academic challenge at the 2025 Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts State Competition. Students from 'Iolani, Kalani, and Waipahu high schools will compete on February 21 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, with the event open to the public for those interested.
The winning team will earn the opportunity to represent Hawaiʻi at the national competition in Chicago. Participants will be tested on a wide range of topics, from finance to technology, with challenges including a fast-paced "speed smarts" round and buzzer-style games. According to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, students will first complete individual assessment tests before competing on the main stage.
LifeSmarts, the program behind the competition, aims to prepare tomorrow's leaders by focusing on practical knowledge that extends beyond winning. Topics such as health and safety, environmental issues, and consumer rights help students build skills for real-world challenges. This educational initiative is supported by the DCCA's Business Registration and Insurance Divisions, along with the Hawaii Credit Union League, as noted in the public release.
For those interested in following the LifeSmarts competition or preparing for the next one, state coordinator Theresa Kong Kee is the point of contact for all LifeSmarts-related inquiries in Hawaiʻi. Additionally, a video is available for a more detailed, visual overview of the program.