About the Hawaii State Science & Engineering Fair
The Academy sponsored the first Science Fair in Hawaii in 1958 known at that time as the "Hawaiian Science Fair." Now referred to as the Hawaii State Science & Engineering Fair (HSSEF), students conduct scientific research, prepare a display board explaining the research, and present their findings to individual scientists, community groups and related organizations at the annual fair. From 2020-2022, the Academy made the decision to transition the State Science Fair to a Virtual Fair in light of the pandemic. And after 3 years of virtual programming, we were thrilled to welcome all our participants back in-person at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. In order for students to compete at HSSEF, students must advance through levels of competition throughout the year, where the selected top projects will promote from school to district and from district to state. Participants of the State Science Fair will be eligible to win cash, scholarships, and other special awards, and the opportunity to represent the State of Hawaii at the International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) held in May. Location details for ISEF are determined annually. In the State of Hawaii, there are approximately 6,000 participants across over 100 Public and Private School fairs every year, with about 30% advancing to compete at one of nine District Fairs (Central, Hawaii East, Hawaii West, HAIS, Honolulu, Kauai, Leeward, Maui, Windward).
Getting Started
Prior to participating in the Hawaii State Science & Engineering Fair (HSSEF), it is critical that EVERY project is evaluated by the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) at the District/Regional level to ensure compliance with rules and regulations set forth by the International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF). We cannot stress enough the importance of completing this process prior to participation, and in some cases, prior to experimentation (e.g., the use of potentially hazardous biological agents and/or projects involving vertebrate animals). Failure to do so in a timely manner can affect the review process and your ability to advance. For School and District Fair dates and Pre-Approval Instructions within your district/region please contact the appropriate District Fair Office.
What Forms Do You Need?
STEP #1: Create an account and start a project on MYSCIFAIR. Complete the Myscifair questionnaire to determine which forms will be required of your project. You can also compelete the ISEF WIZARD to determine what forms you need for your project.
STEP #2: Once you have a list of which forms you need, you can complete forms and obtain signatures directly through the Myscifair platform OR you can download forms and complete offline. The new 2026 forms are now available on the ISEF website or you can download them from our list below.
Required Forms for ALL Projects:
Official Abstract (22 Categories) - obtained on Myscifair
Required Forms for projects with human subjects, vertebrates, hazardous materials, continuation research and institutions:
Form 4 - Human Participants & Informed Consent (SAMPLE INFORMED CONSENT, DO NOT USE)
Form 5A - Vertebrate Animal Form (for research at home, school, or at a field site)
Form 5B - Vertebrate Animal Form (for research at a Regulated Research Institution)
STEP #3: Please read the 2025-2026 ISEF RULES thoroughly prior to any experimentation.
