State of Hawai‘i DOT Announces Paid Student Internship Program 2026

The State of Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has officially opened applications for its Student Internship Program 2026, a paid, year-round opportunity available across all major Hawaiian islands. The program is open to high school, college, and graduate students from all fields of study and offers hands-on project work, professional mentorship, and competitive hourly pay.

About the Internship Program

The HDOT Student Internship Program is designed to give students real work experience within Hawai‘i’s public transportation system. Interns work on meaningful projects, learn directly from professionals, and gain exposure to careers in government and industry.

Internships are offered throughout the year, allowing students to participate while enrolled in school or during summer breaks.

Internship Schedule Options

Students can join the program in different formats depending on the academic calendar:

• During the school year (September – May):
  Part-time roles, up to 19 hours per week

• Summer term (May – September):
  Full-time roles, 40 hours per week

• High School Summer Cohort (June – August):
  Full-time, 40 hours per week

Pay Rates for 2026

Hourly pay is based on education level:

• 3 or more years of college: $24.35 per hour

• 2 or more years of college: $22.50 per hour

• Less than 2 years of college: $16.00 – $20.70 per hour

• High school students: $16.00 – $20.70 per hour

All internships are paid.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a Hawai‘i resident (within 30 days of internship start)

• Be at least 16 years old by the first day of the internship

• Be currently enrolled in school

• Have their own housing and transportation

Program Features

Participants receive more than just work experience. The program includes:

• Paid, project-based assignments

• One-on-one mentorship

• Skill-building workshops

• Networking events with potential employers

• Opportunities to present work to program stakeholders

How to Apply

Complete details and the application process are available on the official program page:

Apply here: https://bit.ly/hdotinterns

This program is a strong opportunity for students looking to gain paid, practical experience, build professional skills, and work on projects that directly impact Hawai‘i’s infrastructure and communities.

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