Hundreds of Hawaii students got a hands-on preview of career paths today, a positive step for building local talent in tourism and beyond.

• ClimbHI held its 14th annual career exploration event on Oahu, linking students with local businesses and industry professionals.
• A speed-dating style career fair let students explore options beyond tourism, aiming to show them paths to financial independence without leaving Hawaii.
• This is the first of four such events planned across the state this fall, with more coming to Hawaii Island and Maui.
• Organizers expect over 1,000 students and 100 businesses to take part across all four events.

Outlook: Similar career-fair events roll out on Hawaii Island and Maui later this fall.