KVIKS Media is Hilo High School’s award-winning Creative Media program, providing students with hands-on experience in broadcasting, video production, photography, journalism, and digital storytelling. As a vital part of the school’s Communication and Technology branches, KVIKS Media empowers students to become skilled communicators, creative problem-solvers, and leaders in media.
Founded with a commitment to real-world learning, KVIKS Media covers daily school announcements, livestreams major campus events and sports, and produces a wide variety of multimedia content that informs, engages, and represents the Viking community. Students operate professional-grade equipment, including cameras, switchers, intercom systems, and editing software, while collaborating as part of a production team.
Membership is open to students in grades 9–12 from Hilo High School and partner institutions. With opportunities to earn elective credit, receive mentorship, and compete in local and national media contests, KVIKS Media helps prepare students for careers in journalism, film, communication, and beyond.
KVIKS Media is proudly supported by the KVIKS Media Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides financial resources, scholarships, and additional learning opportunities to further the mission of media education on Hawai‘i Island.
How Are We Organized?
KVIKS Media operates as a structured, student-driven program under the guidance of adult advisors and the support of the Hilo High School Technology and Communication branches. The program is organized into several key departments that reflect industry practices in creative media and production:
Leadership & Officers
KVIKS Media is led by a student officer team elected annually. These officers manage day-to-day operations, help coordinate projects across departments, and support member development. The officer team includes roles such as President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian. Together, they organize general meetings, lead program initiatives, and represent KVIKS Media at school and community events.
Departments & Specializations
KVIKS Media is organized into four core departments, each focusing on a distinct area of production and content creation. While these departments help structure and manage projects efficiently, students are not limited to just one area. Members are encouraged to collaborate across departments and take part in any project that aligns with their interests or goals. This flexible, team-oriented environment allows students to explore different roles, develop diverse skill sets, and contribute meaningfully to a wide variety of creative media initiatives.
The KVIKS TechOps (Technical Ops) department provides technical support for all productions. It is responsible for managing broadcast operations, handling audio and video systems for both live events and creative projects, setting up and operating lighting equipment, maintaining computers and related hardware, and running photo booth operations at school and community events. This department ensures that the behind-the-scenes infrastructure and interactive experiences run smoothly and effectively.
The KVIKS Studios department focuses on capturing and producing visual stories through videography and photography. Students participating in KVIKS Studios will learn both basic and advanced techniques through a wide range of hands-on projects. These include content creation for programs such as HIKI NŌ, ʻŌlelo Youth XChange, Nā Leo Youth Challenge, Shoots Hawai‘i, and the Hawai‘i International Film Festival. Through these experiences, students gain real-world knowledge and practical skills in planning, shooting, editing, and storytelling that directly reflect professional media industry standards.
The KVIKS Creative department focuses on digital art and design, encouraging students to develop strong visual communication skills through hands-on practice. While fabrication is a key outcome of their work, it serves as a means to apply and showcase their creative abilities. Students in this department use design tools and techniques to create compelling visuals that are then brought to life through mediums such as banners, 3D-printed items, laser-engraved pieces, and dye-sublimated products. The emphasis is on cultivating artistic talent and translating it into real-world, tangible media that supports the program’s branding and event needs.
The KVIKS Marketing department oversees Hilo High School’s official branding and digital communication. This includes designing infographics, publishing school announcements, managing the school website, and curating content for official social media accounts including those for Hilo High School, Hilo High Athletics, and KVIKS Media. In addition to promoting KVIKS Media projects, this department plays a vital role in delivering important information to the school community and supporting the communication needs of other departments and organizations within the school.
General Membership
Students in grades 9 through 12 who attend Hilo High School, Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu, or local charter schools in the Hilo area are eligible to join KVIKS Media. Membership is open to those with an interest in creative media, storytelling, and digital production. Once accepted, members are expected to attend general meetings, participate actively in at least one department, and support afterschool, weekend, or special event projects as needed. KVIKS Media welcomes all students who are eager to learn, collaborate, and contribute to meaningful media work that represents their school and community.
Students who do not meet the general membership criteria—such as those attending other public schools—may still affiliate with KVIKS Media by volunteering through the KVIKS Media Foundation. This pathway allows individuals to participate in projects, gain experience, and support the program’s mission while remaining aligned with our organizational structure and DOE guidelines.
Advisor Support
Faculty advisors provide guidance, technical training, and logistical support to ensure that student leaders and department members succeed. Advisors help maintain program standards, uphold safety procedures, and serve as mentors to foster creativity, responsibility, and collaboration.
Foundation Partnership
KVIKS Media is affiliated with the KVIKS Media Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides critical support for equipment, scholarships, and enrichment opportunities. The foundation helps ensure that students have the resources and tools necessary to grow in their craft and reach their educational and creative goals.