Kaʻala Deitch Named to Pacific Business News’ Inno Under 25
Kaʻala Deitch, an engineering student who has contributed to both technical projects and community outreach at W. M. Keck Observatory, was recently named one of Hawai‘i’s top young innovators by Pacific Business News. The annual Inno Under 25 awards recognize those under 25 in the tech space and entrepreneurs across various sectors.
The following is an excerpt from Pacific Business News on July 10, 2025, highlighting Deitch’s background and vision for integrating science and culture in Hawai‘i.
Kaʻala Deitch recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he plans to continue graduate-level work.
He has had internships with several local companies — experiences he said not only strengthened his technical skills but also solidified his commitment to building a career in Hawaii in order to contribute to the local community.
“To align with this goal, I’ve chosen to focus my graduate studies on thermofluids and heat transfer, areas highly relevant to Hawaii-based industries,” he said.
His internships include time at the W. M. Keck Observatory, where he worked on a project to restore safe access to a key part of the facility. Deitch created a 3D model of the area, conducted structural analyses and developed designs for a new walking platform to the site.
Currently, he is a graduate research assistant at the Space Science and Engineering Initiative at UH Manoa, where he is focused on developing technologies that could improve energy efficiency in a range of systems and environments through cooling applications. Additionally, he remains involved with the W. M. Keck Observatory, working to help foster relationships between the scientific community and the broader population.
What has been your biggest accomplishment?
I genuinely believe that the most significant accomplishment in my career thus far has been building a strong and supportive community network. The guidance, encouragement and opportunities I’ve received from those around me have played a crucial role in my journey.
What drives you in your work?
I was raised deeply immersed in the Hawaiian language and culture, which instilled in me the importance of preserving and uplifting the Hawaiian worldview, or kuanaike, in all aspects of life here in Hawaii. This perspective, however, has also placed me at a challenging intersection between culture and science. What motivates me is the belief that scientific advancement and the revitalization of Hawaiian culture are not mutually exclusive. My aspiration is to help bridge this divide, demonstrating that science and culture can coexist and enrich one another.
What is next for you?
I will be continuing my research with the Space Science and Engineering Initiative at UH Manoa while actively applying to Ph.D. programs.
Read more about Kaʻala and his previous work at W.M. Keck Observatory.
