Hawaii Club is a student-led organization for students from the Islands and those who love the Hawaiian culture. The first Hawaii student to attend Notre Dame was Elmer Carvalho, who graduated in 1950 with Don Machado, another Hawaii student who transferred to Notre Dame in his junior year. Since then, more Hawaii residents have attended Notre Dame. In 1951-1952, the Hawaii Club was founded by Walter Tagawa. The club went dormant in 1966, but returned in 1981 with possibly the first luau organized by Hawaii students. Since then, a luau was held each year with more and more students attending the event.

Currently, about 50 Hawaii students are on campus earning a degree. The Hawaii Club serves as a home away from home with its various cultural events and dinners. The club also helps students adjust to their first winters by taking them to Michigan City to shop for winter clothes. Local food is made in one of the residence hall kitchens at least once a month to keep the Hawaiian appetites at bay. And, of course, each spring the Hawaii Club produces the Luau where students who appreciate the Hawaiian culture come together to share the spirit of Hawaii with the community.