Hawai‘i State Economics Challenge
The HCEE hosts the Hawai’i State Economics Challenge each year. All high and middle schools throughout the State are eligible to participate.
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HCEE hosts the Hawai‘i State Economics Challenge, which is the first stage of the prestigious National Economics Challenge, and has been running continuously since 2001.
The Challenge tests students’ knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, and current economic events. High school students enrolled in an economics course anywhere in the state may participate, with neighbor island schools able to compete online. There are no registration fees or participation limits.
Both AP and non-AP economics classes compete in separate divisions. Teams of 3–4 students, led by a teacher-coach, complete three written exams before the top two teams in each division advance to a fast-paced Final Round modeled on Jeopardy!
🏆 Winners of each division become the Hawai‘i State Champions and move on to the National Semifinals. Teachers may enter as many teams as they wish in both divisions.
📘 Divisions:
Adam Smith Division – AP, IB, honors students, and returning competitors
David Ricardo Division – First-time competitors who’ve taken no more than one economics course
Hawai‘i was the national champion in the Adam Smith Division for 2005, 2006, 2010, and 2013; and in the David Ricardo Division for 2007.
Hawai‘i State Economics Challenge
Date
First Wednesday in April
Time
8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Location
Sunset Ballroom at Aloha Tower Marketplace, Honolulu
Hawai‘i State Economics Challenge
Participation is completely free, and we provide a guided tour of Aloha Tower Marketplace plus a complimentary lunch at Sam Choy’s Pier 9 Restaurant (because, as we like to say, no lunch is free—except this one!). We can also reimburse on-island transportation costs to the event.
Additional benefits include:
A strong credential for student résumés and college applications
Increased student engagement, learning, and teamwork practice
Prizes for top performing teams and fun gifts for all participants
EVENT SCHEDULE
8:30 am
9:00 am
9:30 am
9:45 am
10:15 am
10:30 am
11:15am
Noon
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
Check in
Round 1 - Microeconomics
Break
Round 2 - Macroeconomics
Break
Round 3 - Current events
Break
Lunch
Finalist Rounds
Awards & Prizes Presentations + Photos
HPU Sunset Ballroom - coffee, tea and other beverages available.
Individual exam: 20 minutes, 15 multiple choice questions
Entertainment
Individual exam: 20 minutes, 15 multiple choice questions
Entertainment
Team exam: 20 minutes, 15 multiple choice questions
Students: ATM campus tour
Judges: Tabulate scores.
Sam Choy’s Pier 9 at Aloha Tower
HPU Sunset Ballroom - finalists announced
HPU Sunset Ballroom
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Student Comments
ANDREA CHEUNG
MARYKNOLL CLASS OF 2003
CHAD YAMAMOTO
MARYKNOLL CLASS OF 2002
I enjoyed Economics Challenge for several reasons. One, it was a fun way of learning the material that was necessary for the AP econ test, as we had to apply the principles that we learned in the classroom to something other than what was simply on the exam. In that way, it was quite refreshing. The problems given were challenging, and forced me to think beyond the standards that I normally had to in class. I had to think about the concepts in newer ways, which of course enforced my learning and benefited me for the actual AP exam.
It was also fun working with my team - collaboration - because I learned lots of material from them that I didn't quite digest from the textbook. It helps that I had lots of smart people in my team who had strengths where I had weaknesses. It's also good because I got to work towards another goal, besides just the AP exam. Interschool competition is always a good motivator to do well... it's the same type of rush that happens when we are in a math meet or a karate tournament: you want to do well and in the process of practicing, you have fun!
Interscholastic competitions bring out a new spirit in students. The Hawaii Economics Challenge is no different than a math or science competition. It provides a motivation factor in students to do better in their economics class. The Challenge motivated my class to do better, to prove to the Hawaii economics community our abilities in economics and of the amazing abilities of our teacher…
The motivation brought upon by the competition helped our class learn far more than we might have in class. It allowed our teacher to increase the rigorous level of our course without complaints from the class. This motivation grew into an appreciation for the field of economics. As we worked and studied, the class soon began to fall in love with what we were studying and embraced all that it had to offer. As a result of our class, many are now planning or are pursuing degrees in economics.
Outside of economics, the competition brought our class together. My economics class that participated changed acquaintances into long-lasting friendships that will undoubtedly last a lifetime…Every school in Hawaii with an economics program should become a part of this growing competition and recognize its positive benefits.