Mark T. Panek

Mark T. Panek is a Professor in the English Department at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, affiliated with the Humanities Division. He holds a B.A. in History from Colby College and M.A./Ph.D. in English from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. His teaching focuses on Creative Writing, Composition Pedagogy, Literature of Hawai’i, and American Literature.

• Education:
• B.A. History, Colby College
• M.A. English, UHM
• Ph.D. English, UHM

His research interests center on Hawaiian literature, creative writing pedagogy, and Pacific Islander narratives. He has authored notable works like the award-winning novel Hawai’i and the biography Big Happiness, both recognized as essential texts in Hawai’i’s literary canon. His publications explore cultural identity, historical preservation, and regional storytelling.

Award highlights include the prestigious UH Board of Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching (2008) and dual Ka Palapala Awards for Fiction and Nonfiction. Both Hawai’i and Big Happiness feature on Honolulu Magazine’s list of 50 Essential Hawai’i Books (2018).

His academic contributions extend to composition curriculum development and community-engaged scholarship. Office located in Kanakaʻole Hall, Room 249.