Aleiah Leilua-Toloai .
Aleiah Leilua-Toloai didn’t arrive at Hawaiʻi Pacific University planning to pursue a career in criminal justice. Like many students, her interests evolved over time. Initially, she wanted to pursue an English degree and become a teacher but that shifted as she became more aware of the different ways she could work directly with, and advocate for, others.
“Criminal justice is about getting justice for people, making sure they have rights, and advocating. That’s the main reason why I chose it,” she said.
Now a third-year criminal justice major, Leilua-Toloai has built a strong academic foundation while gaining practical experience that is shaping her next steps.
Mentorship and a path to the courtroom
Originally from California, she chose HPU after being offered a scholarship through the California Match Program.
“I knew that HPU was my choice. I’ve met a lot of great mentors and professors, and that’s really shaped my experience,” she said.
It’s mostly been defined in a large part by mentorship. Public Service department chair and Criminal Justice professor Sheryl Sunia, in particular, inspired Leilua-Toloai to think beyond the classroom and actively pursue opportunities where she could gain some real world experience.
“Professor Sunia always encouraged us to look for ways to get started in the field we’re interested in,” Leilua-Toloai explained. “She would ask us what we wanted to do and then help us find ways to get there.”
That guidance led directly to Leilua-Toloai’s internship with the U.S. District Court of Hawaiʻi through the Model Internship Program, a selective national program that places students in federal courts across the country.
“She reached out and said it could be a good fit. That made a big difference,” she said.
Learning the system from the inside
Through the internship, Leilua-Toloai rotates through several divisions within the court, including probation, jury administration, and judicial chambers. Each rotation offers a different perspective on how the federal system operates day to day.
“As we rotate through the different sections, we work on different projects. It can be anything from sitting with a client in probation to writing a memo for a judge,” she said.
Her current rotation in the jury division has been especially interesting. The work involves organizing jury summons, communicating with potential jurors, and supporting the administrative side of the trial process.
“I have to explain to people that jury duty is their civil service. It’s something you are privileged to do as a citizen,” Leilua-Toloai said.
Her favorite experience so far has been being able to observe a trial and see how juries are assembled. It’s helped her better understand the process beyond what she has learned in class.
Before starting the internship, Leilua-Toloai had a clear plan: attend law school and pursue a career as a military lawyer. While that goal is still on the table, her time in the court system has broadened her perspective. Exposure to roles like probation officers and court administrators has helped her see the field differently.
“If you’re working anywhere in criminal justice and helping people, then you’re still doing meaningful work,” she said. “It’s made me more open to different roles.”
A well-rounded HPU experience
Leilua-Toloai says her coursework at HPU prepared her well for the internship, especially the emphasis on discussion and applied learning.
“A lot of our classes involve discussions,” she said. "Even when you’re unsure, you’re encouraged to speak and think through your ideas.”
Opportunities outside of the classroom have reinforced what she’s learned in the classroom. A visit to the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu, for example, gave her a clearer understanding of the different sides of the same processes she would later encounter again during her internship.
“We got to see what the booking process looks like and what life is like for the inmates,” she explained. “Later in my internship, I could connect that to what I was seeing in the court system.”
Leilua-Toloai’s interest in advocacy extends beyond her academic work. As President of HPU’s Student Government Association, she focuses on improving communication between students and the university, ensuring that students have a clear way to raise concerns.
“I’m most proud of building a system where students feel heard. We’ve worked hard on making sure there’s a resource for them and we’re communicating their needs,” she said.
That role reflects the same motivation that led her to criminal justice in the first place. “It’s about being a voice for other people and helping to represent them,” she shared.
Focused on the future
Outside of academic and leadership responsibilities, Leilua-Toloai’s time at HPU has been shaped by the community she has built in Honolulu. Having family nearby and strong relationships on campus made the transition to college a smooth one.
“People are very kind and I’ve always felt supported,” she said. That sense of stability has allowed her to stay focused on her goals without feeling disconnected from home.
After graduation, Leilua-Toloai plans to pursue a master’s degree in criminal justice before deciding whether to attend law school. She sees graduate school as a way to continue building her knowledge of the field while also keeping the door open to new opportunities.
“I want to explore different options before committing to law school,” she said. "A master’s degree will give me more flexibility and help me build experience in the field.”
No matter the path she ultimately chooses, her focus remains consistent. “I’ve seen how people can go without support or advocacy. I want to be someone who can help provide that.”
Leilua-Toloai’s experience at HPU and working in the federal court system have given her a clearer understanding of both the field and her place within it. As she moves forward, she is committed to learning, gaining experience, and finding the role where she can have the most impact.
