The 20-year-old centre-back had been on the books at Queens Park Rangers since he was just seven before being released in the summer and he joined Pools on trial last month.
Wise impressed during outings for the Reserves against Rotherham United and Mansfield Town and did enough to convince the Pools management team he was worth a deal.
“Harly has come up on trial and shown real hunger and determination,” explained Hignett.
“He’s a young player with bags of ability and lots of potential so we’re looking forward to working with him and making him a better player and an asset to the Club.”
An imposing presence who is composed on the ball, Wise has been handed squad number 36 at The Northern Gas and Power Stadium.