Overview

Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies (HWST) recognizes its kuleana to nurture and educate the next generation of community leaders, teachers, and scholars who will lead Hawai‘i into the future.

Kamakakūokalani offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees that reflect the breadth and interdisciplinary nature of Hawaiian ancestral knowledge. Our BA graduates have moved forward to earn advanced degrees in anthropology, art, botany, business, communications, counseling, education, engineering, English, geography and environment, law, linguistics, medicine, ocean science, Pacific Islands studies, political science, psychology, social work, theater, and urban and regional planning.

Program Learning Outcomes

A Native Hawaiian perspective is emphasized in the major. Upon completion of a B.A. in Hawaiian Studies from University of Hawaii at Manoa , our students are expected to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, critical analysis and synthesis of the following:

Knowing our genealogical ties to Papahānaumoku, our mother earth, and ko Hawaiʻi paeʻāina as our ancestral homeland.
Students can explain that Kanaka Maoli are one Lāhui connected by our ancestors Hāloa and Haumea across nā kai ʻewalu.
Students can discuss history, culture and politics in academic and non-academic settings.
Students can explain the interconnectedness of all knowledge, contemporary and ancestral, from a Kanaka Maoli perspective.
Students are capable of Kanaka Maoli applications, protocols and disciplines.
Students can discuss, practice, and advance Kanaka Maoli experiences in the context of world indigenous peoples.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Hālau o Laka: Native Hawaiian Creative Expression
Kūkulu Aupuni: Envisioning the Nation
Kumu Kahiki: Comparative Hawai‘inuiākea and Indigenous Studies
Mālama ‘Āina: Hawaiian Perspectives on Resource Management
Mo‘olelo ‘Ōiwi: Native History and Literature
Hawai’i: Center of the Pacific
Hawaiian Mythology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-30 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Honolulu, United States

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies Ethnic Studies American and Australasian studies View 807 other Bachelors in Area & Cultural Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Complete the Freshman Application!

Application Fee: $70 U.S.

Official High School Transcripts

Letter of Recommendation

Personal Statement & List of Achievements Form

Official Standardized Test Scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

33552 USD / year

≈ 33552 USD / year
Out-of-State

33552 USD / year

≈ 33552 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11520 USD / year

≈ 11520 USD / year

Living costs

Honolulu

United States

1640 - 2500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Hawaiian Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Program Learning Outcomes

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Honolulu

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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