Often referred to as the “paradise of the Pacific,” Hawai’i is best known to most outsiders as a travel destination associated with sunshine, beaches, leisure, and locals who are happy to welcome visitors with aloha. In this course, students will venture “beyond the postcard” to better understand the complex cultural history of these islands, particularly as it was experienced by its indigenous inhabitants, or the kānaka maoli. Students will learn the history of Hawaiian culture before European contact, including the nature of their economic, political, and religious practices, how life in the islands changed after Captain Cook arrived in 1778, and the subsequent developments that transformed it into the cosmopolitan, multicultural state it is today.  

We will visit local museums, historical and archaeological sites, experience cultural performances of music and dance, try traditional Hawaiian foods, visit those famous beaches, and engage in exciting service-learning opportunities on the island of O’ahu. We will work side-by-side with indigenous community members helping with projects of importance to the kama’āina (local) community, such as repairing ancient fishponds and revitalizing traditional taro patches, and in the process hear directly from them about their life experiences and visions for the future. We are partnering with the Center for Community Engagement at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, and will engage with students and faculty members from this world-renowned research institution. 

Students will be in residence at a hotel in downtown Waikiki, near a bus stop that will be our primary mode of transportation around the island. There will be some free time for relaxation and individual island exploration.

Week 1

• Monday, Jan. 5: On campus - SMC
  Class topics: Polynesian colonization, Pre-contact overview
  Readings: Kumulipo; Mālama I Nā Ahupuaʻa (MINA) readings from Dr. Hasager
• Tuesday, Jan. 6: On campus - SMC
  Class topics: Contact with Captain Cook; Introduction to current issues
  Readings: TBD
• Wednesday, Jan. 7: Depart from SFO, Arrive in HNL
  Everyone is responsible for their own transportation to SFO.
• Thursday, Jan. 8: Honolulu (On campus - UH)
  Orientation
  Readings: TBD
• Friday, Jan. 9: Honolulu (On campus - UH)
  Class Day
  Readings: TBD
• Saturday, Jan. 10: Kailua 
  Field Trip/Community Engagement: Ulupō Heiau
• Sunday, Jan. 11: Honolulu
  Free Day
  Optional: Hike Diamond Head

Week 2

• Monday, Jan. 12: Honolulu
  Field Trip: Mauna ‘Ala and ‘Iolani Palace
  Readings: TBD
• Tuesday, Jan. 13: Honolulu
  Field Trip/Community Engagement: Fish Pond (He’eia)
  Readings: TBD
• Wednesday, Jan. 14: Honolulu
  Field Trip: Walking tour of ‘Old Honolulu’
  The Return of Kapaemahu
  Readings: TBD
• Thursday, Jan. 15: Honolulu (On campus - UH)
  Class Day
  Readings: TBD
• Friday, Jan. 16: Honolulu
  Field Trip: Bishop Museum, Walking tour of Chinatown
  Readings: TBD
• Saturday, Jan. 17: Honolulu
  Class Topic: Onipa’a
  Field Trip/Community Engagement: Genki Balls
  Onipa’a Remembrance Activity
  Readings: TBD
• Sunday, Jan. 18: Honolulu
  Free Day

Week 3

• Monday, Jan. 19: Waipahu
  Field Trip: Hawai’i Plantation Village
  Dinner: Aunty Di and Uncle Mike’s
  Readings: TBD
• Tuesday, Jan. 20: Honolulu
  Field Trip/Community Engagement:  Lo’i at UH
  Readings: TBD
• Wednesday, Jan. 21: Honolulu
  Field Trip/Community Engagement: TBD
  Readings: TBD
• Thursday, Jan. 22: Honolulu (On campus - UH)
  Class Day (Final day on island)
  Final Presentations
  Farewell Dinner at TBD
• Friday, Jan. 23: Depart from HNL, Arrive at SFO
  Everyone is responsible for their own transportation home from SFO.

Course Fee: $3,950
Learn about the Jan Term Travel Scholarship for additional funding.

This fee includes:
Airfare, Local Transportation, Lodging, Meals, Excursions (e.g., museums, tours, etc.), Guest Speakers, Gratuity, Miscellaneous

Estimated cost outside of course fee:
Students will be responsible for 3-5 meals ($100), laundry-if needed ($10), course readings ($60), and any personal incidentals ($0-$200).