Hawaiʻi is a unique place, because it is the treasured home and acknowledged benchmark for the empowerment of the Native Hawaiian community around the world. The College of Social Sciences recognizes the importance of its role to be an inspiring place for the next generation of Native Hawaiian leaders among both students and faculty. They are invited to cultivate their ethnic awareness and growth through distinctive programs and projects in place to strengthen ethnic awareness ad pride on an ever-globalizing planet.
Hui ʻĀina Pilipili
This initiative focuses on the University’s commitment to Native Hawaiians and Native Hawaiian knowledge. Students receive valuable one-on-one academic guidance and gain a renewed sense of self, as they travel their pathways in pursuit of knowledge and research experience.
Nā Koʻokoʻo
This transformational program enriches the lives of an underrepresented segment of the UH student population by increasing their college access and success. Specially designated courses over spring and summer sessions are capped off by a life-changing one-week immersion experience outside of Honolulu’s urban core.
Hui ‘Āina Momona
This innovative program transcends traditional academic boundaries. Its faculty leaders strive to find cross-disciplinary solutions to natural and cultural resource management, sustainability and food security issues facing Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
Aloha ʻĀina: Kahoʻolawe Faculty Program
Historically led by UH faculty, including those housed in the Department of Ethnic Studies, workshops are regularly held on the island of Kahoʻolawe with the goals of enhancing faculty capacity to engage in the sustainability and resilience of island ecosystems, and integrating Indigenous Hawaiian sciences into curriculum.
Center for Oral History
Established in 1976 by the state Legislature, this center in the Department of Ethnic Studies produces interpretive historical materials about lifeways, key historic events, social movements and Hawaiʻi’s role in globalization. It collects, documents and preserves the priceless recollections of Native Hawaiians and other multi-ethnic peoples.