Students are invited out of the classroom and placed in the field, resulting in first-hand experience on applying classroom theories and concepts to real-life situations. The mentored research opportunities greatly complement classroom instruction. Two of the most popular are:
North Shore Ethnographic Field School
Currently located in Waialua on Oʻahu, the ʻāina-based weekend program focuses on sustainable living of past and present people in the area. Students have the opportunity to interview community members, as well as engage with cultural practitioners and volunteers from the North Shore community, who share their knowledge and perspectives at “talk story” events and hosted visits to culturally rich sites.
Punaluʻu Archaeological Field School
Students work in an outdoor “classroom” where they learn to identify, document and investigate archaeological features, artifacts and cultural materials. Field school research will expand knowledge of traditional agriculture; investigate the history of Kekuaokalani, the nephew of Kamehameha I; and provide a greater understanding of ancestral sites within Punalu‘u Valley.