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Hawaiian History and Culture

Program Information | Costs | Orientation | Contact

Apply now!

*This program currently has a waiting list. If you would like to be considered for the waiting list, contact Mike Sunnafrank.

Know the following program information, which you will provide on the online application: 

Country: United States
Program Name: Hawaiian History and Culture

Early application is strongly encouraged, as space is limited and the program will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Complete applications include an essay and unofficial transcript. A non-refundable application fee of $50 will be billed to your student account upon submission of an online application.

Program Information

• Go beyond the popular tourist destinations and discover the real Hawaii and real Hawaiians while exploring the history, culture and current issues facing the islands.
  
• Experience Hawaiian culture first hand, learn to forever appreciate that culture and bring a little of it home within you.
  
• Reflect upon yourself, your path in life, who you are becoming and your relationships with others, all in true Hawaiian style.
  
• Become part of a family of 28 travelers in addition to gaining many Hawaiian aunties, uncles, sisters, brothers and cousins.
  
• Learn that sand, surf, swaying palms and warm temperatures are only the surface features of an even more spectacular life-altering experience.

A fleet of Polynesian outriggers first sailed to these islands in approximately 300 AD, bringing animals and plants with them. In the 19th century Hawaii had a constitutional monarchy and was recognized as an independent nation by countries throughout the world. Learn how Hawaii ended up being the 50th state against the will of the majority of its people.

Go beyond the popular tourist destinations and discover the real Hawaii. Visit beautiful areas few tourists have ever seen and have experiences no tourist would ever have.

Stay at Camp Kokokahi on Oahu, which has breathtaking views of the majestic Koolau Mountains. Visit sites such as:

• Bishop Museum, Hawaii’s largest museum dedicated to studying and preserving the history of Hawaii
• Haleiwa, a designated historic, cultural and scenic district
• North Shore, renowned for its legendary beaches

Stay in beach front condos in Kapa’a town on Kauai. Get acquainted with locals and get involved with the local culture:

• Restore native habitat in a rain forest with the Waipa Foundation
• Help to preserve a remote coastline in Maha`ulepu
• Learn about Hawaiian spirituality from a powerful leader of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement  
  

On the Big Island, stay in beautiful rental homes in the old sugar cane community of Pahala and at a bay-front hotel in Hilo. Spend evenings on a porch at an old southern style mansion talking with locals, listening to ukes strum, and laughing with good company. Experience the depth of Hawaiian culture by exploring:

• Active volcanos at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
• Black sand beaches at Punalu'u
• Ka Lae, the southernmost spot in the United States
• Rain forests in Waipio Valley
• Waterfalls in Akaka Falls State Park
• Thermal ponds in Ahalanui Park

Earn 4 credits in FST 4006, COMM 4949: Intercultural Communication Practicum. This course is approved as an upper division Communication course.

Costs
Estimated program costs can be found here.

A non-refundable application fee of $50 will be billed to your student account upon submission of an online application. A deposit of $400 will be billed to your student account upon your confirmation of participation. The remainder of the program fee will be billed through Student Accounts Receivable.

Financial aid may be applied toward the cost of the program if you are enrolled as a full-time student.

Orientation
At least two pre-departure orientations will be held. Pre-departure orientations will include information about financial aid, classwork and travel tips. A general study abroad handbook will be emailed prior to departure.

Familiarize yourself on financing, health and safety and policies to consider when studying abroad.

Contact
Interested students are required to meet with the program leader, Mike Sunnafrank.

Contact Mike Sunnafrank for program or itinerary questions. For application or registration questions, contact Arianna Austin in the International Education Office.