Prominent Native Hawaiian educator Gladys Kamakakūokalani ‘Ainoa Brandt believed it was through education that the Hawaiian people would become more effective agents in carrying forward traditional ancestral practices and customs, and, in transforming, shaping, and contributing to the world.
In the past, students were asked what in the world they would do with a degree in Hawaiian Studies or competency in Hawaiian language. Now, a graduate grounded in academics as well as cultural tradition, worldview, and intelligence is an individual mightily prepared for success and a valuable candidate for either advanced degree work or a career in a chosen field. Your options are, literally, without limit.
“Taking Hawaiian language prepared me for careers that had not even been imagined at the time.” (E. Makahiapo Cashman)
Some examples of graduate pursuits since 2007:
Research specialist in celestial studies, hydrometeorology, and meteorology
Academic advisor, West Oʻahu College
Program coordinator, STEM studies, U.H. Hilo
Business owner, North Shore Eco Tours
Hawaiian language instructor, U.H. Mānoa
Hawaiian language lecturer, U.H. Mānoa
Curriculum developer, Ka Papa Kaiapuni Hawaiʻi
Hawaiian language teacher, Punahou School
Environmental advisor, Mellon Foundation, Kōhala Center, Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation
Technical writer, Kamehameha Schools
The work you do as a student is as valuable as your post-graduate and career efforts:
A MA thesis provided material for curriculum produced with the Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation and Kamehameha Schools Keauhou-Kahalu‘u Education Group
Assistance provided to families from Kalaupapa, Moloka‘i in researching original letters written in Hawaiian and sent by their ancestors from Kalaupapa to Honolulu
Research adds to the revival and preservation of Hawaiian words associated with clothing, and their adornments and characteristics
Research on Ho‘olehua, Moloka‘i through textual, geographical, and other accounts, obtained through interviews with current and previous residents of the area
A film entitled He Mo‘olelo Paniolo and curriculum on terminology, materials, activities and traditions of the paniolo.
Groundbreaking research on historical weather references in Hawaiian source materials
Research on historical and contemporary presence of Hawaiian traditions within Christian practices in Hawai‘i: a seminal effort incorporating Hawaiian language resources into modern discourse about cultural integration, past and present.