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Graduate Degrees

M.A. in Hawaiian Language
33 upper division & graduate credits

The graduate program in Hawaiian is designed to provide broad, in-depth education in the Hawaiian language, culture, and literature and is an integral part of efforts to revitalize Hawaiian as a living language. The program is designed to create scholarship in Hawaiian in new domains, including advanced study of literature, curriculum development and resources and teacher training for Kula Kaiapuni (the Hawaiian medium schools); and to provide support to graduate students in related fields. The MA in Hawaiian is intended for students who have a broad background in Hawaiian language and culture, but want more depth in their knowledge. The three areas of the curriculum that are available are:

  • Moʻolelo: Focus on Hawaiian history and literature through the analysis, critique, creation, and presentation of Hawaiian language resources
  • Kumu Kula Kaiapuni: Focus on the educational, linguistic, and cultural tools that teachers need to perform better in Hawaiian medium schools
  • Kālai ʻōlelo: Focus on the linguistic analysis of Hawaiian

    • M.A. in Hawaiian Studies

    Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies (HWST) recognizes its kuleana to nurture and educate community leaders, teachers, and scholars who will lead Hawai‘i into the future. Kamakakuokalani offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees that reflect the breadth and interdisciplinary nature of Hawaiian knowledge. In the past, our BA graduates have gone on to earn advanced degrees in anthropology, art, botany, business, communications, counseling, education, engineering, English, geography, law, linguistics, medicine, music, ocean science, Pacific Islands studies, political science, psychology, social work, theater, and urban and regional planning.

    In Fall 2005, we inaugurated our master of arts program, allowing students to pursue their interests while deepening their scholarly abilities. The master of arts degree builds on the BA program concentrations. It addresses crucial issues such as sustainable economic development, training students in land and resource management that is consistent with the geography and history of Hawai‘i, indigenous pedagogy and epistemology, and creating the political, economic, and governmental infrastructure for a Hawaiian nation. The MA also provides professionals in government, law, criminal justice, education, social work, and various health fields, the specialized knowledge in Hawaiian history and culture needed to adequately serve the community.

    Our BA and MA programs consist of five areas of concentration:

    1. Halau o Laka: Native Hawaiian Visual Culture
    2. Kukulu Aupuni: Envisioning the Nation
    3. Kumu Kahiki: Comparative Polynesian and Indigenous Studies
    4. Malama ‘Aina: Hawaiian Perspectives on Resource Management
    5. Mo‘olelo ‘Oiwi: Native History and Literature

    To download a handout of the M.A. Requirements, please click on the thumbnail below.

    Hawaiian Studies MA Program


    Download Hawaiian Studies MA Requirements