Our Vision

The Honors Program at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is at the forefront of the university’s pursuit of academic excellence, transformative education, and civic engagement, helping undergraduates craft meaningful college learning experiences that connect to their local and global communities and draw on the unique resources and cultures of Hawai‘i, Asia and the Pacific.

Our Mission 

The mission of the Honors Program is to provide a supportive, enriching and challenging environment for students who are among the most motivated and talented at the University. Our program creates a community of scholars who value intellectual curiosity, risks, and challenges; who seek deep knowledge and rigorous inquiry in their own disciplines as well as understand the interdependence of different branches of knowledge; and value the philosophy and habits of life-long learning, intellectual curiosity, continuous growth and reflection. We encourage our students to be engaged in their communities, and be active in civic participation and stewardship with attention to local and regional issues and problems.

The Honors Program offers a thoughtful and engaging curriculum and pedagogy emphasizing experiential learning, research and creative work, and active mentorship of independent student projects. The program offers individualized academic advising and small classes dedicated to Honors students, and fosters an Honors experience and community that enrich our students’ scholarly endeavors.

Our core values

  • Interdisciplinary learning: Integrating and embracing knowledge and new ways of thinking from two or more fields of study to find solutions, consider concepts, and share experiences in innovative and transformative ways
  • Critical thinking: Using appropriate evidence and approaches to support analysis and evaluation of an issue, participate in debate, and offer solutions
  • Communication: Sharing of ideas and perspectives to connect people and generate dialogue
  • Engagement: Commitment to educating the whole student while incorporating place-based learning and its contributions inside and outside of the classroom