Hawaiian / Second Language Requirement
Knowledge of a second language encourages deeper awareness of the structure of language and its relation to thought. It develops sensitivity to other ways of ordering personal experience and social institutions, provides a direct way of comparing another culture to one’s own, and provides insight into the workings of one’s native language.
In addition to improving written and oral communication and reasoning skills, proficiency in Hawaiian or a second language (HSL) is an integral part of the university’s mission to “prepare students to function effectively in a global society,” to “preserve and promulgate Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific language, history, and culture and [to] provide students an education experience with an international dimension” (The University of Hawai‘i Strategic Plan 1996-2001: “Goals,” sec. III, C: p. 5; “Action Strategies,” sec. V, 2; p. 9).
The Hawaiian or Second Language (HSL) requirement varies by UH Mānoa college or school.
Use this page to explore how the requirement applies to your college, school, or intended major, review possible pathways for meeting the requirement, and find additional resources related to language study, placement, and back credits.
HSL Requirement by College / School
Expand each college or school below to review how the Hawaiian or Second Language requirement applies.
✅ Required
Complete 202 level
⌄
Complete a four-semester sequence in a single language, usually 101, 102, 201, and 202.
❌ No HSL Requirement
Waived
⌄
Not required.
❌ No HSL Requirement
Waived
⌄
Not required.
✅ Required
Complete 202 level
⌄
Complete a four-semester sequence in a single language, usually 101, 102, 201, and 202.
✅ Required
Complete 202 level
⌄
Complete a four-semester sequence in a single language, usually 101, 102, 201, and 202.
⚠️ Modified
Required for some majors but not all / Multiple Pathways
⌄
The following CTAHR majors do not require Hawaiian or Second Language coursework:
- Animal Science
- Biological Engineering
- Dietetics
- Fashion Design and Merchandising
- Food Science and Human Nutrition
- Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology
- Four semesters of one language (202 equivalent)
- Three-semester sequence in one language, usually 101, 102, and 201, plus one approved culture course
- Two-semester sequence in one language, usually 101 and 102, plus two approved culture courses
- Show proficiency at the 202 level in a language
- Show proficiency at the 102 level in a language and take one additional social science course and one additional natural science course
- Take two additional social science courses and two additional natural science courses
Any four-course combination of language, TPSS, PEPS, or other approved related courses not used to satisfy requirements in the TAE major.
✅ Required
Complete HAW 202 level
⌄
Complete a four-semester sequence in Hawaiian language: HAW 101, 102, 201, and 202.
❌ No HSL Requirement
Waived
⌄
Not required.
⚠️ Modified
Required / Multiple Pathways
⌄
Complete two semesters in a single language or an approved culture course option.
View approved culture courses
❌ No HSL Requirement
Waived
⌄
Not required.
⚠️ Modified
Required / Multiple Pathways
⌄
View approved culture courses
❌ No HSL Requirement
Waived
⌄
Not required.
⚠️ Modified
Required / Multiple Pathways
⌄
- Four semesters of one language (202 equivalent)
- Two-semester sequence in a single language, usually 101 and 102, plus two approved culture courses
- Three-semester sequence in a single language, usually 101, 102, and 201, plus one approved culture course
- Four semesters of one language (202 equivalent)
- Four semesters of culture courses within a single culture group
- A mix of language and culture courses totaling four courses
- A study abroad experience in Fall, Spring, or Summer
View approved culture courses
✅ Required
Complete 202 level
⌄
Interdisciplinary Studies, including Linguistics, Sustainability, and Social Sciences of Oceans, requires completion of a four-semester sequence in a single language, usually 101, 102, 201, and 202.
Languages with a Four-Semester Sequence
UH Mānoa offers a wide range of languages that can be completed through a full four-semester sequence (typically 101–202), allowing students to fulfill the Hawaiian or Second Language (HSL) requirement.
Important: Some language courses are not offered every semester. Availability is noted in the course description section of the UH Mānoa Catalog.
Language Placement & Back Credit Opportunities
Students with previous experience in Hawaiian or another language are encouraged to take a placement exam before enrolling. A higher placement may help you start at the right course level and could also make you eligible to earn back credits.
Back Credits for Previous Language Experience
All students under the current General Education requirements with experience in a language other than English (including native speakers) may earn back credits.
Upon completion of this course, students will receive between 3 and 16 back credits if they earn a letter grade of C (not C-) or better.
The course must be the first Hawaiian or second language course taken since high school, and it must be taken for a letter grade, not Credit / No Credit.
Back credits may be earned for only one language. Other restrictions apply.
Eligibility & Process
- Placement determined by exam or advisor
- Course must include significant language use
- Applies to students with prior experience, including native speakers
Key Requirements
- Must be first language course since high school
- Must be taken for a letter grade
- Minimum grade of C (not C-)
- Only one language eligible for back credits
After completing your language course with a grade of C or higher, you must complete the petition form and submit it to the appropriate language department or office.
Back credits will only be awarded after the petition is submitted and approved.