Hawaiian Studies

Identifies endemic, indigenous, and Polynesian introduced flora of Hawai‘i. Examines the many uses of Hawai‘i’s flora by the indigenous people. Reveals the relationship of gods/plants/man, and connects belief and practices with the intentional migration of specific plants. Meets Social Science requirement, not Natural Science requirement.

Focuses on the history and development of traditional and acculturated vocal and instrumental Hawaiian music. Discusses Hawaiian dance genres related to the music. Examines Hawaiian music and dance as an organization of sound and movement and as a product of culture and people. Uses sound recordings, video presentations, and live performances of the various music genres discussed.

Develops correct pronunciation and usage of basic Hawaiian language and phrases.

Provides an orientation to traditional and contemporary Hawaiian practices and values.

Explains important historical events of Maui and Hawai‘i and identifies their unique flora and fauna, physical features, and scenes.

Introduces the unique aspects of Hawai‘i and Hawaiian culture in relation to the larger Pacific, including geography, origins, language, religion, land, art, and history.

Examines culture of Hawaiian people as expressed in home and family. Provides understanding of the family as the basis of larger Hawaiian society. Compares and contrasts both ancient and modern aspects of the Hawaiian family. Uses Hawaiian terminology.

Studies foundational hula and chant from pre-contact, post-contact, Monarchy era and contemporary Hawai’i. Students will be introduced to hula instruments, costuming and adornments, the kuahu hula and beginning choreography.

Studies contemporary Hawaiian dance from post-contact, Monarchy era and contemporary Hawaiʻi. Students will be introduced to hula instruments, costume and adornments appropriate to hula ʻauana and beginning choreography.

Teaches Hawaiian songs as a means of strengthening knowledge of language, poetry, and culture. Conducted primarily in Hawaiian. (May be repeated for credit if subletters are different.)

Examines the ahupua‘a system: its mythologies, place names, history, poetry, and early documents of the Hawaiian nation as it was conceptualized by the ancient Hawaiians. Explores the relevance of the ahupua‘a system in modern society.

Surveys and identifies Hawaiian fishes, birds, and other creatures, and their place in Hawaiian culture. Explores traditional methods of capture, practical uses, and conservation techniques. Uses Hawaiian terminology.

Examines Hawaiian cultural fiber arts. Develops advanced fiber arts projects of Hawaiian cultural significance or ceremonial use. Practices proper protocols used in the procurement of materials needed to complete various fiber arts projects. Explores related protocol and methods for gathering, Native Hawaiian gathering rights, and the type of environments in which specific materials grow and can be gathered. (May be repeated for unlimited credit.)

Explores Native Hawaiian culture from traditional times to present. Examines values, social relationships, religion, traditional practices and arts.

Identifies and analyzes Maui chiefly genealogies, related histories, and wahi pana or significant places.

Examines the sacred Hawaiian places of Maui, including accounts of mythical heroes, heiau, fishponds, wind and rain names, and their metaphoric value to ancient and modern Hawaiian culture. Uses Hawaiian terminology.

Surveys the gods, ‘aumākua, kūpua, mythical heroes, heroines, and their kinolau as the basis of traditional Hawaiian metaphor.

Develops and expands students’ consciousness towards Kaho‘olawe and the practice of Aloha ‘Āina. Employs a native Hawaiian worldview in studying the cultural history of Kaho‘olawe. Provides hands-on opportunities to practice Aloha ‘Āina. Empowers students to become stewards and participate in the protection, restoration, and revitalization of Hawai‘i Nei. Requires access and volunteer work on Kaho‘olawe.

Analyzes the Kumulipo, a Hawaiian creation song that encompasses the creation of the universe, earth, plants, animals, and humans. Identifies and analyzes Hawaiian histories, concepts, philosophies, and genealogies.

Introduces contemporary, domestic and international Hawaiian issues within historical, social, cultural and political contexts. Engages students in research, question, critique, and development of their own critical analysis and commentary on diverse issues.