MA Hawaiian Studies at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Programme overview

The MA in Hawaiian Studies is an interdisciplinary programme drawing on indigenous knowledge, addressing environmental sustainability, Indigenous pedagogy and epistemology and Hawaiian governance, and giving professionals in government, law, education, social work and health specialised knowledge of Hawaiian history and culture.

Faculty: Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies | Department: Hawaiian Studies | Duration: 33 credits plus prerequisites | Study mode: full-time | Location: Honolulu, HI, United States

What you will study

33 credits (18 at 600 level or higher): four core courses (Indigenous Research Methodologies, Hawaiian Archival Research, Review of Hawaiian Literature, Writing a Hawaiian Thesis), two areas of concentration chosen from five (visual culture, nation-building, comparative Polynesian studies, resource management, native history and literature), 6 thesis/practicum credits and 9 elective credits; B- or better required.

Career pathways

Serves professionals in government, law, criminal justice, education, social work and health fields.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants who are not UH Mānoa BA Hawaiian Studies graduates need 15 credits of prerequisites (HWST 107, 270, 341, 342 and one of HWST 343/390/490); HAW 302 or equivalent must be complete at entry and any other prerequisites within the first year. Demonstrated equivalency in HAW 402 required for the degree.

Domestic applicants: USD 10,400 a year (2026-27). Graduate tuition for 2026-27 based on a typical full-time load of 8 credits per semester (indicative budget figure from the cost of attendance page); excludes fees ($934), housing, food, books and other costs. Hawaii resident rate. Source

International applicants: USD 22,432 a year (2026-27). Graduate tuition for 2026-27 based on a typical full-time load of 8 credits per semester (indicative budget figure from the cost of attendance page); excludes fees ($934), housing, food, books and other costs. Non-resident rate. Source

Graduate applications are accepted for Summer, Fall and Spring terms; Graduate Division begins processing applications from August 1 for the following Fall and Summer semester and from April 1 for the following Spring semester.

All graduate application deadlines are set by the graduate programmes and vary by programme; some programmes set priority deadlines. Most Fall applicants hear a decision by late March/early April and Spring applicants by November/December. Application fees are non-refundable.

Apply through the official page: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities