Reconnecting with Hawaiian Culture
Hawai‘iloa, distant Hawai‘i, is a sacred name that connects us to our voyaging history, the knowledge, tenacity, and importance of our familial connections from antiquity. It is applicable to the aspirations of this cohort, or group—to pull in kamaʻāina who have voyaged near and far from home and bind them back into the fabric of our people, culture and history through this educational endeavor.
Hawai‘iloa, a fully online Hawaiian Studies program, will take you on a journey together as a cohort, and through the breadth of connections, give you multiple ways of understanding and connecting.
Program Description
Hawai‘iloa is an immersive, accelerated experience in ‘ike (knowledge) and ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language) leading to the Associate in Arts in Hawaiian Studies degree.
- Fully online AA degree
- 8-week online cohort; two classes taken at a time (four per semester) for five (5) semesters
- Two cohort pathway: Traditional (those with no previous coursework) and modified (those who already have a degree or credits)
- Transferable to a bachelor’s degree
- Limited seats available
Attend an Information Session
Join us for an information session to discover more about the Hawai‘iloa program and get your questions answered about:
- Course sequencing and mode of instruction
- Program length and approximate cost
- Windward Community College application process
- Online learning technology and student support services
No Events
If there are no information sessions scheduled, please email Hawaiʻiloa Counselor Māhiehie Garrett at brgarret@hawaii.edu to set up a one-on-one appointment.
Tuition
Native Hawaiians living in the continental U.S. and Hawai‘i residents both pay the same community college in-state resident tuition*. Total tuition for the Hawai‘iloa Hawaiian Studies AA degree is approximately $8,200** (resident and/or Native Hawaiian tuition).
*Non-residents may be allowed to pay resident tuition if they qualify for one of the UH Board of Regents tuition exemptions, which includes Native Hawaiians living on the continent with proof of ethnicity.
**Cost is based on current Windward CC tuition and fees
Tuition Assistance
Windward O‘ahu high school graduating seniors: FREE TUITION & JOBS! Get the first year of tuition paid (up to $3,144) through the Ho‘olei Scholarship when enrolling in classes at Windward Community College. On- and off-campus employment is also available for students.
Applicants may be eligible for financial aid via completion of a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Contact WCC’s financial aid office by phone 808-235-7449 or email wccfao@hawaii.edu. Other financial aid opportunities may become available during the program and will be disseminated as they are announced.
Please note: professional education related to your work may be eligible for a tax deduction –please check with your tax preparer.
Path of the Hawai‘iloa Voyage
Each semester is mapped out for you. The following is an example of the 8-week classes cohort.
Cohort Pathway
WCC reserves the right to make course and/or program adjustments as needed.