Ka‘ohekani
Online Hawaiian Music Academic Subject Certificate
Learning from the best in the business
Within a Hawaiian worldview, balance contributes to our joy and understanding of our kuleana. This one year music certificate offers a balanced approach to learning Hawaiian music. From beginner to professional, students will be able to share the joy of music within their ‘ohana and with others for generations to come.
Study mo‘olelo and Hawaiian composition with Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, slack key guitar and ‘ukulele with Kamuela Kimokeo, Hawaiian singing with Raiatea Helm, slack key guitar with Jeff Peterson, and the basics of how to run recording software with Kapena De Lima.
About the Cohort
This Hawaiian music cohort deepens participants’ understanding of Hawaiian music performance and history. Participants will learn from reputable industry professionals how to improve their performance skills, use music in various educational settings, and how music can be a tool to connect with our island home.
- Fully online Academic Subject Certificate in Hawaiian Music
- 8-week online cohort (together as a group)
- Immersive, accelerated experience
- Certificate also applies to the AA degree in liberal arts
Learn More through an Information Session
Discover more about Kaʻohekani and get your questions answered about:
- Course sequencing and mode of instruction
- Program length and approximate cost
- Windward Community College application process
- Registering for courses
- Online learning technology and how we support your journey
What does Ka‘ohekani mean?
Ka‘ohekani translates to “the sounding bamboo.” In Hawaiian society, many musical instruments were made from ‘ohe (bamboo). These instruments often symbolize beginning, commitment, spirit, and connection to land and culture. The ‘ohe is also a kino lau of Kāne and thus we connect this cohort to Kāne‘ohe and Windward Community College.
Tuition
Native Hawaiians living in the continental U.S. and Hawai‘i residents both pay the same community college in-state resident tuition*. Total cost for the Ka‘ohekani Hawaiian Music Certificate is approximately $3,144 (resident and/or Native Hawaiian tuition). For a breakdown of costs, see Tuition & Fees.
*Non-residents may be allowed to pay resident tuition if they qualify for one of the UH Board of Regents tuition exemptions.
Tuition Assistance
Tuition assistance is available to students enrolled in the Ka‘ohekani Hawaiian Music Program at Windward Community College. For more information, email kamuelam@hawaii.edu. Funding is limited.
Supporters include Alaka‘ia Foundation, The Hawai‘i Pacific Foundation, Henry Kapono Foundation, and Kanile‘a ‘Ukulele and Guitars.
Ka‘ohekani cohort courses
Each semester is mapped out for you here, where students will study together and move through the courses as a cohort.
| Semester | Course: Title |
|---|---|
| Fall Session I | HAW 101: Elementary Hawaiian I MUS 121Z: ‘Ukulele 1 |
| Fall Session II | MUS 211: Intro to Hawaiian Ensemble MUS 277: Mele, Mo‘olelo and Motion |
| Spring Session I | MUS 108: Music Fundamentals MUS 121H: Hawaiian Singing MUS 177: Intro to Hawaiian Music |
| Spring Session II | MUS 108: Music Fundamentals Continued MUS 121F: Slack Key Guitar 1 MUS 240 : Introduction to Digital Music |
For questions about the certificate, contact
Dr. Kamuela Kimokeo
Director of Music
808-236-9131
kamuelam@hawaii.edu
For questions about application and registration, contact
Māhiehie (Bernadette) Garret
Counselor
808-235-7325
brgarret@hawaii.edu
