The History Department’s faculty members each cover a discipline-based specialty including: East Asia, Europe, Hawaiʻi, the Pacific, US, and World history. In addition, faculty work one-on-one with students in research and senior capstone courses. History students have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research and participate in history specific internships and service-learning projects. History Department courses eschew the simplistic and dry memorization of names and dates, instead focusing on making meaningful connections between historical events, themes, and actors that impacted both the past as well as continue to influence the present. History courses are known for their academic rigor, analytical reasoning, impassioned discussions, and focus on the development of written and oral communication skills. The History Department currently offers a minor and a certificate in Public History, as well as B.A. in History.

A group of students on a field trip to Molokai

Our Degrees and Campus

Undergraduate

The History Department at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo provides students with an understanding of the past and its application to the present. The curriculum leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts in History is designed to develop broad historical knowledge, global understanding, and important skills in data analysis and communication crucial in many professional fields.

Learn more about the History Department.

The University

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is characterized as a comprehensive, diverse, regional university. Scholarship and research are an important part of faculty work and student engagement, but the primary focus is on providing high-quality baccalaureate and postgraduate education.

Student Experiences in Our Programs

Students learn in and out of the classroom, on and off campus, as well as through applied learning experiences and career placement.

Our Faculty and Staff

We are your academic ʻohana. We teach the vast majority of courses, using best practices from education research.

Michael J. Bitter
Michael J. Bitter
Dean, College of Arts & Sciences; Professor of History
Kerri A. Inglis
Kerri A. Inglis
Professor, History
Line-Noue Kruse
Line-Noue Kruse
Assistant Professor of Pacific History
Yucheng Qin
Yucheng Qin
Professor, History

Tutoring Available

The History Department offers free tutoring for any student currently enrolled in a History course. The tutor is able to help with;

  • Brainstorming ideas for papers and presentations
  • Organizing outlines and papers
  • Draft revisions
  • Formulating historical arguments
  • "Demystifying" the way historians talk about history

Contact Us!

Please contact us for more information, a site visit, or a Zoom meeting.