Nā ‘Ala ‘Ike Hawai‘i

Hawaiian Experience Pathways

Please direct all questions to your Exchange Coordinator

International Exchange Students

Todd Shumway - (808) 932-7489 - shumway@hawaii.edu

National Student Exchange Students

Holly Garriques (808) 932-7389 - htkchang@hawaii.edu

What is it?

Nā Ala ʻIke Hawaiʻi is a special program for UH Hilo exchange students that will immerse you in the unique culture and environment of Hawaiʻi, and guide you through an experience with the power to transform your cultural understanding and sense of place in the world. Through coursework, service and other activities, you will strengthen your respect for diversity, deepen your self-awareness and gain greater understanding of the indigenous culture of Hawaiʻi, while offering your own skills to the land and people of Hawaiʻi.

Make the most of your exchange: Immerse yourself in Hawaiʻi’s land, history, culture and language.

How the Program Works

Completing the Balanced Pathway, Ke Ala Waena, is simple, and requires the following steps:

1. Enroll in and complete at least 1 Core Course.
2. Participate in at least 2 Service Experiences.
3. Earn at least 15 total credits (ʻai ʻike) through completing courses, service experiences and other activities (see chart below).
4. Write and submit a 1-page reflection paper.

Completing Additional Pathways

To complete one of the four focused Pathways, at least 7 of the 15 ʻai ʻike must be earned in the chosen area: ʻĀina, Moʻolelo, Moʻomeheu, ʻŌlelo.

Below, you will find a list of the courses and activities that earn ʻai ʻike. Each circle equals one ʻai ʻike (credit) for the corresponding focus area, indicated by color as follows:

**ʻĀina ** (Environment) []

Moʻolelo (History) []

Moʻomeheu (Culture) []

ʻŌlelo (Language) [

Please Note: Other events may qualify for ʻai ʻike. Contact your Exchange Coordinator to learn more.

The Complete Pathway

For students on a full-year exchange, seeking an intensive immersion experience, the Ke Ala Piha Pathway is available, and requires completion of all four focus areas. If you are interested in this pathway, please contact your Exchange Coordinator immediately to begin planning.

Ke Ala Piha (The Complete Pathway)

Ke Ala Piha is an rigorous Pathway requiring completion of each of the four focus areas and providing significant exposure to the land, history, culture and language of Hawaiʻi. Ke Ala Piha is a year-long Pathway, and therefore 2 core courses, 4 service experiences, and 30 ʻai ʻike are required.

Five Pathways

Ke Ala Waena This is the most basic Pathway, introducing you to the land, history, culture and language in a balanced way. In addition to the required service experiences, you will experience Hawaiian chant, dance, and song, as well as basic knowledge about the history of the people and land of Hawaiʻi.

Available Courses

Please Note: Other events may qualify for ʻai ʻike. Contact your Exchange Coordinator to learn more.

Reminder:

1. Enroll in and complete at least 1 Core Course.
2. At least 7 dots of a single color to get corresponding Pathway.
3. Participate in at least 2 Service Experiences.
4. Earn at least 15 total credits (ʻai ʻike) through completing courses, service experiences and other activities (see chart below)
5. Write and submit a 1-page reflection paper.

Core Courses (1 Course Minimum)

Additional Courses

Service Experiences

Break Thru Adventures Week-long Spring Break Service Trip

Spring semester only

Other Activities