JAN 403-01 - Beyond the Postcard: Engaging Indigenous Hawai’i

Travel dates: Wednesday, Jan. 7 - Friday, Jan. 23, 2026

Instructors: Ynez Wilson Hirst, yhirst@stmarys-ca.edu; Cynthia Van Gilder, cvangild@stmarys-ca.edu

Course Fee: $3,950

Learn about the Jan Term Travel Scholarship for additional funding.

This fee includes: Airfare, Local Transportation, Lodging, Meals, Excursions (e.g., museums, tours, etc.), Guest Speakers, Gratuity, Miscellaneous

Estimated cost outside of course fee:

Students will be responsible for 3-5 meals ($100), laundry-if needed ($10), course readings ($60), and any personal incidentals ($0-$200). 

WEEK 1

    Monday, Jan. 5: On campus - SMC

    Class topics: Polynesian colonization, Pre-contact overview

    Readings: Kumulipo; Mālama I Nā Ahupuaʻa (MINA) readings from Dr. Hasager

    Tuesday, Jan. 6: On campus - SMC

    Class topics: Contact with Captain Cook; Introduction to current issues

    Readings: TBD

    Wednesday, Jan. 7: Depart from SFO, Arrive in HNL

    Everyone is responsible for their own transportation to SFO.

    Thursday, Jan. 8: Honolulu (On campus - UH)

    Orientation

    Readings: TBD

    Friday, Jan. 9: Honolulu (On campus - UH)

    Class Day

    Readings: TBD

    Saturday, Jan. 10: Kailua 

    Field Trip/Community Engagement: Ulupō Heiau

    Sunday, Jan. 11: Honolulu

    Free Day

    Optional: Hike Diamond Head

WEEK 2

    Monday, Jan. 12: Honolulu

    Field Trip: Mauna ‘Ala and ‘Iolani Palace

    Readings: TBD

    Tuesday, Jan. 13: Honolulu

    Field Trip/Community Engagement: Fish Pond (He’eia)

    Readings: TBD

    Wednesday, Jan. 14: Honolulu

    Field Trip: Walking tour of ‘Old Honolulu’

    The Return of Kapaemahu

     Readings: TBD

 Thursday, Jan. 15: Honolulu (On campus - UH)

    Class Day

    Readings: TBD

    Friday, Jan. 16: Honolulu

    Field Trip: Bishop Museum, Walking tour of Chinatown

    Readings: TBD

    Saturday, Jan. 17: Honolulu

    Class Topic: Onipa’a

    Field Trip/Community Engagement: Genki Balls

    Onipa’a Remembrance Activity

    Readings: TBD

    Sunday, Jan. 18: Honolulu

    Free Day

WEEK 3

    Monday, Jan. 19: Waipahu

    Field Trip: Hawai’i Plantation Village

    Dinner: Aunty Di and Uncle Mike’s

    Readings: TBD

    Tuesday, Jan. 20: Honolulu

    Field Trip/Community Engagement:  Lo’i at UH

    Readings: TBD

    Wednesday, Jan. 21: Honolulu

    Field Trip/Community Engagement: TBD

    Readings: TBD

    Thursday, Jan. 22: Honolulu (On campus - UH)

    Class Day (Final day on island)

    Final Presentations

    Farewell Dinner at TBD

    Friday, Jan. 23: Depart from HNL, Arrive at SFO

    Everyone is responsible for their own transportation home from SFO.

 

Prerequisites & Notes
Attend at least 1 information session & receive instructor permission.

General Travel Requirements

• Attend at least 1 Health & Safety Orientation (October)

• Submit a valid passport (November)

  • Apply or renew no later than September for on-time delivery

• Submit completed & signed health forms + proof of vaccination(s) (November)

Notes:

• Failure to complete one or more of the above requirements will result in an immediate drop from the course. Once registered, all course fees are non-refundable.
• First-year students are eligible to travel with this class, as it is a domestic destination.

Please check the Jan Term Travel website for information session, registration, and deposit information. 

Course site

Registration

Jan Term Scholarship

Travel Health

FAQs

Credits: 3