2025-2026 UH Mānoa Catalog
Department of Pacific Islands Studies
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 Return to: College of Arts, Languages & Letters
College of Arts, Languages & Letters
Moore 209
1890 East-West Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7700
Fax: (808) 956-7053
Email: dpis@hawaii.edu
Web: www.hawaii.edu/cpis/
Faculty
*A. Mawyer, PhD (Acting Chair)—anthropology
*L. Bautista, PhD—sociology
*T. Kabutaulaka, PhD—political science
*T. Tabe, PhD—social anthropology
*R. Vave, PhD—marine biology
*J. Walsh, PhD—anthropology
Regular Graduate Faculty
*F. Pfalzgraf, PhD—geography
Affiliate Faculty
J. Bayman, PhD—anthropology
*W. Chapman, PhD—American studies
S. Dawrs, MA—Pacific specialist librarian
J. Foukona, PhD—law, history
J. Genz, PhD (UH Hilo)—anthropology
A. Golub, PhD—anthropology
*N. Goodyear-Kaopua, PhD—political science
J. Hamilton Faris, PhD—art and art history
U. Hasager, PhD—anthropology
M. Hattori, EdD (EWC)—education
*V. Hereniko, PhD—cinema and media studies
K. Hoʻomanawanui, PhD—English
*N. Kahanu—museum studies
*L. Kameʻeleihiwa, PhD—Hawaiian studies
E. Kleiber, MLIS, MAS—Pacific specialist librarian
*M. LaBriola, PhD—history
*R. Longman, PhD (EWC)—geography
*M. Maaka, PhD—education
*J. Mayer, PhD—Samoan language
*B. McDougall, PhD—American studies
K. Oliveira, PhD—Hawaiian language
*J. Osorio, PhD—political science
C. Perez, MFA—English
*J. Perillo, PhD—dance, performance theory
*B. Rolett, PhD—anthropology
J. Rosa, PhD—history
*A. Sala, PhD (EWC)—ethnomusicology
*N. Silva, PhD—political science
*N. Solomon—Hawaiian language
*T. Tengan, PhD—ethnic studies, anthropology
*J. Viernes, PhD (EWC)—history
Emeritus Faculty
D. Hanlon, PhD—history
D. Waite, PhD—art and art history
T. Wesley-Smith, PhD—political science
G. White, PhD—anthropology
* Graduate Faculty
The Academic Program
Pacific Islands Studies at UH Mānoa is an innovative, interdisciplinary program committed to the production and dissemination of a wide range of knowledge about Oceania. The program focuses on the island societies of this vast region, and the dynamic cultural, social, and political interactions that link them to each other as well as to the rest of the world. It seeks to understand the many worlds of Oceania through multiple conceptual lenses, drawn selectively from a range of academic disciplines and from the knowledge systems of the region itself. Pacific Islands studies promotes active, student centered approaches to learning and encourages creativity in research and representation of island issues.
With a core and affiliate faculty of about 35 members, and access to one of the finest collections of Pacific materials in the world, the Pacific Islands studies program offers interdisciplinary programs of study leading to the BA and MA in Pacific Islands studies and the Certificate in Pacific Islands studies.
Advising
Graduate students may see Alexander Mawyer or other designated faculty. Undergraduates majoring in Pacific Islands studies are advised by Julianne Walsh.
Undergraduate Study
Bachelor’s Degree
The undergraduate program in Pacific Islands studies is designed for students desiring an interdisciplinary education and an informed understanding of Oceania and issues of concern to Pacific Islanders.
Students seeking a BA in Pacific Islands studies must first complete PACS 108 with a minimum grade of C. Students must also meet all the requirements for admission established by the School of Pacific and Asian Studies.
Pacific Islands studies is normally declared as a major at the end of the sophomore year or beginning of the junior year though students may apply for admission to the program at any time. The formal declaration is made through the academic advisor.
Graduate Study
Master’s Degree
The MA in Pacific Islands studies is intended for students of the region wishing to transcend established disciplinary boundaries and explore innovative approaches to learning, research, and representation. It is the only program of its kind in the U.S. The MA program includes two options, thesis and MA portfolio. Students selecting the first option complete a scholarly research-based thesis on a Pacific-related topic. Normally this is the preferred option for those planning to enter a doctoral program in the humanities, social sciences, or interdisciplinary studies. Those opting for the MA portfolio demonstrate mastery of a specialty area within the field of Pacific Islands studies through an integrated program of activities including course work, research, and writing. Both options can include performance, multimedia, or creative writing components. Some recent graduates are pursuing doctoral or professional degrees in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Hawai’i, and the U.S. mainland; others are employed in a wide variety of fields, including education, social work, publishing, as well as library and museum work.
ProgramsBachelor’sMaster’sGraduate CertificateMinorCombined
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