
JAN 403 (3-CU)
Beyond the Postcard: Engaging Indigenous Hawai’i
On-campus dates: Monday, Jan. 5 - Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026
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: TBD
Prerequisites: Attend at least 1 information session & receive instructor permission
Often referred to as the “paradise of the Pacific,” Hawai’i is best known to most outsiders as a travel destination associated with sunshine, beaches, leisure, and locals who are happy to welcome visitors with aloha. In this course, students will venture “beyond the postcard” to better understand the complex cultural history of these islands, particularly as it was experienced by its indigenous inhabitants, or the kanaka maoli. Students will learn the history of Hawaiian culture before European contact, including the nature of their economic, political, and religious practices, how life in the islands changed after Captain Cook arrived in 1778, and the subsequent developments that transformed it into the cosmopolitan, multicultural state it is today.
We will visit local museums, historical and archaeological sites, experience cultural performances of music and dance, try traditional Hawaiian foods, visit those famous beaches, and engage in exciting service-learning opportunities on the island of O’ahu. We will work side-by-side with indigenous community members helping with projects of importance to the 첹’aԲ, or local, community, such as repairing ancient fishponds and revitalizing traditional taro patches, and in the process hear directly from them about their life experiences and visions for the future.
Students will be in residence at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, where they will engage with students and faculty members at this world-renowned research institution. There will be some free-time for island exploration via the excellent public bus system.
Week 1
- Monday, Jan. 5: On campus
Class topics: Polynesian colonization, Pre-contact overview - Tuesday, Jan. 6: On campus
Test #1
Class topic: Contact w/ Cook - Wednesday, Jan. 7: Depart from OAK, Arrive in HNL
- Thursday, Jan. 8: Honolulu
Welcome tour - Saturday, Jan. 10: Honolulu
Field trip #1 - Sunday, Jan. 11: Honolulu
Movie night: “Blue Hawaii”
Week 2
- Monday, Jan. 12: Honolulu
Field Trip #2 - Tuesday, Jan. 13: Honolulu
Field trip #3 - Wednesday, Jan. 14: Honolulu
Field trip #4 - Thursday, Jan. 15: Honolulu
Cultural activity - Friday, Jan. 16: Honolulu
Field trip #4 PCC - Sunday, Jan. 18: Honolulu
Movie night: “Michenor’s Hawaii”
Week 3
- Monday, Jan. 19: Honolulu
Cultural activity
Test #2 - Wednesday, Jan. 21: Honolulu
Field trip #5 - Thursday, Jan. 22: Honolulu
Farewell Dinner
Final Presentations - Friday, Jan. 23: Depart from HNL, Arrive at OAK
Course Fee: TBD
Learn about the Jan Term Travel Scholarship for additional funding.
This fee includes:
Airfare, Local Transportation, Lodging, Meals, Excursions (e.g., museums, tours, etc.), Gratuity, Miscellaneous
Estimated cost outside of course fee:
Students will only need whatever pocket money they choose to bring: $0-$200. They will also need to purchase books for the course (about $60).

General Travel Requirements
- Attend at least 1 Health & Safety Orientation (October)
- Submit a valid passport or state-issued ID (November)
- Apply or renew no later than September for on-time delivery
- Submit completed & signed health forms
Note: 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.
Questions? Contact us
Jan Term Email: janterm@stmarys-ca.edu
Jan Term Director: Claire Williams
Email: cmw9@stmarys-ca.edu
Jan Term Office: South Arcade/Korth Tower Breezeway