Exploring Indigenous Education and Cultural Heritage in Hawai'i

Hawai'i is a unique place, with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant educational system. As part of the Pacific travel movement, Hawai'i has become a hub for indigenous education and the transmission of cultural heritage. In this blog series, we will delve into the three commonalities of experiential, intergenerational, and holistic and personal learning in Hawai'i's itinerant educational contexts. Public health education is an essential component of any educational system, and Hawai'i is no exception.

As public health education expands to include undergraduate students, it is important to discuss local public health issues and topics to give the educational experience a sense of belonging. Through this blog series, we will explore the various research projects and studies that are being conducted in Hawai'i related to indigenous education and cultural heritage.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is an integral part of any educational system, and Hawai'i is no exception. Experiential learning involves learning through direct experience, such as field trips, internships, or service-learning projects. Through experiential learning, students can gain a deeper understanding of the topics they are studying by engaging with them in a hands-on way.

In Hawai'i, experiential learning can take many forms, from visiting local museums to participating in traditional Hawaiian activities.

Intergenerational Learning

Intergenerational learning is another important aspect of indigenous education in Hawai'i. Intergenerational learning involves passing knowledge from one generation to the next through storytelling, mentorship, or other forms of communication. In Hawai'i, intergenerational learning often takes the form of traditional Hawaiian storytelling or hula performances. Through intergenerational learning, students can gain a deeper understanding of their culture and history.

Holistic and Personal Learning

Holistic and personal learning is another important aspect of indigenous education in Hawai'i.

Holistic and personal learning involves connecting with one's culture and identity through activities such as art, music, or dance. In Hawai'i, holistic and personal learning often takes the form of traditional Hawaiian arts such as hula or lauhala weaving. Through holistic and personal learning, students can gain a deeper understanding of their culture and identity. These are just some of the research projects and studies that are being conducted in Hawai'i related to indigenous education and cultural heritage. Through this blog series, we will explore these topics in greater detail to gain a better understanding of how indigenous education is being used to transmit cultural heritage in Hawai'i.