Holokai Curriculum

Set Sail on Your Holokai Adventure

In ancient times, great Polynesian seafarers navigated the vast Pacific in search of new lands to call home. They called these journeys “Holokai” — holo meaning to go, move or travel, and kai meaning ocean.

As a newly inducted Seasider, you begin your own academic voyage here. Rough seas may lie ahead, but the Holokai system helps you chart a course and turn your goals into reality.

The Holokai system acts as a map to guide your academic journey at BYU–Hawaii. It includes four parts: one major, two minors, and the core, which consists of religion, English and math.

Charting Your Academic Journey

All students share some central academic experiences, such as Religious Education courses and a core of math and English. But in addition to that, each student puts together a unique combination of programs that will include something in each of the following categories: Arts & Humanities, Math & Sciences, and Professional Studies. The shared compass for each student’s voyage is the BYU–Hawaii outcomes: that students develop both breadth and depth of knowledge and the thinking skills and character of a servant-leader, the ability to inquire, analyze, and communicate and to act with integrity, stewardship, and service, to prepare them to serve in a world community as productive, responsible citizens and as faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Three Categories

Arts & Humanities

In the Arts and Humanities category, we aim to help students understand and connect with others through art and literature. This helps students explore different forms of art and humanities through historical, linguistic, or cultural inquiry, while also allowing them to actively participate in visual and performing arts.

Math & Sciences

In the mathematics and science category, we offer courses for those who wish to elevate their analytical skills to a higher level, covering everything from understanding pure and applied mathematics to research in scientific and technological fields. Whether you want to define scientific thinking through quantitative, evidence-based reasoning or develop complex computer algorithms, you will gain greater knowledge about the universe and our place within it.

Professional Studies

This professional studies category is designed for individuals working in the political and business fields. If you are interested in running a business or participating in negotiations in global political affairs, this category will prepare you to actively engage in social and civic matters while learning how to help organizations and individuals succeed. Students will actively participate in social and civic affairs and learn how to help organizations and individuals succeed.

Breadth and Depth of Education

All majors, minors, and certificates are grouped into three areas reflecting different ways of knowing (epistemologies). All students must complete their major in one area and a minor/certificate in each of the other two areas. Programs offered by the same department in different categories may be taken, but the second program from the same department will not count toward completing the graduation requirements. To complete graduation requirements, students must complete one program in different departments in each of the three areas: Arts & Humanities, Math & Sciences, and Professional Studies.