A new year is the perfect time to challenge yourself. Are you looking to learn a new language through a Hawaiian, Japanese, or Filipino language class? Perhaps you want to explore the outdoors through Hawaiian Ecosystems, or deepen your connection to the islands through Cultural Traditions.

Whether you want to express yourself through Piano, explore Music Therapy, or understand human development through Lifespan Psychology, we have a seat for you.

Flexible Formats: We offer both in-person and online courses designed to fit your busy schedule.

Ready to get started? Our classes fill up fast, so please join the interest list to tell us your preferences and save your spot!

These are non-credit enrollment option for a course that is also open to credit-seeking students.

Due to limited space, we occasionally need to prioritize enrollment for credit students. If the course reaches capacity and we are unable to reserve your seat, we’ll reach out to you immediately and ensure your full refund is processed promptly.

If you have any questions about these courses, please contact us at kccocet@hawaii.edu.

Introduction to Hawaiian Culture

This course is an introduction to Hawaiian cultural traditions, from ancient to modern times. It provides an overview of ancient concepts that still influence Hawaiian thinking today, including the intimate connection between human beings and nature, the importance of connection to a place and a genealogy, and the importance and definition of living by Hawaiian values.

January 14 – May 13 • Wednesdays • 9:15am – 12:00pm • Instructor: Palakiko Yagodich • Location: Kapi’olani Community College • Cost: $385.00

The first day of class will be held ONLINE. Check your email for instructions before the semester begins.

This is a Hybrid class. We will meet during scheduled class times in three ways: in the classroom, on field trips, or live online. Requirements: You must have reliable internet access and a computer to attend online sessions and check Lamaku (the online course portal).

Introduction to Japanese Language I – Beginner

This course introduces the basic foundations of the Japanese language that will enable students to acquire and develop skills in speaking, reading, writing, listening, and intercultural communicative competence. This course is designed for those who have no prior (or very limited) knowledge of the Japanese language. Students will gain a basic level of proficiency to communicate in basic everyday situations on a number of familiar topics and begin to distinguish similarities and differences in communication styles in Japanese and English.

January 12 – May 15 • Instructor: Satoru Shinagawa • Location: Completely Online • Cost: $500.00

This course is designed for non-native speakers of Japanese. Native speakers of Japanese are not eligible to enroll. This class section is an online asynchronous course; students are never required to meet with each other and the instructor at a specific time. This class does not include proctored exams. This class does not require fieldwork. Check your email account for class notifications. You must have regular access to a computer and a reliable Internet connection to take an online class.

This class section is focused on engaging students to use basic Japanese to communicate in a culturally appropriate manner in their daily lives, at school, at work, and in the community. Students will use authentic materials and tasks/projects to build interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in Japanese that can be used outside of class to communicate and share basic information about oneself and surroundings (where you come from) in Japanese.

Introduction to Piano I – Beginner

This course introduces concepts of learning how to play the piano, and is the first of a multi-course/multi-path sequence. Music reading, technique and basic principles of performance will be explored.

January 13 – May 14 • Tuesdays and Thursdays • 1:45 – 3:00pm • Instructor: Anne Lum • Location: Kapi’olani Community College, Olona 109 • Cost: $250.00

This class section is conducted on the Kapi’olani Community College campus at the times listed on the schedule.

Introduction to Human Development

This course examines the lifespan from conception to death emphasizing the interrelationships of biological, cognitive and psychosocial development in the context of a systems framework.

January 12 – May 15 • Instructor: Suyin Freiberg • Location: Completely Online • Cost: $385.00

Prerequisite(s): Qualification for ENG 100 or qualification for ESL 100 and qualification for MATH 82 or a higher level mathematics course. This class section is conducted online.

This class is fully ASYNCHRONOUS: students are never required to meet with each other and/or the instructor at a specific time. However, the class includes one or more OPTIONAL synchronous Zoom lectures on certain scheduled Monday mornings 9:15 am-10:30 am. This class does not include proctored exams. This class does not require field work. Check your email account regularly for class notifications. To take an online class, you need regular access to a desktop or laptop computer and a reliable Internet connection.

Introduction to Plants in the Hawaiian Environment Lab

This course focuses on observations of plant species, populations and communities as they interact with their environment through field survey methodologies and field trips. Students will become familiar with the taxonomy and ecology of native and introduced species.

January 16 – May 15 • Fridays • 2:00 – 4:45pm • Instructor: Mike Ross • Location: Kapiʻolani Community College • Cost: $125.00

This class section is conducted on the Kapi’olani CC campus at the times listed on the schedule. It is NOT an online class. Students are required to attend class at the times listed. This class does not require fieldwork. Regularly check your email account for class notifications.

This class section is a research intensive course. Research Intensive courses are enriched courses that employ the scientific method in a student-centered, inquiry-based research model, and provide opportunities for students to develop critical and independent thinking through experimentation.

Students may also be interested in taking the lecture course.

Want to keep up to date on the latest courses that are being offered? Subscribe to our e-newsletter below to receive the latest on our culinary course offerings.