Hawaiian Language and Literature: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program engage in a rigorous exploration of the Hawaiian language, its historical evolution, and its living use across diverse cultural and professional contexts. The curriculum emphasizes linguistic precision, cultural authenticity, and practical application, preparing learners to contribute meaningfully to language revitalization and cross-disciplinary communication.
- Philology: Advanced study of the origins, historical development, and structural evolution of the Hawaiian language, including its roots in Polynesian linguistic traditions and written records.
- Dialects: In-depth analysis of regional variations within Hawaiian speech, including traditional and contemporary forms, with attention to pronunciation, vocabulary, and usage across different communities.
- Business Applications: Training in using Hawaiian language and cultural knowledge in professional environments such as tourism, education, and public service, enhancing cross-cultural engagement and institutional inclusivity.
- Science and Technology Integration: Development of terminology and communication frameworks for applying Hawaiian language in scientific, technical, and digital contexts, supporting innovation grounded in indigenous knowledge systems.
- Interdisciplinary Contexts: Exploration of how Hawaiian language functions in academic research, environmental stewardship, media, and policy-making, reinforcing its relevance in modern societal structures.
Hawaiian Language and Literature Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Hawaiian Language and Literature Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Hawaiian Language and Literature degrees, including Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education and Interpreters and Translators. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,147,070 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1124 | $77,010 | $47,090 - $134,960 | 21,170 | N/A |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 25-2031 | $64,580 | $47,330 - $104,670 | 1,072,540 | N/A |
| Interpreters and Translators 27-3091 | $59,440 | $35,630 - $99,830 | 53,360 | $28.58 |
Hawaiian Language and Literature Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,357 in Mississippi to $92,850 in California—a 92% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,147,070 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Hawaiian Language and Literature by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Hawaiian Language and Literature programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Hawaiian Language and Literature is found at University of Hawaii (UHM), Manoa (20 graduates), and University of Hawaii (UHH), Hilo (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 21 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Hawaii (UHM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
20 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | manoa.hawaii.edu |
| University of Hawaii (UHH) |
Master's
|
1 | Hilo, Hawaii | Public | hilo.hawaii.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Hawaiian Language and Literature programs
How much can I earn with a Hawaiian Language and Literature degree?
Salaries for Hawaiian Language and Literature graduates vary by role and location. Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $77,010 annually, while Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education earn around $64,580. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $92,850 compared to $48,357 in Mississippi. Approximately 1,147,070 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Hawaiian Language and Literature programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Hawaiian Language and Literature degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Hawaii (UHM), Manoa (20 graduates), University of Hawaii (UHH), Hilo (1 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Hawaiian Language and Literature degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, and Interpreters and Translators. Related occupations employ approximately 1,147,070 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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