University of Hawaii

What you'll study

The programme combines core business disciplines with hospitality‑specific practice. Teaching covers operational areas of the industry alongside management theory and applied skills.

• Foundations of Hospitality – industry structure, service standards, professional ethics and an introduction to lodging, foodservice and events.
• Lodging and Front Office Operations – reservation systems, front desk procedures, housekeeping management and guest services.
• Food & Beverage Management – restaurant operations, menu planning, cost control, kitchen and service management.
• Event and Conference Management – planning, logistics, vendor relations and on‑site coordination for meetings and special events.
• Marketing and Sales for Hospitality – brand positioning, digital marketing, revenue generation and distribution channels.
• Hospitality Finance and Revenue Management – budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting and pricing strategies specific to hotels and restaurants.
• Human Resource and Operations Management – staffing, labour relations, training, quality assurance and operational strategy.
• Law, Policy and Ethics in Tourism – regulatory frameworks, risk management and responsible tourism practices.
• Sustainable and Community‑based Tourism – environmental stewardship, cultural sensitivity, and partnerships with local communities, reflecting Hawaii’s unique context.
• Experiential Learning – internships, industry placements and applied projects with local hotels, resorts and visitor attractions; a capstone project or practicum integrates learning in a real‑world setting.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a secondary school qualification equivalent to a high school diploma and meet the University of Hawaii's general undergraduate admission standards. Typical additional criteria include:

• Demonstrated proficiency in English; international applicants usually submit an approved English language test score or equivalent evidence of proficiency.
• A personal statement outlining interest in hospitality, relevant work or volunteer experience and career goals.
• Evidence of academic preparation in areas such as mathematics and English is recommended; some programmes may consider grades, references or an interview.
• Previous part‑time or seasonal experience in hospitality or customer service is advantageous but not always required.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across the tourism and hospitality sector. Career paths commonly include:

• Hotel or resort management and operations (front office, rooms division, housekeeping).
• Food and beverage management, including restaurant and catering operations.
• Event and conference management, meeting planning and venue coordination.
• Revenue management, sales and marketing roles focused on hospitality and tourism.
• Human resources, training and customer experience management within service organisations.
• Tourism development, sustainable tourism planning and community engagement roles.
• Entrepreneurship in hospitality — opening small hotels, restaurants, tour companies or consultancy work.

Why study at University of Hawaii

Studying hospitality at the University of Hawaii gives you direct access to one of the world’s most tourism‑intensive regions and strong ties with local resorts, hotels and visitor attractions for internship and employment opportunities. The curriculum is shaped by Pacific and Indigenous perspectives on hospitality and sustainability, preparing graduates to work responsibly in culturally sensitive environments. Students benefit from industry‑facing faculty, practical training facilities and regional exchange options across the Asia‑Pacific, making the programme immediately relevant for employers in island and coastal tourism markets.