Skip to main content
Faculty of Business & Government
Center for Hospitality & Tourism

HTM Student Programs

Extracurricular Programs Create Growth Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

As an important complement to hospitality and tourism management academics, the Center for Hospitality & Tourism offers several support programs to help students explore career opportunities, expand professional networks, and be recognized for high academic achievement. Stop by the Center for Hospitality & Tourism in HGB 218 for more details about these important programs:

'Imiloa Career Exploration Program

'Imiloa, the Hawaiian word for exploration, embodies the spirit of our program. Just as a voyaging wa‘a (canoe) navigates vast horizons, the highly competitive 'Imiloa trips guide our exceptional hospitality and tourism management students as they chart their unique career journeys. This distinguished Career Exploration Program features faculty-led travel to premier global industry hubs and events, offering immersive, real-world experiences that ignite passions and cultivate a robust foundation for future success. While these transformative opportunities are heavily subsidized by the HTM program, student contributions towards trip costs are expected due to their exceptional value and limited spaces.

Field Trips

Field trips offer dynamic and enriching learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom, right here on our island or within our beautiful state. Led by HTM faculty, these planned educational excursions immerse students in real-world hospitality and tourism settings, providing valuable practical experience. To participate in these exceptional learning experiences, students are expected to meet minimum program requirements and contribute to the cost of the trip. By visiting relevant sites, attending industry events, or participating in local research initiatives, students connect classroom concepts with practical applications and gain a deeper understanding of our diverse local context.

Research Trips

Research trips provide a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in hospitality and tourism management. These trips are undertaken either through employment as a Research Assistant to an HTM faculty member or enrollment in HTM 497R, a research course that is mentored by an HTM faculty member. Subject to university approval, these research projects may involve travel to domestic or international locations to collect vital data, present findings at academic conferences, or share insights with government or non-governmental organizations.

Impact Trips

Impact trips offer a distinct hands-on learning experience where students apply their hospitality and tourism management knowledge and skills to real-world projects. These immersive initiatives involve active participation in the development and implementation of HTM-related projects, often in collaboration with communities or organizations. For example, students might travel to develop and deliver training programs, establish sustainable tourism practices, or contribute to the creation of new tourism products or services. These trips provide invaluable practical experience and the opportunity to make a tangible impact.

Ambassador Trips

Ambassador trips offer a unique platform to showcase our students' talents and the caliber of our program on a broader stage. Selected students may have the honor of representing our university at high-profile industry conferences, events, or HTM-related projects and initiatives. These opportunities provide valuable networking experiences and the chance to engage with leaders and professionals in the global hospitality and tourism sector.