About the Program

Empowering Change Through Indigenous Wisdom

Program Details

Princeton Pono Pathways is a comprehensive summer program that combines internships, volunteer service, and cultural learning to create transformative experiences for Princeton students.

Program Structure

11-week summer immersion in Hawaiʻi
32-hour weekly internships with community organizations
Hands-on volunteer work and environmental stewardship
Cultural field trips and expert-led learning sessions
Spring preparation and fall reflection phases

Learning Outcomes

Deep understanding of Hawaiian culture and Indigenous justice
Practical skills in community organizing and advocacy
Environmental stewardship and land-based learning
Leadership development and cultural competency
Lasting relationships with Native Hawaiian communities

Genesis

How Princeton Pono Pathways began and the vision that drives our work.

Princeton Pono Pathways emerged from student recognition of the limited opportunities for Indigenous Studies education at Princeton and a desire to create meaningful engagement with Native Hawaiian communities. Founded by Princeton students who understood that Indigenous knowledge serves not only Indigenous Peoples but the world at large, offering essential perspectives on justice, sustainability, and resilience.

While this is a non-Native-led initiative, the program is grounded in a deep commitment to cultural respect and humility. We aim to follow the leadership of Native Hawaiian partners and support the priorities they identify. Through internships, volunteer service, and expert-led learning, the program enriches students' academic and personal growth while ensuring that their summers are spent in meaningful, respectful, and community-aligned ways.

Program Vision

"To create bridges between academic learning and community wisdom, fostering deeper understanding of Indigenous justice and sustainable practices."

Mission

"Princeton Pono Pathways seeks to expand the limited opportunities for Indigenous Studies education at Princeton by immersing students in community-guided work aligned with Native Hawaiian values and knowledge. We believe that Indigenous knowledge serves not only Indigenous Peoples but the world at large, offering essential perspectives on justice, sustainability, and resilience."

Values & Principles

Our work is guided by Hawaiian values that emphasize righteousness, love, responsibility, and connection to the land.

Pono

Righteousness, Balance

Acting with integrity, balance, and justice in all our relationships and work

Aloha

Love, Compassion

Approaching relationships with love, compassion, and mutual respect

ʻĀina

Land, That Which Feeds

Honoring the land and its people through environmental stewardship and cultural preservation

Kuleana

Responsibility, Privilege

Taking responsibility for our actions and their impacts on the community

Cultural Wisdom

Hawaiian proverbs and teachings that guide our approach to learning and community engagement.

"Education begins with listening."

— Edith Kanakaʻole

Hawaiian educator and cultural practitioner

"Hoʻolohe ka pepeiao, a ʻike ka naʻau."

Listen with the ears, and understand with the heart.

— Hawaiian Proverb

Traditional wisdom

"The land is the chief, man is its servant."

— Hawaiian Proverb

Expressing the relationship between people and ʻāina

Main Contributors

The people and organizations who make Princeton Pono Pathways possible.

Kale Kanaeholo

Cultural Advisor & Community Leader

Guiding our understanding of Hawaiian culture and community protocols

Program Directors

Student Leadership Team

Princeton students leading program development and community partnerships

Community Partners

Native Hawaiian Organizations

Local organizations providing internships, guidance, and cultural education

What Students Say

Hear from Princeton students about their transformative experiences in the program.

"This program fundamentally changed my understanding of justice, community, and my role as a student. Working alongside Native Hawaiian organizations taught me the importance of listening, learning, and supporting community-led initiatives."

— Program Participant

Ready to Learn More?

Explore our program calendar, meet our partners, or start your application to join us in this transformative experience.