Hospitality & Tourism

Hospitality & Tourism Education

Program Overview

The College offers a range of Hospitality and Tourism programs to the public. Degree and certificate programs prepare students for entry-level positions in Hawai‘i’s number one industry. The College’s transfer programs prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions. Also, the college demonstrates its commitment to life-long learning through a series of continuing education offerings aimed at working professionals and alumni through Interpret Hawai‘i.

Our Vision

To be the leader in the education and advancement of hospitality and tourism in Hawai‘i and internationally. To transform the lives of our students with contemporary content delivered with enthusiasm and engagement. To foster in our graduates, the appreciation to perpetuate the culture, place and people of the destination

Contact Information

Degree & Certificates

Advanced Professional Certificate – Hospitality Operations Management (18 credits)

The Advanced Professional Certificate in Hospitality Operations Management is an 18 credit advanced certificate of study that is designed to provide students with enhanced knowledge and skills beyond the current two-year Associate in Science degree and can lead to a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Hospitality Operations Management at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu (UHWO). The Advanced Professional Certificate in Hospitality Operations Management is designed for students and industry professionals who are committed to a professional career in the hospitality sector and wish to deepen their knowledge and credential their experience. Courses in the program are reflective of contemporary trends that are emerging in reaction to the evolving landscape of hospitality operations: new priorities to understand real estate, asset and revenue management; the rapid growth of timeshare/vacation ownership and; reshaped management and brand/franchise agreements creating new partnerships and alliances.

Associate in Science – Hospitality and Tourism with a specialization in Hospitality Operations Management (62-67 credits)

The Associate in Science in Hospitality and Tourism with a specialization in Hospitality Operations Management is designed to help students acquire both the knowledge and practical skills necessary to successfully qualify for work in various capacities in hotels and to transfer to a four-year program. It prepares students for employment in hotel and resort front office, concierge, reservations, housekeeping, sales, and uniformed services positions. The program also prepares students for transfer to a four-year travel industry management program.

Associate in Science – Hospitality and Tourism with a specialization in Travel and Tourism Operations Management (62-67 credits)

The Associate in Science in Hospitality and Tourism with a specialization in Travel and Tourism Operations Management prepares students for employment in a variety of positions available in the large scope of the travel and tourism industry and to transfer to four-year programs. Students entering the workforce will find opportunities in airline operations, ticketing and reservations, travel agencies, tourism planning and development, meeting and convention coordination, special events and tour itinerary planning. In addition to the specialized Travel and Tourism courses, this program combines general education classes along with a complete hospitality core to provide students with a comprehensive program of study.

Certificate of Achievement – Hospitality Operations Management(36-42 credits)

The Certificate of Achievement in Hospitality Operations Management provides a comprehensive overview of hotel and restaurant operations, application of customer service skills, development of appropriate math and communication skills, an introduction to computer applications, and an appreciation of Hawaiian history, culture and language are emphasized. This program will allow students to exit with the knowledge and job skills necessary to qualify for immediate employment in guest services positions in lodging or food and beverage, or to continue on to fulfill their Associate in Science degree requirements.

Certificate of Achievement – Travel and Tourism Operations Management (31-37 credits)

The Certificate of Achievement in Travel and Tourism Operations Management provides students with the knowledge and job skills necessary to qualify for immediate employment in a travel agency, tour company, or airline customer service position, or to continue on to fulfill their Associate in Science degree requirements.

Certificate of Competence – Hospitality Operations (13 credits)

The Certificate of Competence in Hospitality Operations is a one-semester program of study. Through this program, students will exit with the job skills necessary to qualify for entry-level positions in hotel housekeeping/laundry departments, food and beverage operations, and in front office and uniformed services departments. Development of housekeeping and front office technical skills, an understanding of food and beverage operations, as well as the development of guest relations techniques, service attitudes, and professionalism are stressed. The program is recommended for students who plan to seek immediate employment as hotel and/or restaurant reservationists, housekeepers, laundry workers, hotel front desk clerks, telephone operators, and uniformed services personnel.

Certificate of Competence – Travel and Tourism Operations (16 credits)

The Certificate of Competence in Travel and Tourism Operations provides students with the knowledge and job skills necessary to qualify for immediate employment in a travel agency, tour company, or airline customer service position, or to continue on to fulfill their Certificate of Achievement or Associate in Science degree requirements. An appreciation of Hawaiian history, culture and language are emphasized along with career preparation and planning.

Certificate of Competence – Principles of Sustainable Tourism (9 credits)

The Certificate of Competence in the Principles of Sustainable Tourism provides students with an introductory overview of the principles of sustainable and responsible tourism. Students will gain the knowledge to cultivate tourism as an industry that achieves environmentally and culturally responsible economic development within a destination. The program will emphasize cultural responsibility and regard the awareness of the host culture as integral to the success of tourism. Students will gain an appreciation for the authentic interpretation of culture, language, history, historical places/people, geography and geology.

Program Information

Vision, Mission & Values
Vision Statement – Hospitality and Tourism Education

To be the leader in the education and advancement of hospitality and tourism in Hawai‘i and internationally. To transform the lives of our students with contemporary content delivered with enthusiasm and engagement. To foster in our graduates, the appreciation to perpetuate the culture, place and people of the destination.

Mission Statement

The HOST Department mission statement is as follows:

  • To prepare students for immediate employment in entry level and/or supervisory positions in the hospitality and tourism industry.
  • To prepare students to transfer to four-year institutions offering a baccalaureate degree in Travel Industry Management or Hospitality Management.
  • To be the first choice for education and training for Hawai‘i’s visitor industry employees and managers.
  • To export the department’s expertise in hospitality operations management, travel and tourism operations management, and host culture to developing tourism countries.
Values
  • KŪLIA I KA NU‘U – Strive to reach the summit.
    As we value achievement, we nurture our students to pursue personal excellence in all they do.
  • ‘IKE LOA – The value of learning.
    We embrace our KULEANA, our responsibility, as educators to know well and to always seek knowledge and wisdom for the betterment of our students.
  • HO‘OKIPA – The value of hospitality, a hospitality of complete giving.
    As the hospitality and tourism department we value the importance of modeling the spirit of HO‘OKIPA through ALOHA with our students and professional colleagues.
  • LŌKAHI – The value of teamwork: collaboration and cooperation – harmony and unity.
    We value unity in our daily work as colleagues, and endeavor to instill in our students that people who work together can achieve more.
  • ALAKA‘I – The value of leadership.
    We embrace the importance of our leadership in the direction and quality of our industry. Doing so as guides for others having gained trust and respect through our good intentions.
  • MĀLAMA – The value of stewardship.
    We value our KULEANA as stewards of tourism, to protect, serve, care for and honor our place, the people and the culture, and to impart in our students, the significance of this value.
  • PONO – The value of rightness and balance.
    We strive to conduct ourselves with integrity, to do what is right, in the right place at the right time.
Potential Career & Employers
  • Careers: Employment areas in Hospitality Operations include hotel and resort front office, concierge, reservations, housekeeping, food and beverage, marketing and sales, human resources, and uniformed services positions. Employment areas in Travel and Tourism Operations includes airport services, airline operations, ticketing and reservations, travel agencies, tourism planning and development, meeting and convention coordination, special events planning, and tour directing.
  • Potential Employers: Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Robert’s Hawaii, Outrigger Hotels, Starwood Resorts, Hilton Hotels, Aulani Disney Resort, Alan Wong’s Restaurant, Roy’s Restaurant, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, H.I.S. Travel Agency, Pleasant Holidays, Sea Life Park, and Waikīkī Aquarium.
ClimbHI

Check out these great videos that discuss careers in our industry!

Program Outcomes
Associate in Science – Hospitality and Tourism with a concentration in Hospitality Operations Management

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the AS degree in Hospitality and Tourism with a concentration in Hospitality Operations Management the student should be able to:

  • Use knowledge and skills associated with problem solving, creative and critical thinking, reflection and decision making to function effectively in the classroom, community and industry.
  • Apply the concepts and skills necessary to achieve guest satisfaction.
  • Demonstrate leadership and teamwork to achieve common goals.
  • Conduct him/herself in a professional and ethical manner, and practice industry-defined work ethics.
  • Communicate effectively and confidently in the classroom, community and industry.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of multicultural perspectives to meet the needs of the guests and employees.
  • Lead with the knowledge that the foundation of tourism is based on the respect for the host culture with the responsibility to perpetuate the unique values, traditions, and practices of that place.
  • Use knowledge of best practices to further sustainability (economic, environmental, and cultural/social) in the industry.
  • Demonstrate ability to perform basic and supervisory level job functions in hotel and restaurant careers.
Associate in Science – Hospitality and Tourism with a concentration in Travel and Tourism Operations Management

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the AS degree program in Hospitality and Tourism with a concentration in Travel and Tourism Operations Management, the student should be able to:

  • Use knowledge and skills associated with problem solving, creative and critical thinking, reflection and decision making to function effectively in the classroom, community and industry.
  • Apply the concepts and skills necessary to achieve guest satisfaction.
  • Demonstrate leadership and teamwork to achieve common goals.
  • Conduct him/herself in a professional and ethical manner, and practice industry-defined work ethics.
  • Communicate effectively and confidently in the classroom, community and industry.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of multicultural perspectives to meet the needs of the guests and employees.
  • Lead with the knowledge that the foundation of tourism is based on the respect for the host culture with the responsibility to perpetuate the unique values, traditions, and practices of that place.
  • Use knowledge of best practices to further sustainability (economic, environmental, and cultural/social) in the industry.
  • Demonstrate ability to perform basic and supervisory level job functions in travel/tourism careers.
Certificate of Achievement – Hospitality Operations Management

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Hospitality Operations Management, the student should be able to:

  • Apply the concepts and skills necessary to achieve guest satisfaction.
  • Conduct him/herself in a professional and ethical manner, and practice industry-defined work ethics.
  • Communicate effectively and confidently in the classroom, community and industry.
  • Demonstrate teamwork to achieve common goals.
  • Demonstrate an introductory knowledge of Hawaiian and multicultural perspectives to meet the needs of guests and employees.
  • Demonstrate ability to perform basic and supervisory level job functions in hotel/restaurant careers.
Certificate of Achievement – Travel and Tourism Operations Management

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Travel and Tourism Operations Management, the student should be able to:

  • Apply the concepts and skills necessary to achieve guest satisfaction.
  • Conduct him/herself in a professional and ethical manner, and practice industry-defined work ethics.
  • Communicate effectively and confidently in the classroom, community and industry.
  • Demonstrate teamwork to achieve common goals.
  • Demonstrate an introductory knowledge of Hawaiian and multicultural perspectives to meet the needs of guests and employees.
  • Demonstrate ability to perform basic and supervisory level job functions in travel and tourism careers.
Certificate of Competence – Hospitality Operations

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Competence in Hospitality Operations, the student should be able to:

  • Apply the concepts and skills necessary to achieve guest satisfaction.
  • Conduct him/herself in a professional and ethical manner, and practice industry-defined work ethics.
  • Demonstrate ability to perform basic and supervisory level job functions in hotel/restaurant careers.
Certificate of Competence – Travel and Tourism Operations

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Competence in Travel and Tourism Operations, the student should be able to:

  • Apply the concepts and skills necessary to achieve guest satisfaction.
  • Conduct him/herself in a professional and ethical manner, and practice industry-defined work ethics.
  • Demonstrate introductory knowledge of Hawaiian and multicultural perspectives to meet the needs of guests and employees.
  • Demonstrate ability to perform basic and supervisory level job functions in travel and tourism careers.
Certificate of Competence – Principles of Sustainable Tourism

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Competence in the Principles of Sustainable Tourism, the student should be able to:

  • Use knowledge of best practices to further sustainability (economic, environmental, and cultural/social) in the industry.
  • Apply the concepts and skills necessary to achieve guest satisfaction.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge that the foundation of tourism is based on the respect of the host culture with the responsibility to perpetuate the unique values, traditions, and practices of that place.
The Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) Common Program Learning Outcomes:
  1. Identify and apply the knowledge and skills necessary for hospitality and tourism operations.
  2. Develop and integrate a core set of business skills necessary to successfully operate a hospitality and tourism organization.
  3. Demonstrate competence in the communication skills necessary for hospitality and tourism management.
  4. Formulate business decisions in hospitality and tourism management.
  5. Evaluate leadership principles necessary in the diverse and global hospitality and tourism industry.
Cecelia (Ceci) Hamao 40 under 40 honoree

Hoʻomaikaʻi

The Hospitality and Tourism Education department proudly congratulates Ceci Hamao, who earned her AS in HOST – Travel & Tourism Operations Management in spring 2010, for being named to Pacific Business News’ 2024 40 Under 40 class! Recently promoted to General Manager of Outrigger Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel, Ceci is recognized as one of Hawaiʻi’s rising young business leaders. We’re so proud of you, Ceci!

“My experience with the Hospitality and Tourism Education Department has been amazing! I was once a very lost and confused student, but taking HOST classes has changed my life completely. I am now able to embrace challenges, and have the confidence to take on leadership roles.”

Erica Tso, Kapi‘olani CC student

Erica Tso

Program Data

2019-20
2020-21
2022-23
Student Retention Rate %
80%
73%
69%
% Students employed in the hospitality industry or a related field i.e. Professional Placement within 90 days after graduation
32%
37%
40%
% Students continuing their education within 90 days after graduation
18%
27%
22%
Total Professional Placement and Continuing Education Rate
50%
64%
62%

Source: ACPHA Program Data

Graduate Voices & Stories

Bart Van Kerkhove

Bart Van Kerkhove

Director of Front Office Operations - The Kāhala Hotel & Resort

AS in Travel and Tourism, 2011
“There are two things that will always remain with me from Kapi‘olani CC, which are the engagement and individual care from the excellent instructors, as well as the connection between the students inside the classroom as well as beyond. I run into former classmates in this industry all the time, and there is always a fondness when we are able to reunite!”

Cecilia Hamao

Cecilia Hamao

General Manager - Outrigger Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel Outrigger Hotels & Resorts

AS in Hospitality and Tourism, 2011
2024 Pacific Business News honoree as the 40 under 40 emerging leader
“My time in the HOST program at Kapi‘olani CC gave me a better understanding of the hospitality industry. I learned a lot from the classes, enjoyed meeting peers from all over the world with similar interests. I felt supported by all my professors, and valued my development through school activities and on the job training and my internship.

Jacki Slaton

Jacki Slaton

Guest Service Manager - Sheraton Waikīkī Beach Resort

AS in Hospitality Operations Management, 2018
Advanced Professional Certificate in Hospitality Operations Management, 2019
BBA in Hospitality and Tourism, 2021
“One of my first and favorite memories of the HOST program at Kapi‘olani CC was a trash pick up assignment that was part of Kumi Na’i’s semester project in HOST 100. This project inspired me to work on many other Malama Aina projects both independently and with notable organizations such as Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii.”

Jasmine Tamanaha

Jasmine Tamanaha

Sales Executive, Neighbor Islands - Hawaiian Airlines

AS in Travel and Tourism, 2004
“Graduation Day was by far the best memory. Having been the first in my family to even attempt school after high school, the feeling of accomplishment was HUGE. Aside from that, the joy of being treated like a member of the HOST Ohana by the faculty is what I remember most. During the times when I wanted to quit and just go to work, they pushed me to finish what was started. Mahalo!”

Kerwinn Mendoza

Kerwinn Mendoza

Ramp Supervisor - Southwest Airlines

AS in Hospitality and Tourism, 2020
“A great memory I had with Kapi‘olani CC was participating in the Oʻahu Island Tour project. We rode around in a tour bus. Students in the class picked landmarks of the island, and did a brief description of them as we drove past the sight. Along with that, we did a beach clean up and played tourist in old Hale‘iwa Town.”

Kiana Beimes

Kiana Beimes

General Manager - Outrigger Waikīkī Paradise Outrigger Hotels & Resorts

AS in Hospitality and Tourism, 2013
“My time in the HOST department at Kapi‘olani CC was filled with fun and exciting experiences. I would have to say that I most enjoyed the off-campus events where we immersed ourselves in the Hospitality arena – events like Hoʻokipa Night at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, functions at Washington Place, as well as airport greetings with my fellow classmates. It was a rare and early opportunity to understand life in the exhilarating world of Hospitality.”

Noriko Bergstrom

Noriko Bergstrom

Flight Attendant - Hawaiian Airlines

CA in Travel and Tourism Operations Management, 2017
“My greatest memory of KCC is learning about sustainability and caring for our land and participating in a beach clean-up volunteer activity. The priority of sustainability remains in my mind all the time.”

Sisilia "Sisi" Poʻoi

Sisilia "Sisi" Poʻoi

Event Manager - Hawaiʻi Convention Center ASM Global

AS in Hospitality Operations Management,
2020 and an AS in Travel and Tourism Operations Management, 2020
“There are so many memories to choose from. I guess my favorite was being able to serve as the BOSA (Board of Student Activities) President from 2020 – 2021. This opportunity allowed me to give back to a school that gave me a second chance at my education.”

Tim Lee

Tim Lee

General Manager - Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur California

AS in Hotel Management, 1981
Tim has extensive international experience, beginning with the Regent International Hotel Group, and has continued to work throughout his career with five-diamond hotels and resorts. His specialty is working with owners in opening, closing, and renovating of properties, leadership and staff training, improving operations and quality assurance guest service programs​. ​Properties were located in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Hawai`i, Paris, London, Taipei, Hong Kong, Chicago, Florida, New York, Fiji, Napa Valley, Philippines, Puerto Vallarta, New Zealand, Santa Monica Beach, Malaysia, and Lake Como-Italy, Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Big Sur, Ca.

Wade Takano

Wade Takano

Front Office Manager - Wayfinder Waikīkī

AS in Hospitality Operations Management, 2017
“Continuing my education 15 years after graduating high school is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life and I can’t thank the professors and staff in the HOST department at Kapi‘olani CC enough for all the knowledge and experience they have shared to mold me into the professional I am today. I truly can’t pick out one great memory about my time with HOST because, during my 2 years there, everyday was enjoyable!”