The M.A. is the first to be offered in a Native American language, and the first at UH-Hilo. Hale Kuamo'o, the support and research division of Ka Haka 'Ula O Ke'elikolani, produces and distributes curriculum for Kula Kaiapuni Hawai'i through a consortium agreement with 'Aha Punana Leo. This consortium also supports the Leoki Hawaiian language computer service linking all Hawaiian language schools, colleges, and offices and the Lexicon Committee, which produces, then records and distributes new vocabulary through its dictionary, Mamaka Kaiao. Outreach includes work with the Hawaiian community both locally and abroad, as well as with other native peoples, especially those of North America and the Pacific. Additionally, Hale Kuamo'o is the Secretariat for the Polynesian Languages Forum which unites 13 Polynesian governments in developing indigenous languages.
Research focuses on linguistics, ethnomusicology, ethnography, and education.