At the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the Department of Geography is an integrative discipline that strives to link three overlapping domains - the environmental, the human and the technological, to understand humans as inhabitants and transformers of the earth. It has roots in both the physical and the social sciences. An overriding spatial perspective is reflected in such integrative concepts as place, region, landscapes and seascapes, human and physical systems.

The search for such understanding involves a thorough study of (a) interlocking systems of the natural environment (climate, landforms, oceans, biota); (b) the social use (and abuse) of natural resources; (c) the diverse historical, cultural, social, economic, and political structures and processes which affect the spatial organization of population groups and their activities; and (d) areas of the earth's surface at various scales-cities, regions, nations, states or landscapes -- where integrated interpretation of cultural, economic and political processes can be attempted.

Faculty interests and strengths of the University and the East West Center provide advantages for study of the following general topics:

• natural systems
• nature and society
• population, urbanization and regional development
• cartography, remote sensing and geographic information systems
• Pacific and Asia regional issues  

The Geography Department at Manoa is uniquely placed to examine these issues. Hawaii's historical, cultural, economic, social, and environmental context provides a fascinating setting for learning and research, and can serve as a springboard into the wider Asia-Pacific region.