The mission of the Jonathan Nāpela Center of Hawaiian Language and Cultural Studies is to provide the kahua or foundation which connects the University with our Kupuna or Ancestors of this ‘Aina or land of Lā‘ie and Hawai‘i and to support and complement the goals of the University through its programs in language, history, culture and cultural practices, plus art, music, hula, chant, and programs that teach kuleana or stewardship over ka 'āina the land, and ke kai, the sea.

Human awareness and sensitivity to all life forms and their inter-connectedness that are taught to our haumāna or students has triggered vast amounts of energy in stimulating creativity, intellectual growth, performance skills and critical thinking skills that are developed and nurtured to produce individuals who are prepared to render church and community service, to function successfully as a human being as well as in a chosen profession, and to engage in problem-solving, shared decision-making and open communication skills that is useful within the current contemporary global environment.