University of Hawaiʻi Press: A Legacy of Scholarly Excellence in Asia and the Pacific
Since its inception in 1947, the University of Hawaiʻi Press has served as a vital gateway for research concerning the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences within the Asia and Pacific regions. As an integral part of the University of Hawaiʻi, the press has evolved from a local academic initiative into a globally recognized scholarly publisher.
The press provides a diverse range of academic outputs, including scholarly monographs, educational materials, and essential reference works. Their catalog spans from specialized dictionaries and language texts to classroom readers, atlases, and encyclopedias, catering to both students and professional researchers worldwide.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1947 by University of Hawaiʻi president Gregg M. Sinclair.
- Core Focus: Research in Asia (50%), Hawaiʻi (30%), and the Pacific (20%).
- Publication Types: Academic books, monographs, and scholarly journals.
- Global Distribution: Self-distributed in the US and Asia; Scholarly Book Services (Canada); Eurospan Group (EMEA).
- Membership: Member of the Association of University Presses.
A Rich History of Academic Growth
The history of the press is marked by significant milestones and enduring classics. Early publications such as Ralph Kuykendall's The Hawaiian Kingdom and Elwood C. Zimmerman's Insects of Hawaii established the press's reputation for high-quality research. Other foundational works include the Hawaiian-English Dictionary by Mary Kawena Pukui and Samuel Elbert, which has seen 16 reprints since its first publication in 1957.
In 1971, the institution underwent a period of expansion when it merged operations with the East-West Center Press, briefly becoming the University Press of Hawaiʻi. This merger significantly broadened its coverage of Asian studies. Although the name reverted to University of Hawaiʻi Press in 1981, the commitment to Asian scholarship remained a cornerstone of its mission, eventually accounting for half of its total titles.
The Evolution of Scholarly Journals
Journal production has been a pillar of the press since its early years. The journal Pacific Science was one of the first major projects, with its inaugural budget appropriation helping to launch the press. Over the decades, the press has expanded its portfolio to include diverse titles such as Oceanic Linguistics, Asian Perspectives, and Korean Studies.
Despite facing budget challenges in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the press successfully restored its Journals Department in 1998. Today, many of these journals are accessible through major digital databases like Project MUSE and BioOne, ensuring that critical research reaches a global audience of scholars.
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Rigorous Editorial Standards and Regional Focus
The University of Hawaiʻi Press maintains high academic standards through a strict peer review process. Every manuscript undergoes an initial evaluation by an in-house editor. If the work shows promise, it is sent to two external specialists for independent review. Only manuscripts that receive two positive reviews are presented to the academic editorial board for a final publication decision.
East Asia remains a primary area of concentration. Statistical data from 2000–2005 highlights this focus, with 184 academic monographs published on the region, specifically targeting China, Japan, and Korea. Key subject areas include:
- Language and Literature
- Religion and Philosophy
- History and Fine Arts
Summary of Press Operations
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Parent Organization | University of Hawaiʻi |
| Headquarters | Honolulu, USA |
| Primary Regions | Asia, Pacific, and Hawaiʻi |
| Major Distribution Partners | Scholarly Book Services, Eurospan Group, East-West Export Books |
| Key Publication Formats | Books, Monographs, Academic Journals |
Frequently Asked Questions
What subjects does the University of Hawaiʻi Press cover?
The press publishes research across all disciplines of the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, with a specific emphasis on the regions of Asia and the Pacific.
How are books selected for publication?
Books undergo a rigorous process involving an in-house editorial evaluation followed by two external peer reviews from subject matter specialists. The final decision is made by an academic editorial board.
Where can I find the press's journals?
Many of the press's journals are available through digital collections such as Project MUSE and BioOne, providing access to scholarly research in the humanities and natural sciences.
How does the press distribute its works globally?
The press uses a mix of self-distribution in the US and Asia, and partners with specialized groups like the Eurospan Group for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, and Scholarly Book Services for Canada.
What is the regional breakdown of the press's titles?
The press's output is roughly divided into half focused on Asia, 30% on Hawaiʻi, and 20% on the Pacific islands.