Field Study of
Economics Department
経済学科のフィールドスタディ

Report from Student 2,Hawaii, 2025

Exploring Hawaii’s Economy and Environment through a Professional Lens
　
This Field Study (FSA) was a highly stimulating program, joined by students from both Meiji Gakuin University and Konan University. It allowed me to deeply study Hawaii—one of the world’s leading tourist destinations—from an economic perspective, gaining insights that could never be obtained through a simple sightseeing trip.
The first half of the program consisted of intensive English lectures dedicated to our final presentations. While I was nervous at first, I gradually gained the confidence to express my thoughts and identity in English as the sessions progressed.
Furthermore, the lectures by experts from the University of Hawaii completely challenged my preconceptions. Marcus Peng’s lecture was particularly fascinating; learning about the artificial construction of Waikiki Beach and the surprising realities of tourist spending behavior sparked my professional interest as an economics student.
The visit to Hanauma Bay was the most memorable part of the trip. I had been in charge of researching its water quality during our pre-departure studies, but seeing the actual transparency of the water firsthand was far more persuasive than any data. Unlike the unregulated era of the past, the bay now operates under a strict reservation system and a fee-based model.
For my final presentation, I defined the Hanauma Bay model as “Sustainable Vitality” and proposed management strategies for other regions, such as Okinawa, Japan. Although the preparation period was short and incredibly busy, receiving warm feedback from the professors allowed me to conclude these fulfilling two weeks on a high note.