The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how Hawaiian practices influenced a student's experience in higher education. While the diversity of students in higher education was increasing and there was a need for diversity courses and activities, there was little research about the value of Hawaiian practices and what it brought to a student's sense of belonging and personal identity. Findings from this study reinforced how cultural wealth and engaging in Hawaiian values, practices, and knowledge can foster and enhance a student's sense of belonging and engagement at a university. Two key themes emerged that the participants engaged with and internalized: pilina, or connections / relationships, which included connection to land (malama 'aina) and connection to people (?ohana) and knowledge (?ike) regarding the continued oppression and colonization of the host culture. Through the participant's understanding of these values, five "senses" emerged: sense of belonging, sense of identity, sense of place, sense of self, and sense of responsibility. These "senses" reflected the significance and importance of integrating Native Hawaiian knowledge and practices in higher education to not only benefit Native Hawaiian students, but students of all ethnic backgrounds. Recommendations include institutional funding for Native Hawaiian programs and support, professional development related to Native Hawaiian knowledge, values, and practices for all faculty and staff, systematically integrating Native Hawaiian knowledge, values, and practices in curriculum and co-curricular activities, and developing curriculum and co-curriculuar activities for students to explore their identity in the context of the host culture. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]