In addition to assistance with class assignments, student math tutors and tutees will work together on real-world mathematics applications involving the internationally renowned sailing vessel, the Hokule'a. In collaboration with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and other community organizations, the teams will present projects at the end of the semester. Examples of project topics include investigating navigation calculations with geometric properties, analyzing the relationship between math and the environment, and determining the mathematical seafaring methods that brought the ancient Pacific Islanders to the Hawaiian Islands.

The new Math Center is funded by the Islands of Opportunity Allliance-Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (IOA-LSAMP) program and aims to enhance the student experience at UH West O'ahu through a culturally-sensitive mathematics curriculum. The IOA-LSAMP program is funded by the National Science Foundation.