The findings of this hermeneutical phenomenological study revealed an understanding of the sense of belonging fostered Asian American -- Pacific Islander (AAPI) students from Hawai'i persisting at a predominantly White institution (PWIs). Discoveries investigated culled from individual interviews conducted with 10 AAPI students from Hawai?i attending a PWI indicated their college experiences included a sense of localized belonging, microaggressions, and authentic community. Tribal Critical Race Theory (TribalCrit) was utilized as a framework for this inquiry. This study provides a way to understand and contextualize the AAPI student experience to a broader audience. Participants indicated a need to reconceptualize their identity to persist at PWIs. The outcomes of this study may ideally influence policy and suggest actions from the participants to improve the persistence of AAPI students from Hawai?i in college through graduation. [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/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]