University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo preparing Hawaiʻi’s ʻōlelo educators to fill gaps in growing immersion programs

Hawaiian language immersion programs throughout the islands are growing fast. Fast enough they are strained to keep up with the demand, needing more qualified teachers.

Kananinohea “Kanani” Mākaʻimoku with University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is dedicated to fill that gap.

Mākaʻimoku is director of the Kahuawaiola Indigenous Teacher Education Program within the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language. Her main focus is preparing educators to teach in Hawaiian medium and immersion schools.

The state’s Hawaiian immersion program has grown by 67% throughout the past decade.

“Since 2020, the average number of students enrolling from the outer islands has increased by approximately 56% compared to the program’s pre-2020 history,” said Mākaʻimoku.

Kahuawaiola is a three-semester graduate certificate delivered in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, or Hawaiian language. Mākaʻimoku helped shift the program online during the COVID-19 pandemic, reshaping and expanding access.

She saw firsthand how hybrid learning opened doors for students in rural communities, including areas such as Lānaʻi and Hāna, Maui. That access drives her to reach even more future educators as the need continues to grow.

Success is in the numbers, too. Kahuawaiola prepared 164 certified teachers since its inception.

“By preparing teachers who are fluent in Hawaiian and grounded in culturally responsive pedagogy, we ensure that Hawaiian language medium and immersion schools can continue to serve families across the state,” Mākaʻimoku said, noting that education has long been one of the most effective ways to reverse language loss in Hawaiʻi.

Full-circle journey

Mākaʻimoku’s own path reflects that mission.

Educated in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi from preschool through high school, she later spent 16 years teaching in immersion classrooms.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian studies at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, along with a teaching certificate through Kahuawaiola and master’s degree in indigenous language and culture education.

She is now pursuing her doctorate in Hawaiian and indigenous language and culture revitalization within University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language.