ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi / Hawaiian Language
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo preparing Hawaiʻi’s ʻōlelo educators to fill gaps in growing immersion programs
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; she reshaped the program to expand access and is now driven to reach even more future educators.
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo scholar takes closer look at musical lexicon in celebration of Hawaiian Language Month
Nicholas ‘Kealiʻi’ Lum uses social media to unpack poetic soul of Hawaiian music, uncovering unique phrases that make songs distinct.
Award-winning Hawaiian musician, grad student uses mele Hawaiʻi to connect ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and Japan
Recently released new mele Hawaiʻi featuring duet between award-winning Hawaiʻi musician and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Hawaiian language PhD student Nicholas Kealiʻi Lum and Japan-born musician and trained ʻōlapa hula Tom Noʻeau offers compelling example of how Hawaiian language is taking root far beyond the islands.
Keiki voices ignite Hawaiian Language Month at University of Hawaiʻi
The annual Nā Leo Hiehie o ke Koʻolau, an annual hoʻokūkū ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian language speech competition, at Windward Community College on Oʻahu had 120 student participants from kindergarten through high school sharing memorized passages and original speeches delivered entirely in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi during the event at Hale ʻĀkoakoa (Campus Center), and hundreds of more are registered to participate in upcoming competitions on other islands, including Kauaʻi.
Kāhuli resonates with navigations of change as the 2025 Hawaiian Word of the Year
“Kāhuli speaks to transformation at a fundamental level—not surface change, but the kind of shift that reorders everything,” said Kaʻiu Kimura, director of the Hawaiian language college.
Kaua’i County Council passes resolution urging state to restore pre-2012 pension eligibility for police, firefighters
Kauaʻi County has had difficult recruiting and retaining police officers and the resolution said returning to the state’s previous less restrictive retirement eligibility would help.
Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia crews arrive in New Zealand for 6-month stay
Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will remain in Aotearoa for six months, which will allow the canoes to wait out the South Pacific hurricane season before continuing the Moananuiākea Voyage.
ʻŌlelo to broadcast, stream Office of Hawaiian Affairs committee, board meetings
Broadcast and streaming of meetings conducted elsewhere throughout the islands — not just from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs boardroom on O‘ahu — also will be allowed, such as recent sessions at University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s College of Hawaiian Language.
Kaua‘i hālau wins big at Merrie Monarch Hula Festival on Big Island
The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival concluded Saturday at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo with ‘auana (modern hula) performances from 20 hālau across the state of Hawai‘i and California.
Ancient hula celebrated during kahiko night at the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival
The competition culminates tonight, where hālau will perform ‘auana (modern) hula.
Kaua‘i dancer captures coveted Miss Aloha Hula title
The soloists were scored by seven judges who looked at their kahiko (ancient) and ‘auana (modern) performances and critiqued them in various areas.
Hawai‘i lawmakers in Washington introduce measure celebrating Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i
“This February, we celebrate Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i and the people, schools and programs that work every day to preserve the Hawaiian language and culture. The resurgence of the Hawaiian language not only serves as a model for indigenous communities around the world, but also as an example of the strength and resilience of the Hawaiian community.” — U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawai‘i
Perpetuating the language worldwide: ‘What Makes Us Human?’ gets Hawaiian adaptation
“I Kanaka Mai I Ke Aha?” makes its debut during Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, or Hawaiian Language Month, reinforcing the significance of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi as a living language.
Once banned in schools, ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i now part of push to make Maui County government bilingual
A new department and positions for Hawaiian language specialists are opening the doors for the rise of a language that was suppressed for decades.
State conversation about Big Island’s official name sparks minor controversy
The Hawai‘i Board of Geographic Names during its April 2 meeting began a discussion about possibly changing the island’s official name in the U.S. Geological Survey’s Geographic Names Information System, or GNIS.
Winning 2024 Miss Aloha Hula competition a dream come true for Oʻahu dancer
Kaʻōnohikaumakaakeawe Kananiokeakua Holokai Lopes is the fourth Miss Aloha winner in the past 4 consecutive years for hula hālau Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe and the second daughter of the group’s nā kumu hula.
‘Hula is life’: Uniquely Hawaiian dance plays important role in perpetuating Native Hawaiian culture
Hula still connects people today to the foundation of Hawaiian knowledge and culture. It is a vehicle for historical and social commentary and passing down stories and information.
What you need to know about the 61st annual Merrie Monarch Festival
Get ready, world. The festival that celebrates everything hula and Hawaiian returns to Hilo on the Big Island from March 31 through April 6.
University signage of Hawaiian place names, cultural knowledge wins international award
Fast Company’s World-Changing Ideas Awards honor the innovative ways businesses and organizations are making the world more accessible, equitable, and sustainable for everyone.
Hawaiian Word of the Day for Feb. 13: Ānuenue
“For me, the ānuenue represents hope, love, equality and joy. All things that we need a little bit more of in Hawaiʻi and the world today!” — UH Mānoa alumnus Kedan Waiokila Frank
