#Hawaiian Language

Families from Ka ʻIwa Hoʻolaʻi, a hui (group) dedicated to celebrating and normalizing the use of Hawaiian language, traveled to Disneyland, bringing their culture and language with them.

The community is invited to join in celebrating the Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian Language Month, at the upcoming event, “ʻŌlelo Under the Stars.” This special evening of live music and Hawaiian language bingo will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Kalana Pākuʻi O Maui, located at 250 S. High St. in Wailuku.

The Maui County Council gave final approval Friday to legislation providing Hawaiian language and culture-based learning for county employees in partnership with University of Hawaiʻi – Maui College. The bills also implement requirements to include ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi in official documents pursuant to Charter Section 13-17.

A new department and positions for Hawaiian language specialists are opening the doors for the rise of a language that was suppressed for decades.

ʻAha Pūnana Leo announced the release of their first iOS educational app, Ka Hakalama me Pākaʻa, a groundbreaking language tool designed to revolutionize the teaching and learning of the Hawaiian syllable chart. ‘Aha Pūnana Leo’s Kīpaepae app was designed to be used as a supplement to in-person Hui Kīpaepae ‘ohana classes or as a standalone practice tool for any learner of ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Department of Theatre and Dance and Kennedy Theatre will premiere “Puana” this fall, a hana keaka (Hawaiian Theatre) production that delves into the spiritual connections between Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) and their kūpuna (ancestors) through the power of song. Performed primarily in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), the play also commemorates the 10th anniversary of UH Mānoa’s Hawaiian Theatre program.

University of Hawai‘i Maui College Associate Professor Dr. Joseph Keola Donaghy documents and explores the role that musical performance and composition practice played in efforts to defend Maunakea and how these practices reflected the idea of kapu aloha that was prevalent among kia‘i (protectors).

Voters approved a proposal to establish Maui County as “a bilingual government,” effective July 1, 2024. The charter amendment says the council is authorized to determine by ordinance which type of county documents will “be prepared and made available in both official state languages,” English and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, and establishes the Department of ʻŌiwi Resources.

Gov. Josh Green, M.D., today signed 13 pieces of legislation into law, marking a renewed commitment for Hawaiʻi’s Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL), Native Hawaiian education, cultural practices and traditions, and stewardship.

At their June meeting, OHA trustees approved more than $2.7 million in grant awards to 16 community nonprofits that serve Native Hawaiians.

Following the 2023 wildfires that devastated Lahaina, two inspired Maui mothers united to preserve Lahaina’s heritage in a heartfelt and uplifting keepsake children’s book.

Wenaokeao, meaning “earliest glow of light,” is the name given to the SPIRou spectrograph and ESPaDOnS, which are used to observe the colors of light emitting from stars.

The new guidance was developed collaboratively and informed by ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi practitioners, instructors and advocates.

The funding received will be utilized to strengthen the general operations of ʻAha Pūnana Leo, Inc., furthering its mission and focusing on the importance of language revitalization.

The Queen Kaʻahumanu Center hosts Kamaʻāina Nights tonight (Friday, Nov. 17), featuring Piʻilani Arias, and the Keiki Club with Kumu Luana Kawaʻa on Saturday morning, Nov. 18. 

In 1986, Kīʻope Raymond was asked to join the board of the ʻAha Pūnana Leo to found the first private, nonprofit pre-school in Hawaiian language on Maui. There are now three ‘Aha Pūnana Leo schools on Maui and pathways enabling Hawaiian immersion language students to receive instruction and graduate from Lahainaluna, Hāna, and King Kekaulike high schools. Maui Now writer Gary Kubota interviewed Raymond as part of this People of Maui series.

Since ‘Aha Pūnana Leo started 40 years ago in 1983, its founders and board of directors have demonstrated a vision of “E Ola Ka ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i” (the Hawaiian language shall live on) to lay a foundation for school systems and communities to carry out their everyday life in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i. 

The National Park Service is recruiting one teacher to create a guided field trip in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) for fourth graders.

The Tuahine Troupe’s recently recorded first album, Keāiwaokulamanu, earned eight Nā Hōkū Hanohano nominations, including for Album of the Year and Group of the Year. 

‘Aha Pūnana Leo preschool is accepting applications for enrollment at 13 preschool sites on five islands. Established in 1983, the school celebrates nearly 40 years dedicated to reviving ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language).