6 Native Hawaiians recognized in bipartisan resolution celebrating Women’s History Month

Six Native Hawaiian women, two of whom were from Hawai‘i Island, are among those recognized in a resolution celebrating the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native women in the United States.

The resolution, which passed with bipartisan support, presented by U. S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), was part of celebrating Women’s History Month in March.

Hawai‘i Island’s Edith Kenao Kanaka‘ole and Mary Kawena Pukui are among those recognized in the resolution.

Kanaka‘ole, born in Honomū, was a Hawaiian language and cultural practitioner who founded a hula hālau and helped develop some of the first Hawaiian language and culture courses for public schools and colleges.

The image Kanaka‘ole is also featured on a U.S. quarter as part of the American Women Quarters Program through the United States Mint.

Mary Kawena Pukui, born in Ka‘ū, was a Hawaiian linguist widely considered the most noted translator of the 20th century. Pukui was instrumental in the creation of the Hawaiian Dictionary, which includes translated words from Hawaiian to English and English to Hawaiian.

Pukui, who worked at Bishop Museum on O‘ahu, was responsible for translating Hawaiian legends, chants and archival materials.

 Pukui’s likeness will also be stamped on U.S. currency with her image appearing on the $1 coin as part of the U.S. Mint’s 2025 Native American honorees.

Queen Ka‘ahumanu, originally from Maui, was married to King Kamehameha I and lived on Hawai‘i Island with her husband. She was the first woman to serve as regent of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i and was instrumental in the abolishment of Hawai‘i’s Kapu System.

“Native Hawaiian women have made incredible contributions to our communities and country, and it’s critical that we recognize their impacts on American history,” said Schatz, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “The Hawaiian women we commemorate in this resolution are among many more who deserve our recognition and gratitude year-round.”

Other Native Hawaiian women recognized in the resolution are Isabella Kauakea Yau Yung Aiona Abbott, Emma Ka‘ilikapuolono Metcalf Beckley Nakuina and Rell Kapolioka‘ehukai Sunn.

Abbott is known as the First Lady of Limu, the first Hawaiian woman to receive a doctorate in science and credited with discovering 200 algae species.

Sunn was a legendary surfer ranked as a world champion longboard surfer and co-founder of the Women’s Professional Surfing Association.

Nakuina was the first female judge in Hawai‘i.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.