Grant to develop culture-based Hawaiian language learning program

A Native Hawaiian nonprofit organization is designing, testing, and launching a culture-based program to help 21st-century learners reconnect with Hawaiʻi’s native language.

EA Ecoversity was awarded a three-year grant from the Administration for Native Americans to create the Hawaiian language project, LEO, which means “voice,” “advice,” or “verbal expression” in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language).

The project builds on decades of research and responds directly to ongoing Native Hawaiian community requests seeking accessible, flexible, culturally grounded, non-grammatical approaches to reconnect with ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.

“We are designing much more than just another Hawaiian language app—we are creating a pathway to reclaim Hawaiian language, identity, and connection in an organic, culturally congruent way,” said Pōlani Kahakalau, executive director of EA Ecoversity. “By using asynchronous, highly interactive, mobile-friendly technology to teach Hawaiian language, culture, and traditions, we accommodate the realities of today’s busy learners.”

EA Ecoversity is a Native Hawaiian-led nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating ʻike Hawaiʻi (knowledge of Hawaiʻi) through innovative, culture-based education rooted in ʻāina, language, and community.

Although a relatively young organization, EA Ecoversity brings decades of collective experience in developing culture-based educational programs grounded in Hawaiian knowledge systems and supported by modern technology.

The aim of LEO is to create a mobile-friendly Hawaiian language program that builds real-world, basic conversational fluency in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi by providing learners with dynamic, highly interactive, game-like learning experiences that maintain cultural integrity and emphasize ʻike Hawaiʻi.

By visiting four avatars, ʻAnakē Aloha, ʻAnakala Ikaika, Papa Pono, and Tūtū Mālama, in any order, beta testers learn diverse cultural ʻike as they are immersed in the Hawaiian language through interactive games, videos, activities, and assignments, totaling approximately 125 hours of engagement.

According to current estimates, only about 5% of Native Hawaiians can hold a simple conversation in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. However, community data shows that over 90% of Native Hawaiians want to deepen their knowledge of Hawaiian language and culture, regardless of their current proficiency.

This highlights a critical need for learning tools that are accessible, culturally relevant, and adaptable to modern lifestyles.

“This grant affirms the recognition of the importance of our work,” Kahakalau added. “Our founder has been involved in creating innovative, culture-based approaches to learning for over three decades, and we are honored to continue to move this vision forward and contribute to the revitalization and normalization of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi for generations to come.”

EA Ecoversity is currently seeking pilot testers from Hawaiʻi, ages 10 to 60 and over, to use the Hawaiian language program. They must be residents of Hawaiʻi and have access to dependable Wi-Fi and a digital device, such as a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

Learners who successfully complete all four courses will earn a micro-credential, which can be used for job applications or promotions.

To inquire about becoming a pilot tester, complete the interest form on the EA Ecoversity website.