ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi / Hawaiian Language
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for March 6-12: Hilo Steel Guitar Festival, Abled Hawaiʻi Artists exhibit, Ola Ka ʻĪ Kona and more
Music is in the air this week as several venues around the island are hosting concerts, live bands and even dance shows featuring a variety of tunes in several different styles; but that’s not all — check out this week’s top 10 now!
Preparing Hawaiʻi’s ʻōlelo educators at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
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; a University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo program director and educator is dedicated to filling the gap.
Instagram video series celebrates Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi with closer look at musical lexicon
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo doctorate candidate Nicholas ‘Kealiʻi’ Lum uses social media to unpack poetic soul of Hawaiian music, uncovering unique phrases that make songs distinct.
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo grad student bridges divide between ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and Japan
Recently released new mele Hawaiʻi featuring duet between award-winning Hawaiʻi musician and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Hawaiian language graduate 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.
Kāhuli speaks to transformation as the 2025 Hawaiian Word of the Year
Kāhuli reminds us that transformation is both inevitable and essential – it moves away from the middle ground, emphasizing work that looks beyond “good enough.”
Mele Hawaiʻi reimagined: Makuakāne Fellow revitalizing Hawaiian music through use of experimental expression
Nicholas Kealiʻi Lum is weaving tradition and innovation into his in-depth studies of mele at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs committee and board meetings to be broadcast by ʻŌlelo
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.
Two Big Island students earn a first place prize in national history competition in D.C.
Waiākea High School’s Abigail Gomez and Lillian Tao won first place for their research and website they created on the Thalidomide tragedy that took place from the late 1950s to the early 1960s for the National History Day competition in Maryland.
Feathered cape worn by Warrior Chief Kekuaokalani returns to Hawai‘i
Warrior Chief Kekuaokalani wore the came during the Battle of Kuamo‘o in North Kona in 1819.
Ancient hula celebrated during kahiko night at the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival
The competition culminates tonight, where hālau will perform ‘auana (modern) hula.
Hawai‘i’s US senators introduce resolution celebrating Hawaiian Language Month
“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
Children’s book adapted into Hawaiian joins global collection during Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
“I Kanaka Mai I Ke Aha?” reinforces the significance of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiian language, as a living language and helps perpetuate it worldwide.
Hawaiʻi’s heritage, conservation efforts celebrated at annual ʻIkuwā Festival in Hilo
Participants engaged in learning about the crucial efforts to safeguard endangered species, with presentations on conservation efforts and the role of birds in maintaining the balance of Hawaiʻi’s delicate ecosystem.
UH-Hilo College of Hawaiian Language grad student awarded inaugural Makuakāne fellowship
Bruce Torres Fischer’s research will focus on phonological variations in the speech of mānaleo, native speakers of the Hawaiian language, through analyzing archival audio recordings.
Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi triumphs in first Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula since 2019
Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, led by nā Kumu ʻIliahi and Haunani Paredes, won the Overall Kaikamahine (girls) division in the first Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula competition held since 2019.
Aunty Edith’s life celebrated with mural, U.S. quarter and shared stories at UH Hilo
The life and legacy of the late cultural icon Edith Kanakaʻole was celebrated Saturday on the Big Island with a mural, a U.S. quarter and lots of shared memories of dancing, culture, relationships and connections.
University signs featuring Hawaiian place names, knowledge win 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.
Big Island school wins at ‘Ōlelo Youth Xchange Student Video Competition
However, Maui’s Baldwin High and Highlands Intermediate on O‘ahu nabbed the competition’s top prizes at an awards gala held Tuesday morning.
‘Ōhi‘a used in Merrie Monarch lei can be returned to land without spreading disease
If hālau do have lehua or liko in their lei, the dancers can return it to the ‘āina on their own by leaving it at mile markers 12 and 16 along Daniel K. Inouye Highway on the Big island.
Hawaiian Word of the Day: 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
