Hawaiian Language

Produced for  ‘Aha Pūnana Leo, this video is a call for teachers to help revitalize the Hawaiian language, which was saved from the brink of extinction by the extraordinary efforts of those who established the Hawaiian language immersion preschools in the 1980’s.

(“A walking tour with Kupuna Rachel Nahaleelua Mahuiki”)

Rachel Nahaleelua Mahuiki, one of Hanalei's most beloved kūpuna (elders), leads Larry Kimura and a group of Hawaiian language teachers on a tour of Hā‘ena, Kaua‘i.

(“Let’s make haupia with Kupuna Helen Haleola Lee Hong”)

Larry Kimura visits Helen Haleola Lee Hong at the Keliihoomalu family residence in Kaimū in the Puna district of Hawai‘i island, to learn how to prepare haupia (coconut pudding) and talk story about earlier times.

Tuti Kanahele travels to the taro-growing district of Ke‘anae, Maui, to talk with James Keolaokalani Hueu, Jr., a long-time resident and taro grower.

Ku Kahakalau visits with Katherine Maunakea on the Wai‘anae coast.  After relating a short history of her early life in Kula, Maui, in the Puna district of the Big Island and in Nānākuli on O‘ahu, Katherine shares her knowledge of lāʻau lapaʻau (medicinal plants), including noni, tī, kukui, laukahi and pōpolo.

Tuti Kanahele visits with musician and Kaua‘i resident Margaret Aipoalani who demonstrates the techniques and patterns of Hawaiian quilting, tells stories of her younger days, and entertains with song, ʻukulele and piano.

Tuti Kanahele visits with her father, Leimana Kanahele, born and raised on the island of Ni‘ihau, now making his home on Kaua‘i. Leimana demonstrates the making of saddles, a skill acquired during his younger days working on a Ni‘ihau cattle ranch.

Tuti Kanahele visits with Kaleipua Pahulehua, originally a native of the island of Ni‘ihau, who makes her home on Kaua‘i. Following a long-established tradition taught to her as a young girl, Kaleipua makes shell lei, the well-known and exquisite lei pūpū o Niʻihau.

Tuti Kanahele visits Esther Makuaole who makes her home on Kaua‘i. Following a long-established tradition taught to her as a young girl in Kona, Esther skillfully weaves pāpale (hats) made of lau hala and other materials.

Tuti Kanahele interviews Alina Kanahele about everyday life on the island of Ni‘ihau, where Alina was born and raised.

(May the Hawaiian Language Live)

E Ola Ka ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi celebrates the efforts of a people determined to save the Hawaiian language from the brink of extinction.

Speeches and music by Hawaiian language scholars, teachers and students at a rally to lobby for government funding of Hawaiian language immersion schools (kula kaiapuni).