E Ola Mau ka ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: Honoring Hawaiian Language Month

Molokai Education Center News Release 

Hawaiiana. Hawaiian. ʻŌlelo Makuahine. ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. These are just a few of the names for the native language of this island archipelago and its people. Throughout the month of Pepeluali (February), we celebrate Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi—Hawaiian Language Month—a time to recognize, honor, and perpetuate the language and culture of Hawaiʻi.

At the Molokai Education Center, we are committed to fostering a deeper connection to ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and Hawaiian culture. To commemorate Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, we have launched a Hua ʻŌlelo o ka Lā (Word of the Day) initiative, sharing Hawaiian words daily through our social media platforms and digital display board on campus.

For the first week of Pepeluali, we highlighted the following words: 

Pōʻakahi (Monday): ʻOnipaʻa – steadfast, determined, resolute, immovable, and was the motto of Queen Liliʻuokalani;

Pōʻalua (Tuesday): Kukui – candlenut tree, light, guide, leader, enlightenment; 

Pōʻakolu (Wednesday): Haʻawina – assignment, homework, grant, allowance, donation; 

Pōʻahā (Thursday): Laulima – cooperation, joint action, group of people working together; 

Pōʻalima (Friday): Haʻahaʻa – humility, humble, modest, meek;

For the second week, we continue with words that reflect education and growth:

Haumana – student, pupil, apprentice;

Kumu – teacher, tutor, source, guide;

Lohi – slow, tardy, late; 

Holomua – move forward, progress, improve; 

Kōkua – help, aid, relief, assist; 

As part of our broader efforts to indigenize the University of Hawaiʻi system, we proudly offer a tuition-free ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi course each semester. This non-credit course, led by Kumu Uluhani Waialeale, is open to all community members and aligns perfectly with the spirit of Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.

We encourage everyone to take part in this ongoing journey of language revitalization and cultural education. Stay connected with us for future non-credit cultural course offerings and opportunities to deepen your knowledge of Hawaiian traditions.

At the end of the month, we will also be hosting a FAFSA workshop open to all who need assistance with completing their financial aid applications for the upcoming academic year.

Follow us on Instagram @molokai_education_center and Facebook at Molokai Education Center to keep up with our Hua ʻŌlelo o ka Lā, upcoming events, and educational opportunities.

On behalf of the Molokai Education Center, E ola mau ka ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi—May the Hawaiian language live on!