Every February, Hawaiʻi celebrates Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month)—a time dedicated to honoring the Hawaiian language and its significance as a living foundation of Hawaiʻi nei. This month is more than a celebration; it is an opportunity to recognize the history, resilience, and ongoing revitalization of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi carries centuries of knowledge through oral tradition, mele and moʻolelo. When a writing system was introduced in the 1820s, literacy rates rose rapidly and Hawaiʻi was one of the most literate nations in the world.  ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi was the primary language of education, governance, and daily life.

After the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi was outlawed and banned causing a drastic decline in the number of speakers fluent in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Over time the language was pushed towards extinction. In the early 1980’s, it was estimated only 500 native speakers remained, the majority of them kūpuna or elders. 

The revival of the Hawaiian language has been driven by the dedication of brave individuals and organizations who recognized the cultural necessity to keep the language alive and began teaching ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi while it was still illegal to do so. ʻAha Pūnana Leo was instrumental in the renaissance and helped to ensure the Hawaiian language was and continues to be taught in public schools. It wasn’t until 1986, the 90 year old ban on teaching Hawaiian language was removed and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi could be legally taught in the public schools again.

Today keiki on Maui and throughout Hawaiʻi can attend school from pre-school age to high school in Hawaiian immersion classes. Students can continue their higher education in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and obtain a masters or PhD degree in the language.

As we observe Hawaiian Language Month, we honor both the past and the future: the kūpuna who safeguarded the language under adversity, the educators and ‘ohanas leading revitalization today, and the generations to come who will continue to speak, learn, and live Hawaiian.

E ola mau ka ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi — May the Hawaiian language live on.

If you are interested in learning ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, there are great resources right here on Maui! The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College offers credit and continuing education courses in Hawaiian language and studies. For more information visit: https://elwd.maui.hawaii.edu/#1657241334111-85043c7f-cea7