Photo: Haumāna from Ke Kula ʻo Samuel Kamakau in Kāneʻohe

At a similar event held at Windward Mall in February 2020 before the pandemic, Hawaiian language haumāna and their kumu delighted onlookers with student-led entertainment, storytelling and games. Pictured at the top haumāna from Ke Kula ʻo Samuel Kamakau in Kāneʻohe shared their mele while barefoot haumāna from Kūlaniākea preschool (below in red t-shirts) charmed the audience with their performance. At right, a crowd of ʻohana, friends and shoppers forms to listen to the keiki. – Photos: Courtesy

Contributed by Kūlaniākea

Kūlaniākea, Ke Kula ʻo Kamakau, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Pūʻōhala, ʻAhahui ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, and Kanaeokana will host Ola Ka ʻĪ, a Hawaiian language fair on Jan. 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Windward Mall Center Stage.

Similar to the event held in February 2020, Ola Ka ʻĪ will once again usher in Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month) with an exciting offering of student-led entertainment and storytelling, “make & take” stations, games, and informational booths. This year there is an added bonus of a Hawaiian language speech competition for students in grades K-12.

Photo: Exhibitors at Ola Ka ʻĪ Hawaiian Language Event

Our beloved emcees for the event, Ekela Kaniaupio-Crozier and Hauʻoli Akaka, will be our on-stage hosts for the day, providing a richly curated experience ma ka ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (in the Hawaiian language). The Hawaiian language immersive format is a signature component of Ola Ka ʻĪ and is designed to engage the growing number of school-aged children and their families attending Hawaiian language schools in the Koʻolau region. Hawaiian language speakers and students of all ages and places are encouraged to come enjoy this special day, ma ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi!

Ola Ka ʻĪ events will also be held on Maui at Kaʻahumanu Shopping Center on Feb. 18 and at Ka Makana Aliʻi in Kapolei on Feb. 25, 2023.

To enter the Hawaiian language speech competition at any of the Ola Ka ʻĪ events, please email advocacy@kanaeokana.net for a link to register.