Booksellers Show Love for Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i

As February is the month of love, there’s nothing we love more than celebrating Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i. Every February, people in Hawai‘i and beyond are encouraged to spend intentional time learning, practicing, and speaking ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, the Hawaiian language. From the Hawai‘i State Public Library System’s “Hawaiian Word of the Day” to community events across the islands, Hawaiian Language Month is a powerful initiative to perpetuate the beauty and vitality of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i.

In the spirit of honoring the Hawaiian language, our booksellers are sharing their favorite books in ‘ōlelo, along with books that champion the rich and vibrant history of the language.

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

Little Island Readers series

From our very own Bess Press comes one of our favorite book series of all time: Little Island Readers. These board books are part of a bilingual place-based collection that introduces to young readers common themes, objects, and images in both English and ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i. Perfect for keiki ages 1-5, the Little Island Readers series features captivating and colorful illustrations to support the learning of both languages. Titles to browse include My Slippers / Ko‘u mau Pale Wāwae, Recycle / Ho‘ohana Hou, Shave Ice / Ka Hau Momona and My Home / Ko‘u Home. Visit Da Shop to check out the full collection!

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

Ka Lei Ha‘aheo: Beginning Hawaiian

by Alberta Pualani Hopkins

Ka Lei Ha‘aheo is a deeply thoughtful Hawaiian language textbook that takes its title from the analogy of making lei wili: choosing words, like flowers, with care and intentionality to weave a lei ha‘aheo. Much like its title, Ka Lei Ha‘aheo views its subject through a powerful cultural lens, offering grammar lessons founded on the relationship between language and the Hawaiian world view. Though originally designed for college use, this is a book that could appeal to both high school students as well as the curious individual looking to connect more thoughtfully with the language.

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

Keiki’s First ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i Coloring & Activity Book

by Kelsie Dayna

Kelsie Dayna’s book invites keiki to learn ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i through immersion—by engaging with an educational coloring book. Organized by ka pī‘āpā Hawai‘i, or the Hawaiian alphabet, Dayna’s work offers young learners dazzling illustrations accompanied by both the Hawaiian and English translations of common words. By coloring in the images and participating in the activities, keiki will learn without even realizing it! Plus, the soft cover design and kid-friendly pages make it a pleasure to return to again and again.

Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities

The Mana of Translation

by Bryan Kamaoli Kuwada

A deep dive into the history of Hawaiian alphabetic literacy, author and scholar Bryan Kamaoli Kuwada traces two centuries of the often unseen workings of translation in Hawai‘i. In analyzing mana unuhi, or the mana attained through translation, Kuwada makes a compelling argument for a history of Hawaiians using translation as a tool to assert their sovereignty. His research spans newspapers, letters, journals, legal documents, missionary records, and even traditional stories, giving readers an illuminating and transformative new way to think about the history of literacy in Hawai‘i.

SEE ALSO: 4 Must-Read Books to Celebrate Black History Month in Hawai‘i

Da Shop: Books + Curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave., Kaimukī, open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., (808) 421-9460, dashophnl.com, @dashophnl