How to Celebrate Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i
Hawaiian Language Month brings workshops, language classes, hula and much more to do during February.
February is officially Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, or Hawaiian Language Month, signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie as Act 28 in 2013. You can participate in events all throughout the month to celebrate and encourage the use of Hawaiian language. Attend language classes, play traditional games, listen to historical lectures and much more. Many of these events are free and open to the entire ‘ohana.
SEE ALSO: 40 Amazing Things to Do
Images: Courtesy of Kamehameha Schools
Kamehameha Schools ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i Signage
Throughout February
Throughout the month, look for educational posters and QR codes that share ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i words and phrases throughout Kamehameha Schools commercial properties on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island. Learn vocabulary and sayings that you can use in everyday life while doing greetings and introductions, shopping, running errands, buying groceries and ordering food. O‘ahu locations include:
- Our Kaka‘ako
- Salt at Our Kaka‘ako
- Keawe Retail at Our Kaka‘ako
- The Shops at Keauhou Lane
- Kapālama Kai
- Kū‘ono Marketplace at Kāhala
- Windward Mall
- Hale‘iwa Store Lots
- Pearl at Kalauao
Check out @kamehamehaschools on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to see how students are using and sharing ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i in the community. Plus, look out for the release of a three-part Hawaiian monk seal documentary video series produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with voiceover narration in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i.
SEE ALSO: O‘ahu’s Great Neighborhoods: Kaka‘ako
Celebrate Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i at the Library
Throughout February
Read The Hobbit translated into ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, borrow an ‘ukulele and check out the “Hawaiian Word of the Day” at libraries across the state. Learn more ways to celebrate Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i at the library here.
Family-friendly event, free, Hawai‘i State Public Library System, various locations, librarieshawaii.org, @hsplsgov
SEE ALSO: 14 Common Place Names on O‘ahu and What to Call Them Instead
Kapālama Kai Interactive Games & Prize Giveaways
Throughout February
Kapālama Kai, the neighborhood encompassing Kapālama Canal to Kalihi Street, will have green posters and signs sharing Hawaiian words and phrases to learn ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i as you shop and dine. Scan the QR code on the posters or visit kapalamakai.com/olelo to play four free online pā‘ani (games) that make learning Hawaiian fun and engaging for all ages from keiki to kūpuna.
On the Kapālama Kai website, you’ll also find additional ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i resources and be able to enter to win prizes. Follow @kapalamakai on Instagram and Facebook for the launch announcement.
Family-friendly event, free, Kapālama Kai (Kapālama Center, Dillingham Plaza, Kapālama Shopping Plaza, King-Kohou Retail Center, and other restaurants, retailers and businesses), kapalamakai.com/olelo, @kapalamakai
Guava-Coconut Mocktail Class
Thursday, Feb. 1, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Learn how to make a guava-cocktail mocktail with family and friends with this virtual, bilingual cooking class. Sign up online.
Zippy’s Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i
Friday, Feb. 2, through Sunday, Feb. 4
Throughout the month of February, guests can view the entire Zippy’s menu in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, and the restaurant will host a series of in-person introductory-level Hawaiian language classes in select Hawai‘i and Las Vegas locations. Led by Kumu Jonah Kahanuola Solatorio, guests can learn the basics of the Hawaiian language, including grammar rules, proper pronunciation and foundational sentence structures. Space is limited, and registration is required. Here is the class schedule:
- Friday, Feb. 2, 5 to 6 p.m. at Zippy’s Vineyard
- Saturday, Feb. 3, 10 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. at Zippy’s Makiki
- Sunday, Feb. 4, 3 to 4 p.m. at Zippy’s Vineyard
Family-friendly event, free, Zippy’s Vineyard, 59 N. Vineyard Boulevard, Zippy’s Makiki, 1222 South King St., zippys.com/olelo, @zippys
Photo: Credit Leimaile Barrett
Ola Ka ‘Ī Hawaiian Language Thrives 2024
Saturday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
‘Aha Hui ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i is hosting a fun-filled day of music, hula, storytelling, games, student performances and a Hawaiian language speech competition. Some of the interactive booths will include free crafts for keiki to make and take home. Organized by Kūlaniākea as a way for keiki and families to hear ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i outside of school, the first Ola Ka ‘Ī was held in 2019. The Feb. 3 event will be at Windward Mall, and the Feb. 24 event takes place at Ka Makana Ali‘i.
Family-friendly event, free, Windward Mall, 46-056 Kamehameha Hwy., @windwardmall, Ka Makana Ali‘i, 91-5431 Kapolei Pkwy., @kamakanaalii, mahinaolelohawaii.org
Taste of Kalihi Market
Saturday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Stop by the Kapālama Kai booth at this bimonthly community market for ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i resources, games and giveaways.
Family-friendly event, free, Dillingham Plaza, 1461 Dillingham Blvd. (parking lot next to Burger King), kapalamakai.com, @kapalamakai
SEE ALSO: Family Night Out: 8 Things to Do on O‘ahu
Photo: Courtesy of American Savings Bank
‘Iolani Palace: Kama‘āina Sunday
Sunday, Feb. 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Held every second Sunday of the month, ‘Iolani Palace’s Kama‘āina Sunday for February will focus on Hawaiian language with free audio tours of the palace, presentations, local food vendors, entertainment and interactive activities. Self-led audio tours will be available for the first 500 attendees. A valid Hawai‘i state ID, driver’s license or proof of residency is required for each complimentary ticket. Free parking is available at the Civic Center Municipal Parking Garage, and metered street parking is also free.
Family-friendly event, free, ‘Iolani Palace, 364 South King St., iolanipalace.org, @iolanipalacehi
Image: Courtesy of CreativeMornings
CreativeMornings Honolulu: Kuha‘o Zane
Friday, Feb. 23, 8:30 a.m.
Learn how ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i and cultural values inform the work of Kuha‘o Zane, creative director of Sig Zane Designs and SZKaiao. Plus, enjoy music by Native Hawaiian artists Kalena and Kala‘e Parish, complimentary coffee provided by Honolulu Coffee Company and a light breakfast provided by Kaimana Beach Hotel.
Family-friendly event, free, The Barn at Salt at Our Kaka‘ako, 660 Ala Moana Blvd. creativemornings.com, @saltourkakaako
