PAPA ’ŌLELO HAWAI’I
Hawaiian Language Instruction
Papa ’Ōlelo Hawai’i is an immersive language program designed to guide students from beginner to fluency in ’Ōlelo Hawai’i. Rooted in cultural pride and revitalization, the program begins with foundational instruction in grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure, providing the tools needed to speak, read, and write in the Hawaiian language.
As students progress, learning deepens through the study of mo’olelo (traditional stories), wahi pana (storied and sacred places), and ’oli and mele (chants and songs) that carry the heartbeat of our culture. Lessons are also enriched by exploring the natural world through a Hawaiian lens connecting language to ecological knowledge, seasonal patterns, and culturally significant occurrences in nature.
Mālia ’Alohilani Kuala Rogers teaches the language of our ancestors.
Her goal is to see the revitalization of the Hawaiian Language and culture here in Hawai’i through the education of our kamali’i, with a specific emphasis on Kaua’i.
She enjoys spending time with her ’ohana and reading, especially stories and articles from old Hawaiian language newspapers and books.
Papa ’Ōlelo Hawaiʻi is more than language instruction, it’s a pathway to understanding identity, history, and kuleana. Through this program, students reconnect with their heritage and gain the voice to carry our language forward.
HUAKA’I
Cultural and Environmental Exploration
The Huaka’i program takes participants on guided hikes into the ahupua’a, offering hands-on learning experiences deeply rooted in traditional Hawaiian knowledge. Along the way, participants learn to identify and understand various forms of lā’au including native plants, animals, minerals, water systems, and celestial elements like the sky and stars and their roles within the natural and spiritual balance of the land.
Each huaka’i (journey) fosters a connection to ’āina, teaching not only scientific understanding but cultural responsibility.
These experiences help participants see the environment through a Hawaiian worldview as something to mālama (care for), not just observe.
To support this work, the program also maintains a living nursery of selected native and canoe plants. These are cultivated for cultural practices, educational workshops, and restoration efforts ensuring that future generations have access to the plants and knowledge that have sustained our people for centuries.
E Hui Pū Kākou no ka Hana Maika’i
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Whether you’re interested in strategic partnerships, volunteering, or just want more information, please connect with our Charity Project Director.
