COMMUNITY

Throughout Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, Ola Ka ‘Ī brought together students, educators and community members to celebrate the resilience and vibrancy of the Hawaiian language. Across Hawai‘i pae ‘āina, the beauty of the Hawaiian culture and identity came to life as kūpuna graced the stage, sharing songs with dancing keiki, while artists and practitioners shared their ‘ike Hawai‘i-infused works with the crowds.

“It feels overwhelming and I’m constantly fighting back the tears with all the beautiful moments that are happening,” said Keonilei Lealiifano, the president of Nā Leo Kāko‘o O‘ahu, the parent-teacher association for Ke Kula Kaiaupuni ‘o Ānuenue, who helped facilitate the first Ola Ka ‘Ī at Kāhala Mall this year.

“This is a culmination of our mission and vision to see this happening. This interaction between all these different communities, bringing us together for ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, mea Hawai‘i and more,” Lealiifano said. “There is no better feeling.”

From hands-on activities engaging ‘ohana to commanding speech performances that captivated audiences, Ola Ka ‘Ī celebrated the ongoing work to revitalize and normalize ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i. As the lāhui gathered in laughter and learning, the language continued to thrive in interactions far beyond the gathering. Like a booming chorus, it is a reminder that ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i is not only heard, but felt, seen and lived.