February 7, 2024
With games, activities and mele, there was something for everyone at this year's kickoff Ola Ka ʻĪ event at Windward Mall. The collaboration between Kūlaniākea, Kanaeokana and KS Kaiāulu brings together more than 100 students from Hawaiian language immersion schools, teachers, ʻohana and 30+ community organizations to normalize ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi in public spaces. Celebrate at the next Ola Ka ʻĪ event closest to you:
Keiki play kōnane on the upper level of Windward Mall.
Koʻolau Speech Competition Division III Winners (left to right): 3rd Place: Melenaa Malohi, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Pūʻōhala, Papa 8 2nd Place: Kaleihiwa DeMello, Ke Kula ʻo Samuel M. Kamakau, Papa 6 1st Place: Ulumahiehie Beazley, Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, Papa 7
Koʻolau Speech Competition Division II Winners (left to right): Division II L-R 1st Place: Kekahuapaʻa Nakasone, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Hauʻula, Papa 3 2nd Place: Kamahaʻo Torres, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Pūʻōhala, Papa 4 3rd Place: Liuafi Lokeni, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Pūʻōhala, Papa 5
Keiki learn about Native Hawaiian voyaging on the upper level of Windward Mall.
Koʻolau Speech Competition Division IV Winners (left to right): 1st Place: Moani Mirafuentes, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Pūʻōhala, Papa 10 2nd Place: Kalaiku Walk, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Pūʻōhala, Papa 10 3rd Place: Kalanianaole Hoapili, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Pūʻōhala, Papa 9
Event emcees Ekela Kaniaupio-Crozier (far left) and Hau'oli Akaka (far right) pose for a picture at Ola Ka ʻĪ Koʻolau.
Koʻolau Speech Competition Division I Winners (left to right): 3rd Place: Kuahiwi Comstock, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Pūʻōhala, Papa 1 2nd Place: Tumau Lokeni, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Pūʻōhala, Papa 2 1st Place: Kamāhana Watson, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Pūʻōhala, Papa 2
As a prize giveaway, surfer Ēweleiʻula Wong donated one of her surfboards.
Koʻolau Speech Competition Division V Winners (left to right): 1st Place: Keolahou Ake, Windward Community College 2nd Place: Thayne Kekua Duarte, Windward Community College (not pictured) 3rd Place: Kehaulani Custino, Windward Community College