How to Celebrate Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi in 2025
Learn more about the Hawaiian language with these resources.
February is Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, Hawaiian Language Month, and it’s now more important than ever to celebrate this living language by learning, embracing and respecting it. Whether you’re malihini (newcomer or visitor) or kama‘āina (resident), these resources can help you get started.
This is by no means a comprehensive list—thanks to the hard work of cultural practitioners and protectors, there is an abundance of resources, projects and organizations dedicated to the revitalization of ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i. If one method of learning isn’t right for you, try another—or try a combination of them.
As the Hawaiian proverb says, “‘A‘ohe pau ka ‘ike i ka hālau ho‘okahi.” (All knowledge is not taught in the same school.)
Learn the Language Online
Kaneokana
Kaneokana, an organization with a mission to “collaboratively develop and strengthen a Native Hawaiian education system built on a strong ‘ōlelo Hawai’i and ‘ike Hawai’i foundation,” is an excellent general resource for all things ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i. They provide a variety of options for those just starting out from online resources to those looking for language immersion programs. The website is really nicely put together, making it easy to find something for everyone. It even tells you how to watch your favorite Netflix movies with ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i subtitles!
‘ŌiwiTV YouTube Channel
If you’re considering beginning (or continuing) a journey to learn ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, this video from ‘ŌiwiTV is a great place to start. ‘Āha‘i ‘Ōlelo Ola (Messenger of a Living Language): ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i is a 30-minute video that gives viewers a look into the language’s history, near extinction and subsequent revitalization. After watching this video, continue browsing other videos on the ‘ŌiwiTV Channel to learn continue your learning journey. ‘ŌiwiTV also offers Ka Leo ‘Ōiwi, a series of 13 immersive classes ranging from 20 to 30 minutes. ʻĀhaʻi ʻŌlelo Ola | ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
ʻŌlelo Online
Haumana (students) of ‘ōlelo Hawai’i can find live Zoom classes at ʻŌlelo Online—“your online Hawaiian language classroom.” The Zoom-based live, virtual classes are led by kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp over the course of eight weeks and are available for all levels. Each course costs $80 and students can find sample classes to try before committing. For those who don’t want to join the live courses, the website offers audio, video, and textual lessons to study at your own pace.
Keiki Learning Channels
Bright colors, cute animations and catchy music make learning basic Hawaiian words fun and easy for both kids and adults. There are a few channels on YouTube featuring content focused at keiki including Nanea TV, Ka Hale Hoaka and Makaʻiwa Keiki.
Learn the Language On Your Phone
Podcasts
Podcasts are a great way for auditory learners to immerse themselves in language pronunciation and flow. Give mai ka pūnana mai or Ka ‘Alalā a try to listen to the language on the go. Most are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Niuolahiki Online Learning Apps
Niukolahiki offers two free apps to learn the Hawaiian language. Ka Hakalama, a game that helps students learn the 90 hakalama syllables that serve as building blocks of the language. The game is available for Android and Apple devices. They also offer Kīpaepae for Apple devices which offers practice phrases, sentences, listening comprehension, and more to help you learn. For more traditional learning options, they also offer a variety of (paid) classes online.
Duolingo
Though Duolingo may not be the most authentic way to learn the Hawaiian language if you’re wanting to dive deep, it’s an easy, accessible, and fun way to get started. For kids, the Dinolingo app offers learning opportunities utilizing lessons, worksheets, and games.
Lehulehu Game App
To practice vocabulary, Lehulehu is a Hawaiian language version of Scrabble that you can play with strangers or friends. The app was created by Kail Loa Inc, with funding by the U.S. Department of Education Native Hawaiian Education Programs Grant. It is available in both the Google Play and iTunes stores.
Learn Through Social Media
Hawaiian Language Learning Network
This very active Facebook group with more than 12,000 members worldwide offers a judgment-free zone (if that’s even possible on social media) to discuss all things Hawaiian language. Resources are shared regularly and it’s easy to ask questions of the group in this supportive environment.
Hawaiian Language Hacks
This Instagram account is run by Kekoa Lake, son of kumu John Keola Lake who wrote “ʻŌlelo Hou: Beginning Conversation Hawaiian.” The account currently has 900+ posts of short videos featuring cartoon characters acting out every day scenarios explained through the introduction of Hawaiian words.
E Ho‘opili Mai
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Kumu Kahanuola Solatorio uses Instagram videos to teach the #alivelanguage of Hawai‘i. The easy skills that he teaches are easily applicable to your daily life, and his stories let you peer into his life and how he practices the language.
Learn the Language In Person
Ola Ka‘ī Events
There are plenty of events celebrating the language throughout the month, and the Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i website hosts the most up-to-date collection of these events. This year’s events include Ola Ka‘ī events held across the four major Islands. The event series kicks off on Pepeluali (February) 1 at Windward Mall on O‘ahu.
Zippy’s
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One of Hawai’i’s most beloved eateries is doing its part to bring ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i to its customers. Zippy’s is offering two in-person classes, one at the Arroyo Crossing (O‘ahu) and Vineyard (Las Vegas) locations. They also partnered with kumu Kahanuola Solatorio to create a few introductory videos for their website, including lessons that teach how to order your favorite foods at Zippy’s.
Learn the Language from Books
There are a handful of independent bookstores across the Islands that are home to a variety of Hawaiian language books that help advance grammar, vocabulary, and usage of the language. These stores offer a variety of books that appeal to different learners from keiki board books to advanced grammar for proficient speakers. Bishop Museum on Oʻahu, Native Books in Chinatown, Basically Books in Hilo, and Talk Story Bookstore in Hanapēpē on Kauaʻi are all great places to start digging around for the perfect guide (most of these independent bookstores also ship).
Here are a few recommended titles to get you started:
- “‘Ōlelo ‘Oiwi: Hawaiian Language Fundamentals” by Hokulani Cleeland
- “Nā Kai ‘Ewalu” by Kauanoe Kamanā and Pila Wilson
- “Ka Lei Ha‘aheo” by Alberta Pualani Hopkins
- “Hawaiian Language Past, Present, Future” by Albert J Schutz
- “Learn Hawaiian at Home” by Kahikakealani Wright
- “ʻŌlelo Hou: Beginning Conversation Hawaiian” by John Keolamakaʻāinana Lake
- “Spoken Hawaiian” by Samuel Elbert
