HONOLULU – The Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) is proud to present a series of events celebrating Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month). These initiatives offer the community meaningful opportunities to engage with and celebrate ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, including a special outreach event for Hawaiian-speaking youth, storytelling sessions featuring esteemed cultural experts, and a leadership workshop led by Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, cultural ambassador for the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA).
With the theme “Hele mai … Aʻo mai” (“Come … Learn”), MOCA hopes to inspire the community to immerse themselves in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi throughout the month, helping to preserve and honor Hawaiʻi’s rich cultural heritage.
Ola Ka ʻĪ at Windward Mall: Inspiring the Next Generation
February 1, 2025 – MOCA will participate in Ola Ka ʻĪ at Windward Mall, the kickoff event for Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. This 4th annual gathering brings together thousands of students and families from Hawaiian Charter and Immersion Schools across the island.
A key highlight will be Native Hawaiian representatives from City and County of Honolulu first responder agencies, including the Honolulu Police Department, Honolulu Fire Department, Emergency Management, and Ocean Safety. These interactions aim to inspire the next generation of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi speakers. “Seeing their heroes—who serve our community daily—speaking Hawaiian is a powerful way to inspire our keiki and normalize ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi in all aspects of life,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
Storytelling Events at Downtown Art Center (DAC)
MOCA and Downtown Art Center (DAC) are partnering to present two special storytelling sessions led by renowned cultural experts Kumu Hula Ainsley Halemanuand Dr. Sam ʻOhu Gon III. These events showcase the power of moʻolelo (storytelling) in preserving and sharing Hawaiian history, values, and traditions.
Event Details:
Session 1: Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. | Kumu Hula Ainsley Halemanu
Session 2: Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. | Dr. Sam ʻOhu Gon IIILocation: Downtown Art Center, 1041 Nuʻuanu Ave., Honolulu, HI
Please follow the link to register.
ʻIke Hawaiʻi Presented by Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu
Calling all Leaders! Join Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu and discover the importance of kūlana (role) and kuleana (responsibility) in fostering personal and professional empowerment. This workshop will explore the vital role of language and culture in community building, while empowering organizational leaders to integrate and embrace Hawaiian values.
- Date & Time: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Location: Mission Memorial Auditorium
- Please follow thelink to register.
Additional Activities
- Ōlelo Hawaiʻi Cards: Nearly 100 City offices will receive Hawaiian language phrase cards created by Kūlaniākea Hawaiian Immersion Preschool & Kindergarten to encourage daily use of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
- Social Media Collaboration: MOCA will collaborate with Kūlaniākea keiki (children) and City leaders to create engaging ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi content on Instagram (@HNL_MOCA) throughout February.
- Hawaiian Language Classes for City Employees: Beginning in February, these ongoing classes will provide City and County employees with opportunities to learn and use ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi in the workplace.
A Commitment to Hawaiian Language and Culture
“At MOCA, our mission is to honor and share the depth and beauty of our communities’ varied cultures. Through a series of curated programs and events, we place ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi at the heart of our conversations for the month of February, inspiring pride and connection across all cultures. Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is a meaningful opportunity to elevate our state’s rich and vibrant language that we celebrate every day!” said Kaʻili Trask O’Connell, Executive Director of MOCA.
For more information on Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi activities, please contact MOCA at (808) 768-6622 or visit honolulumoca.org/events/
—PAU—
