Hawaii State
Public Library System

Posted on: February 1, 2024 | Category: Uncategorized

February is Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian Language Month). Learn, practice, and speak the native language of Hawai‘i.

Our public libraries can help you learn about the Hawaiian language. Some library branches have bilingual signage: ‘Āina Haina, Kahuku, Kahului, Liliha, McCully-Mō‘ili‘ili, Nā‘ālehu, Nānākuli, Salt Lake-Moanalua, Wai‘anae, Waimānalo, Waimea (Kaua‘i), and more locations to come! Whether you are interested in language, history, mele, the arts, or more, you can find something at our libraries.

Here is a quick list of materials and resources available:

• Learn a Hawaiian Word of the Day
• Browse our catalog to learn about Hawaiian place names, royalty, poetry, crafts, or cuisine.
• Learn Hawaiian online with Mango Languages, or with book/CD sets, or books either in Hawaiian only, or that are bilingual.
• Borrow an ‘ukulele from all library locations, along with Hawaiian music song books.
• Enjoy Hawaiian music CDs, including recorded live concerts.
• Watch DVDs of performances like Holo Mai Pele, documentaries like Ho‘ohali‘a: Stories From Our Kupuna, or films like Disney’s Moana in Hawaiian.

Several classic books have been translated into ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i and are available in our catalog.

• Alice’s adventures in Wonderland. (Nā Hana Kupanaha a ʻĀleka ma ka ʻĀina Kamahaʻo) translated by Keao NeSmith.
• Harry Potter a me ka pōhaku akeakamai translated by Keao NeSmith.
• Hobbit. (Ka Hopita : a i ʻole i laila a hoʻi hou mai) translated by Keao NeSmith.
• Wizard of Oz. (Ke kāula kamahaʻo o ʻOza)  translated by Keao NeSmith.

We even have a few virtual book talks with Hawaiian words and phrases on the HSPLS YouTube channel!

So, whatever your interest and comfort level, there’s something for keiki to kūpuna at your local library.