University of Hawai'i at Hilo graduate, teacher and award-winning musician Kainani Kahaunaele works to "be the example" that the Hawaiian language can be used in the 21st century.
"Having the Hawaiian language almost at extinction, but being here during the revitalization, all the kumus, including myself, see every student as a way for our language to live further," Kahaunaele said in a release on the university's website.
Kahaunaele now teaches at the Ka Haha 'Ula O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language, but before that studied the language as a student. She said the Hawaiian Leadership Development Conference she attended at UH Hilo as a Kaua'i Community College student and member of the school's Hawaiian club sparked her interest in the university.
Her earliest language influences included Kauanoe Kamanā, Taupori Tangarō, Larry Lindsey Kimura, and other Native Hawaiian speaking elders.
"To have access to them through our college was one of the best benefits as young Hawaiian language learners," she said.
Kahaunaele graduated with a bachelor's degree in Hawaiian studies and a master's degree in Hawaiian language and literature. Her love of the language and passion to teach it extends beyond the campus. She expands the reach of her lessons through her music, and has won four Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards. A successful music career that all started when she was a college student. It developed into a solo musical career in the late 1990s. "Waipunalei" was the third album she recorded and was released three months ago.
She said it doesn't matter the platform, whether it's on a stage or in a classroom, her goal is to teach and advocate "all things Hawaiian."
"I have to be the example that Hawaiian is a living language that you can apply in all facets of your life," Kahaunaele said.
She credits much of her accomplishments to her former mentors and peers who helped expand her knowledge of the language and culture.