VIDEO: Hawaiian language children’s book joins global collection

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

I Kanaka Mai I Ke Aha? book cover

Kaʻiuokalani Damas reading the book with daughters Haliʻi and Iunia.

Kindergarteners at Ke Kula O Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu

Link to video and sound (details below): https://go.hawaii.edu/Mo8

Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo has partnered with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to publish a Hawaiian adaptation of the internationally acclaimed children’s book What Makes Us Human? The book, titled I Kanaka Mai I Ke Aha?, was released on February 21 in recognition of UNESCO’s International Mother Language Day, aligning with the ongoing International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032) co-led by UNESCO.

“The publication of I Kanaka Mai I Ke Aha? in Hawaiian is another important step in reaffirming our language on the global stage,” said Kaʻiu Kimura, director of UH Hilo’s College of Hawaiian Language. “It not only contributes to our children’s literacy and language development but also reinforces the significance of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) as a living language, capable of engaging with the world.”

Originally written in Portuguese by Brazilian-American author and linguist Victor D. O. Santos, the book is structured as a riddle, guiding children through the significance of language as a defining element of humanity. Hawaiian is the first Native American language and the first Pacific Island language in which the book has been published.

A playful language  

The Hawaiian adaptation was crafted by Kaʻiuokalani Damas, an assistant professor of Hawaiian and Hawaiian studies at UH Hilo, in collaboration with his wife Kauʻilani, a teacher at Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu Hawaiian medium school. The couple is raising their daughters as first-language Hawaiian speakers.

“Hawaiian is a playful language, rich with wit and double meanings,” Damas explained. “This book highlights the critical role of language in human identity while introducing young Hawaiian speakers to the joy of riddles and wordplay.”

Language preservation 

The Hawaiian edition joins other Indigenous language versions, such as Mapuzungun of the Mapuche in Chile and Hñähñü of the Otomí in Mexico. UNESCO’s Indigenous Languages Decade highlights the urgency of language preservation. UH Hilo’s Hawaiian Language College leads national revitalization efforts through the National Native American Language Resource Center.  Hawaiʻi’s 4,000+ students in Hawaiian medium schools mark a dramatic resurgence from fewer than 50 child speakers just 40 years ago, making it the largest initiative of its kind for a Native American language.

Early literacy is critical in growing the next generation of Hawaiian speakers. Hawaiian medium preschoolers learn to read two years earlier than their English-medium peers through the Hakalama method, a syllable-based system designed for Hawaiian’s unique structure. This approach fosters strong literacy skills and long-term fluency.

The final production of I Kanaka Mai I Ke Aha? was completed through Hale Kuamoʻo Hawaiian Language Center at UH Hilo. Copies are available for pre-order at bit.ly/preorderIKMKA.

Link to video and sound (details below): https://go.hawaii.edu/Mo8

B-ROLL: (1 minute, 34 seconds)

0:00 – 0:14 College of Hawaiian Language welcoming and engaging Indigenous language advocates

0:14 – 0:22 Ojibwe and Yup’ik Immersion classrooms during Hawaiian Language College visits

0:22 – 0:29 Kaʻiuokalani Damas reading the book in his office

0:29 – 0:48 Damas at home reading the book with his daughters Haliʻi and Iunia

0:48 – 1:11 Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu kindergarteners reading in their classroom

1:11 – 1:34 Scenes from the Pūnana Leo preschool featuring their literacy programs and lesson time

Pronunciation guide:

Kaʻiu Kimura (KUH-ee-you)

Kaʻiuokalani Damas (KUH-ee-you OH-kuh LAH-knee Da-muss)

I Kanaka Mai I Ke Aha (EE KUH-nah-ku MYE EE KEH AH-huh)

Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikolani (KUH Ha-kuh OO-lah OH KEH-ay-lee-koh-lah-knee)

SOUND BITES:

Kaʻiu Kimura / Director, Ka Haka ‘Ula o Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language

(17 seconds)

“We are very fortunate to have experienced some progress and success as it relates to Hawaiian language revitalization, but there’s a lot more work to be done. And so critical to our continued success is our ability to work collectively as Indigenous, endangered languages across the world.”

Kaʻiuokalani Damas / Assistant Professor, Ka Haka ‘Ula o Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language

(12 seconds)

“He papahana kēia mai ka pae kula kamaliʻi a hiki loa i ka puka ʻana he laeʻula paha. A no laila, ʻaʻole pili wale nō kā mākou mau hana i ka honua kulanu i nei.”

(12 seconds)  Same SOT as above with English subtitles

“He papahana kēia mai ka pae kula kamaliʻi a hiki loa i ka puka ʻana he laeʻula paha. A no laila, ʻaʻole pili wale nō kā mākou mau hana i ka honua kulanu i nei.”

(Our language revitalization programming includes our preschool through a doctoral program. So, our work isn’t only focused on our endeavors here at the University.)

(8 seconds)

“Nui loa ka makemake o ka Hawai’i i ka nane. Mai ka wā ma mua loa mai, haku ʻia nā moʻolelo piha e pili ana i ka pāʻani ʻana ma ka nane.”

(8 seconds)  Same SOT as above with English subtitles 

“Nui loa ka makemake o ka Hawai’i i ka nane. Mai ka wā ma mua loa mai, haku ʻia nā moʻolelo piha e pili ana i ka pāʻani ʻana ma ka nane.”

(Hawaiians have long embraced the art of riddles and wordplay. Entire stories were written about characters immersed in the art of riddling)

(14 seconds)

“Ma muli o koʻu hoihoi i ka nane, hoihoi lāua i ka haku nane liʻiliʻi i kekahi manawa. No laila, kēia ʻano puke, ua lilo he pāʻani i waena o mākou. Nui ka leʻaleʻa. Hauʻoli au i ko lāua hoihoi i kekahi puke.”

(14 seconds)  Same SOT as above with English subtitles

“Ma muli o koʻu hoihoi i ka nane, hoihoi lāua i ka haku nane liʻiliʻi i kekahi manawa. No laila, kēia ʻano puke, ua lilo he pāʻani i waena o mākou. Nui ka leʻaleʻa. Hauʻoli au i ko lāua hoihoi i kekahi puke.”

(Because of my interest in riddles and wordplay, they have come to enjoy making their own simple ones at times. So, this book has become something fun and playful for us. It makes me happy to see them enjoy it so much!)

Edited Video Piece (1 minute, 35 seconds) available here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eKMTCSPtiksSunUXSX71o7zyEnmsmzZE?usp=drive_link

About Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani, Hawaiian Language College

Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani (KHʻUOK) is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the Hawaiian language and culture. Based at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, the college offers programs in Hawaiian language, linguistics, education, and Indigenous studies. As a global leader in Indigenous language revitalization, KHʻUOK provides a vibrant space for students to immerse themselves in Hawaiian values, traditions, and practices, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond. More information is available at www.olelo.hawaii.edu.

About Hale Kuamoʻo Hawaiian Language Center

Hale Kuamoʻo, housed within Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, is dedicated to advancing Hawaiian language education and literacy. The center develops curriculum, instructional materials, and research to support Hawaiian medium-immersion education and language revitalization efforts statewide. Through publishing, teacher training, and community engagement, Hale Kuamoʻo plays a crucial role in ensuring the growth and sustainability of Hawaiian as a living language for future generations. More on Hale Kuamoʻo.

About International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day, observed annually on February 21, was established by UNESCO in 1999 to promote linguistic diversity and multilingual education while raising awareness about language endangerment. The observance highlights the critical role languages play in cultural identity, education, and social inclusion. More information can be found at www.unesco.org.