Aloha kakou, 

If you’ve been here for a while, it shouldn’t be a surprise when I say that you can find most answers to your questions about learning Hawaiian by listening to Native speakers. 

By consistently listening to Native speakers, you will naturally...

Aloha mai,

The first time I heard the word moaukala I was super confused. I knew the context, but not this one word. Why hadn’t I heard this word before? 

Later, I found this word in the *Mamaka Kaiao dictionary and apparently, the word was created to...

Aloha mai kakou,

Let’s get right into it. I want to talk about another new word… hauki. 

Hauki is actually taken from the Tahitian word “hauti.” I did some research on the word, but I also talked to a friend of mine who is a linguist and fluent in...

Auhea ka poe imi naauao,

Okay, are you ready for this one…? Because I’ve been waiting to crack this wide open.

There’s a new Hawaiian word, anila (weather), and people have become very attached to it. 

Please don’t use this word.

The word...

Ke mahalo aku nei au ia oukou,

I’m really feeling very grateful that I get to teach Hawaiian full-time. This is what I want to be doing, and it’s possible because of you guys. 

I’m truly grateful to my students who took my first course. Your support allowed me...

Aloha mai kakou,

Now that you all have your vocabulary lists in your homes (like we talked about last week), let’s take your language skills to the next level.

Putting those words into phrases will help fill your day with plenty of ways to use Hawaiian… and it’s...

Aloha e ka poe haumana olelo Hawaii,

Have you ever said something (in English or Hawaiian) and it came out wrong? Yeah, me too. 

Memorizing vocabulary and phrases is a really important part of expressing yourself and there are plenty of ways to do it. 

Here are 3...

Aloha mai kakou,

What do you think of when you hear Hawaiian music? Does it remind you of your kupuna? Do you wish you knew what they were saying? Do the melodies stir something in you?

Hawaiian music is an enjoyable way to listen to the language. If you’ve been diligent at...

Aloha, 

Does your neighbor’s cousin’s uncle speak Hawaiian? Right on. But how do you know if he’s a good source to learn from?

One of the obstacles of learning Hawaiian is knowing what sources are to be trusted.  

Be very wary of people on...

Aloha mai kakou,

Over the years I’ve built a large following on Instagram. That’s probably where many of you found me, and I’m grateful you did. Social media is a great tool for correcting misconceptions about Hawaii, our culture and the language. When I started sharing...

Aloha e ka poe heluhelu,

One of the hardest parts of learning Hawaiian is this: you need to be patient. 

Don’t just get caught up in the hype of it all. Really consider a long-term commitment to the process of learning and perpetuating the Hawaiian language. 

Aloha,

If you’re feeling the excitement of perpetuating the Hawaiian language, I’ll tell you right now, you’re in the right place.

I’ve really been enjoying interacting with you folks here online and also in person at workshops and local events. It’s...