Lā Hoʻi Ho'i Ea
July 31 is a national holiday known as Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea (Sovereignty Restoration Day). The national celebration of La Hoihoi Ea was...
KIAʻI THROUGHOUT HISTORY
This page honors the Native Hawaiian kiaʻi (guardian or protector), leaders, activists, advocates, and community members throughout Hawaiian History.
Aina Momona
Marion Anderson Kelly
Marion Anderson Kelly (1919-2011) was a brilliant scholar, tireless activist, loving mother and grandmother, and a true beacon of light...
Aina Momona
Lynette Cruz
Lynette Cruz, was born in Hilo, but raised in Honolulu in the small neighborhood of Kapāhulu in Kona, Oʻahu. She graduated from Kaimukī...
Moanikeala Akaka
Today we honor the legacy of kia’i and visionary, Aunty Moani Akaka. In the struggle for Hawaiian Rights, few if any have fought longer...
Jean Beniamina
Today we honor the life and legacy of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and education pioneer, Jean Beniamina. Jean Ileialoha Keale Beniamina was a Hawaiian...
Samuel Kamakau
Much of what we know about Hawaiian History can be attributed to the work of today’s featured kiaʻi, Samuel Mānaiakalani Kamakau. Samuel...
Lena Machado
For today’s kiaʻi Wednesday, we honor the legacy of Hawai'i's Songbird, Aunty Lena Machado. Lena Kaulumau Wai‘ale‘ale Machado (1903-1974)...
Duke Kahanamoku
Today we celebrate the life of legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku. Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku was born on August 24,...
Gladys Kamakakūokalani ʻAinoa Brandt
Today we celebrate the groundbreaking legacy of educator and civic leader, Gladys Brandt. Gladys A. Brandt (1906-2003), also known as...
William S. Richarson
Today we honor the legacy of one of the most pivotal kiaʻi in Hawaiʻi law and politics of the last century, William S. Richardson....
Ikua Purdy
Today we pay tribute to the great paniolo who paved the way for a generation that came after him, Ikua Purdy. One of the most illustrious...
Hauʻoli Lā Hānau e Walter Ritte
Walter Ritte (Born April 12, 1945) has been a pillar of social activism in Hawaiʻi for over 40 years. Below are resources where you can...
John Ka’imikaua
John Wilbert Edmond Keanuenue Ka’imikaua (1958-2006) was a profound chanter, artist, storyteller, historian, writer, and well known Kumu...
Emma Kaʻilikapuolono Nakuina
Emma Kaʻilikapuolono Metcalf Beckley Nakuina (March 5, 1847-April 27, 1929) is widely regarded as the first female judge of Hawaiʻi. She...
5 Fun Facts about Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole
On this day in 1871, Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole was born in Koloa, Kaua’i. While it is very well known that he played an important...
Patrice Namaka Wiggin Bacon
Patience Elmay Namakauahoaokawenaulaokalaniikikikalaninui Wiggin Bacon (1920-2021) was a living connection to old Hawaiʻi, a repository...
Kini Kapahu Wilson
We continue our #womenshistorymonth series by paying homage to Kini Kapahu Wilson Kini Kapahu Wilson (1872-1962), also known as Jennie,...
Rosalie Keliʻinoe
Rosalie Enos Lyons Keliʻinoi (September 18, 1875 – November 2, 1952) was a Hawaiian politician. She was elected in 1925 to represent...
Isabella Aiona Abbott
In honor of #womenshistorymonth we dedicate this post to none other than Isabella Aiona Abbott. Isabella Aiona Abbott (June 20, 1919 –...
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
To continue with our kia‘i throughout history, we wanted to highlight some facts about one of the most world-renowned kanaka musicians in...
Keala Kawa'auhau
Donald Keala Kawa’auhau, Jr. (April 09, 1971 - August 27, 2018) was a Native Hawaiian activist, Hawaiian Language teacher, radio...
A Conversation with Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu
In a recent Zoom interview, Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu spoke with Āina Momona about her background, her thoughts about aloha ʻāina and the...
Frenchy DeSoto
Adelaide Keanuenueokalaninuiamamao "Frenchy" DeSoto (February 4, 1929 - January 21, 2011) was a kupuna of the Native Hawaiian movement, a...
Queen Liliʻuokalani
We wanted to dedicate this post to sharing 5 fun facts about Queen Liliʻuokalani taken from the book "Liliʻuokalani” by Ruby Hasegawa...
Charles Kauluwehi Maxwell
Charles Kauluwehi Maxwell (May 14, 1937 - March 15, 2012) best known as "Uncle Charlie", was a Native Hawaiian leader, cultural...
A Conversation with Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio
In a recent Zoom interview, Dr. Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio spoke with Āina Momona about her background, her experience during the...
ʻIolani Luahine
ʻIolani Luahine (January 31, 1915 – December 10, 1978), born Harriet Lanihau Makekau, was a native Hawaiian kumu hula, dancer, chanter...
Kimo Mitchell
James Kimo Mitchell was the other was born in Keanae, Maui on February 15, 1952, the youngest of Harry Mitchell Sr. and Pearl Mitchell’s...
Edith Kanakaʻole
Hawaiian composer, chanter, dancer, teacher, and entertainer, Edith Kanakaʻole (October 30, 1913- October 3, 1979) wrote the history of...
A Conversation with Pua Case
In a recent Zoom interview, Pua Case spoke with Āina Momona about her background, the founding of her non-profit organization, Mauna Kea...
Kalani Ohelo
Clyde Maurice “Kalani” Ohelo (July 8, 1950 - April 7 2018), became an early symbol of the Native Hawaiian political movement in the...
Gayle Kawaipuna Prejean
Gayle Kawaipuna Prejean (April 14, 1943 – April 14, 1992), was a Native Hawaiian aloha ʻāina advocate and activist that dedicated his...
Loretta Ritte
An activist, mother, hula practitioner, and champion of Hawaiian rights, Loretta Ritte has dedicated her life to Hawaiian land and...
Mary Kawena Pukui
Mary Abigail Kawenaʻulaokalaniahiʻiakaikapoliopelekawahineʻaihonuaināleilehuaapele Wiggin Pukui, ( April 20, 1895 –...
George Helm
George Jarrett Helm Jr., (March 23, 1950 – March 7, 1977)was a Native Hawaiian aloha ʻāina activist, musician and hero from Kalamaʻula...
Haunani Kay-Trask
A Native Hawaiian professor, poet, author, leader of social and political justice, and human rights organizer, many know Dr. Haunani-Kay...