ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi was declared an official language of the State of Hawaiʻi in 1978 and in 2013, Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi was officially established to celebrate and promote the use of the Hawaiian language.  This celebration and recognition of Hawaiʻi’s indigenous language takes place every February.

For businesses in Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian language month can foster a deeper connection to the local culture, enhance employee engagement, and demonstrate a commitment to cultural preservation. Embracing ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi in the workplace not only honors the rich heritage of Hawaiʻi but also creates a more inclusive and respectful environment for employees and customers alike.

Here are ways you and your organization can celebrate Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and integrate Hawaiian language and values in your workplace.

1. Language Practice

• Daily Practices: At large meetings or gatherings, consider beginning with an oli (chant) or pule (prayer) allowing every member of the meeting to reset and get mākaukau (ready) for a great discussion ahead.
• Daily Phrases: Consider incorporating a Hawaiian word or phrase of the day to make ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi a natural part of daily conversations. For example:

• • Aloha (Hello/Goodbye)
  • Aloha kākou (Greetings to all)
  • Mahalo (Thank you)
  • Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much)
  • Pehea ‘oe (How are you?)
  • E mālama pono (Take good care)
  • E kala mai (Excuse me)
  • ʻAʻole pilikia (No problem)
  • A hui hou (Until we meet again)

• Written Communications: Update your greetings in email communications and signatures to ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Examples include:
  OPENINGS
  • Aloha e [Name], – Hello [Name],
  • Aloha mai kākou, – Greetings to all of us (useful for group emails)
  • Aloha kāua, – Greetings to both of us (more personal)

CLOSINGS

• • Me ke aloha (With warm regards)
  • Naʻu me ka haʻahaʻa (By me with humility)
  • I lā maikaʻi iā ʻoe (Have a nice day)

2. Cultural Integration

• Cultural Workshops: Invite cultural experts to share manaʻo (thoughts), moʻolelo (stories) and Hawaiian practices such as lei making and mele with you and your team. Not only do you all grow together, but it gives you an opportunity to build pilina (relationships) as a team.
• Hawaiian Holidays: Recognize important Hawaiian cultural events throughout the year and encourage the use of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi during these times.

3. Place-Based Learning

• Field Trips and Site Visits: Organize visits to culturally significant sites, such as heiau (temples), loko iʻa (fishponds), and loʻi kalo (taro patches). Use these visits to teach ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi in context, discussing the history and significance of each place.
• Community Projects: Engage in community service projects that involve mālama ʻāina (caring for the land), such as beach cleanups, reforestation efforts, or maintaining cultural sites. Use these opportunities to practice ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.

4. Office Environment

• Resource Corner: Create a resource corner with books, dictionaries, and other materials in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Encourage employees to explore and learn at their own pace.

5. Share Digital Resources

One of the amazing things about ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is the wealth of resources available, making it easy to learn and grow at your own pace. Here are a few you can explore all year long!

• • Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi :  Visit this online dashboard for events during Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi,  a newsletter, and social media feed of community posts.
  • ʻAha Pūnana Leo: A variety of resources from immersion school, ʻAha Pūnana Leo, including video lessons, language learning apps and more.
  • ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i Kākou? – Kanaeokana: Resources for businesses and learners of all levels.
  • ʻŌlelo Online – Your Online Hawaiian Language Classroom: Provides online language learning through weekly Zoom-based classes, YouTube video lessons, and self-paced online courses.
  • E Hoʻopili Mai (@ehoopilimai) : Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube accounts providing free digital language-learning resources from kumu Kahanuola Solatario.
  • Ka Alalā (@ka_alala): Instagram account blending ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and humor.
  • Hua Maka (@halekuamoo): Instagram account by UH Hilo, offering weekly video lessons in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
  • Wehewehe.org: Hawaiian language dictionaries searchable cover-to-cover.
  • Duolingo: This popular app has a full free course for ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi that gamifies language learning. Available for desktop or mobile app use.

We invite you to celebrate Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi with us and continue supporting Hawaiian language and culture in the workplace year-round. E ola mau ka ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi! Long live the Hawaiian language!