In a creative effort to deepen understanding of Hawaiʻiʻs rich cultural heritage, the Native Hawaiian Place of Learning (NHPoL) Advancement Office at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has unveiled a monthly social media campaign aimed at fostering learning and connection. The Hawaiian Calendar Event Moʻolelo project will feature posts on NHPoL’s Instagram (@nhpolmanoa) that highlight significant Native Hawaiian cultural, historical, or commemorative events. Viewers are then invited to engage by sharing their own moʻolelo (stories) inspired by the featured event.
“This project emerges from campus conversations and acknowledging the need to learn more about Hawaiʻi while also celebrating the diversity of our communities,” said Kaiwipunikauikawēkiu Punihei Lipe, director of NHPoL.
Inspirational moʻolelo
NHPoL debuted the project with a post in May honoring late Kumu Hula Maiki Aiu Lake’s lā hānau (birthday). Viewers were asked to share stories of influential wahine (women) leaders in their culture, family or community. The post prompted users to reflect on the wisdom passed down by these wahine and how they have served as sources of inspiration. One of the responses came from Wiliama Sanchez, a staff member from UH Mānoa’s Division of Student Success.
Sanchez’ post in May 2024:
“My mother has truly taught me what it means to authentically care for myself, my family, and my community. Every morning before I head out to work, she tells me ‘uplift the lāhui.’ My mother has dedicated her life to caring for the children of Hawaiʻi as a Social Worker with Child Welfare Services.”
Breathing life into connections
The driving force behind this initiative is Kamakani Albano, a graduate student in political science who is leading the project at NHPoL.
“It is my hope that through featuring our various stories, we remember our kuleana (responsibility) to Hawaiʻi and her keiki (children), while breathing life into the connections we have to one another across cultures, ʻāina (land) and genealogies,” Albano said.
Connect with NHPoL
NHPoL encourages the UH Mānoa community to keep an eye out for the monthly posts and to share their stories via direct message on Instagram. Responses will also be posted on NHPoL’s website.
