Hawaiian language immersion programs across the state are growing fast, however schools need more qualified teachers to meet that demand. At the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo, Kananinohea “Kanani” Mākaʻimoku is working to help fill that gap.

As director of the within the UH Hilo, Mākaʻimoku prepares educators to teach in Hawaiian medium and immersion schools. Throughout the past decade, the state’s Hawaiian immersion program has grown by 67 percent.

Kahuawaiola is a three-semester graduate certificate delivered in ʻōlelo �鶹��ý (Hawaiian). During the pandemic, Mākaʻimoku helped shift the program online, reshaping and expanding access.

“Since 2020, the average number of students enrolling from the outer islands has increased by approximately 56 percent compared to the program’s pre-2020 history,” said Mākaʻimoku.

She has seen firsthand how hybrid learning has opened doors for students in rural communities, including areas such as Lānaʻi and Hāna. That access drives her to reach even more future educators as the need continues to grow. Since its inception, Kahuawaiola has prepared 164 certified teachers.

“By preparing teachers who are fluent in Hawaiian and grounded in culturally responsive pedagogy, we ensure that Hawaiian language medium and immersion schools can continue to serve families across the state,” Mākaʻimoku said, noting that education has long been one of the most effective ways to reverse language loss in �鶹��ý.

Full-circle journey

Mākaʻimoku’s own path reflects that mission. Educated in ʻōlelo �鶹��ý from preschool through high school, she later spent 16 years teaching in immersion classrooms. She earned her bachelor’s degree in at UH Hilo, along with a through the Kahuawaiola program and a master’s degree in . She is now pursuing her doctorate in within UH Hilo’s College of Hawaiian Language.

—By Susan Enright