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

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

Kahuawaiola is a three-semester graduate certificate delivered in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (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鈥檚 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 H膩na. 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 Hawaiʻi.

Full-circle journey

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

—By Susan Enright