A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.

Overview

OHA describes Native Hawaiian culture through language, stories, customs, music, art, food, beliefs and values, with relationships to ʻāina at its center. Native Hawaiian identity is distinct from simply living in Hawaiʻi.

Kūpuna pass knowledge on through oli and hula. OHA ties the language's recovery to an immersion movement of the 1980s, including ʻAha Pūnana Leo and Kaiapuni, and notes that February became ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Month in 2012.

OHA reported initial cultural-center feasibility findings on 18 May 2026, following interviews with more than forty practitioners and stakeholders. The Hawaiian-led center's programming and possible Kakaʻako Makai location were proposals in that report; this source does not establish a later opening.

Transmission by kūpuna through oli and hula1980s immersion movement including ʻAha Pūnana Leo and KaiapuniFebruary designated ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Month in 2012
01

History & identity

Not dated here; this packet establishes no arrival date.

02

Sources & representation

Three OHA pages: culture overview, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Month article and 2026 cultural center article.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

  1. 01

    Moʻomeheu - Culture

    Office of Hawaiian Affairs · n.d.

    Selected bibliography; culture overview.

  2. 02

    OHA celebrates ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi month

    Office of Hawaiian Affairs · 2017

    Selected bibliography; language revitalization.

  3. 03

    Native Hawaiian Cultural Center is a Critical Investment in Hawaiʻi’s Future

    Office of Hawaiian Affairs · 2026

    Selected bibliography; proposed center study.

Language & cultural connections

Source-supported language and cultural connections have not yet been compiled for this profile.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

  1. Public agency websiteMoʻomeheu - Culture - The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA)Research access: 2026-10-06
  2. Public agency news articleOHA celebrates ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi month - The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA)Research access: 2026-10-06
  3. Public agency news article (2026-05-18)Native Hawaiian Cultural Center is a Critical Investment in Hawaiʻi’s Future - The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA)Research access: 2026-10-06

Image credits

A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.

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