Educator, award-winning musician, Hawaiian language advocate.
Kainani Kahaunaele does it all. A proud alumna-turned-employee of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, she credits much of her success to former mentors and peers who have fostered her knowledge of both Hawaiian language and culture.
Born and raised on Kauaʻi, Kahaunaele graduated from Kapaʻa High School, and enrolled at Kauaʻi Community College, at which her steadfast interest in her Kānaka Maoli heritage manifested into a membership in the school’s Hawaiian club.
I have to be the example that Hawaiian is a living language that you can apply in all facets of your life.