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ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi — Introductory Hawaiian Language Course

ABOUT THE COURSE

Designed for complete beginners with no prior Hawaiian language experience, this course builds your foundation through repetition, cultural stories, and interactive practice.

You'll master basic greetings, everyday vocabulary, numbers, family terms, and simple sentence structures — and leave with the confidence to introduce yourself, express gratitude, and hold a short basic conversation.

More than words, this course offers a deeper connection to the Hawaiian people and their living heritage.

What you'll be able to do:

• Greet others and introduce yourself in Hawaiian

• Use everyday vocabulary and common phrases

• Count numbers and name family members

• Understand and form simple sentences

• Express gratitude and respond to greetings

• Hold a short, basic conversation

• Share a meaningful connection to Hawaiian culture

CLASS SCHEDULE

Two ways to join — online or in person

Both sections run for 8 weeks and cover the same curriculum. Choose the format that works best for you.

💻 Online via Zoom — Tuesdays, 7:00–8:00 pm HST, Starts Tuesday, May 5

🌺 In Person at Queen Emma Summer Palace — Thursdays, 9:00–10:00 am, Starts Thursday, May 7

REGISTER BELOW by Friday, May 1

Questions? The best contact is Kumu Nalani.

REGISTRATION & TUITION

This course is a fundraiser for Hālau Kaulakahi. Your tuition directly supports our hālau and its programs. Pricing is structured to welcome everyone.

• General: $80

• Seniors: $65

• Hālau Members: $65

• Student Scholarship: $40

  • Scholarship recipients: attendance at all sessions is required to maintain your scholarship.

💻 Online via Zoom — Tuesdays, 7:00–8:00 pm HST, Starts Tuesday, May 5

• Bring a notebook to each class — note-taking is part of the learning experience.

• All sessions are recorded on Zoom. If you miss a class or prefer to revisit a lesson, you can watch the recording at any time.

• Registration deadline: Friday, May 1 by 6:00 pm HST

🌺 In Person at Queen Emma Summer Palace — Thursdays, 9:00–10:00 am Starts Thursday, May 7

• Bring a notebook to each class — note-taking is part of the learning experience.

• In-person classes will NOT be recorded.

• Registration deadline: Friday, May 1 by 6:00 pm HST

YOUR KUMU

David Del Rocco

A lifelong student and speaker of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, Kumu David began his language journey at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in 1988, earning his Bachelor's degree in Hawaiian in 2006.

He has brought the Hawaiian language to life by translating thirteen children's books for the DOE, along with several others for local publishers. His translation of The Shark Man of Hāna was honored with Ka Palapala Poʻokela — the Award for Excellence in Children's Hawaiian Culture — in 2005.

Over the years, Kumu David has taught private students, spent a year at Punahou, led online classes for seniors through the OSHER program, and taught at Hawaiʻi Pacific University on base at Pearl Harbor. He brings warmth, depth, and a true love of sharing this living language.

Clothing Drive Fundraiser

Annual Fundraiser

Check back soon for details!