On this past Saturday, May 6th, the University of Hawaii at Hilo celebrated Edith Kanaka’ole’s contributions to Hawaii and her being honored by the 2023 American Women Quarter’s Program by the U.S. Mint.
According to Sarah Yamanaka for Spectrum Local News, Kanaka’ole was a teacher at the Hawaii Community College from 1971 to 1974 and then at UH Hilo from 1974 to 1979.
At a time when Hawaiians were discouraged from embracing their original language and culture, Ms. Kanaka’ole created classes and taught seminars on Hawaiian language, culture and history. She taught Polynesian History, ethnobotany, geneology, Hawaiian chant and Mythology. She felt a sense of urgency that the Hawaiian culture would be lost and she actively persisted in keeping the Hawaiian history and language alive.
Ms. Kanaka’ole is one of five women and the first Hawaiian woman who are being honored in the 2023 American Women Quarter’s Progam by the U.S. Mint. Her quarter was released on March 27th into circulation. Kanaka’ole shares this honor with former first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, journalist, Jovita Idar, aviator, Bessie Coleman, and American prima ballerina, Maria Tallchief.
Join us on the Hoku Nui to celebrate the beauty of Hawaii and it’s history on a snorkel or manta ray tour. Our excellent crew will educate on the spirit of aloha and the history of the island of Hawaii.
