Mehana Kaʻiama Makaʻinaʻi

Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies

“Teaching the same course in various capacities for nearly two decades,” Mehana Kaʻiama Makaʻinaʻi of Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies at UH Mānoa considers teaching Hawaiian Studies 107 as an “opportunity to be able to raise awareness regarding Hawaiian culture, history and modern political issues in college students.” A popular general education elective, the course attracts “students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines” from freshmen to seniors; Professor Kaʻiama embraces the challenge of “teaching a broad range of students” like the champion that she is. She has made it her mission to “inspire students to critically analyze topics while exploring ways to best protect and respect our islands and the host culture.” With a strong emphasis on “‘ike Hawai‘i (Hawaiian knowledge and history)” she also aims to help “students develop cultural awareness and sensitivity that will enable them to treat all cultures with respect.” A student noted that they “found the class to be an incredibly enriching experience…The content was presented in an engaging way that promoted deep understanding and involvement.”