A Celebration of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i

A Celebration of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i

‘Ōlelo is the Hawaiian word for language or speech. As Hawaii’s hometown carrier, Hawaiian Airlines believes it has a kuleana (responsibility and privilege) to serve as ambassadors of the Islands to those who visit its island paradise.

From the moment guests check in for their flight and are greeted by members of Hawaiian Airlines ‘ohana (family), they experience mea ho’okipa (I am host), Hawaiian’s signature warm hospitality and the islands’ culture of Aloha.

Last month the airline was extremely honoured to receive the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s (HTA) 2018 Legacy Award, a prestigious accolade presented to Hawaiian organisations carrying the torch in the revitalisation of ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language).

Hawaiian Airlines received the award at the Global Tourism Summit on October 3, alongside two respected local organisations: ‘Aha Pūnana Leo and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.

The award was in recognition of several ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i Flights operated earlier this year.

In April 2018, three of HA flight attendants took guests by surprise when they conducted their in-flight announcements entirely in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i. The flights took off from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and landed at Hilo International Airport (ITO).

That same month, HA’s in-flight ‘ohana went one step further and shared Hawaiian culture with guests travelling to Hawaii’s “ninth island” in Las Vegas. The crew on flight HA18 between HNL and McCarran International Airport made history with the first native language flight to the US Mainland. They conducted staff briefings and boarding announcements in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i and welcomed guests waiting to board with Hawaiian oli (chant) and mele (song). The skilled crew also conducted all guest services for HA18 in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i and followed with the English translation.

For four years, Hawaiian Airlines has offered employees cultural classes as part of a company-wide effort to perpetuate Hawaii’s rich history. Employees may take two different lesson types: hula lessons and language 101.

Students can test their mana‘o (knowledge) in one of several company performances throughout the year, including one staged upon accepting the 2018 Legacy Award!

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]