An accurate and inclusive history of Kalaupapa has not been taught in many classrooms in Hawai‘i because of so many published versions of the history that are often historical fiction accounts or based on English sources.

 

Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa has made it a priority to present the history in the words of the people — either their written words, often in the Hawaiian language, or from interviews. The ‘Ohana historian, author Anwei Law, has had hundreds of letters and other documents written in ‘Olelo Hawai‘i translated, giving us the perspective of the people on what life was like at Kalaupapa. These materials show us the history in a much different light, a history that shows the resiliency, strength and accomplishments of the people of Kalaupapa.

 

The ‘Ohana has taken this new way of looking at the history to schools on every island. The ‘Ohana has visited more than 35 schools, from elementary to university level. We make presentations to classes and share materials with teachers — some of those materials are included on this link.

 

With the help of educators, the ‘Ohana hopes to develop curriculum to make the history of Kalaupapa more available.

 

Teachers are always welcome to contact Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa for more information or to arrange a presentation for their classes. Please contact info@kalaupapaohana.org