Category: October 2024

HAWAIIAN HULA DANCER EDITH KANAKA’OLE DIED

Edith Kenao, born October 30, 1913, in Honomu, Hawai’i (HI), learned Hula from her mother. Known as “Aunty Edith,” she also was a composer & choreographed dances. In 1950, she toured the mainland U.S., Canada, and parts of Asia. Despite only reaching 7^th Grade, at HI Community College (1971-79) & University of HI (UHI) at Hilo (1973-79) she taught Native Hawaiian chants & myths, genealogy, history, land ownership & ethnobotany. Edith helped create the Hawaiian Studies Kupuna (Elders) Program on Native Hawaiian history & culture in public schools. In 1978 & 1979, she won Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for best traditional album (the 2^nd awarded posthumously). Other honors: “Hawaiian of the Year,” HI Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs (1977); Governor’s Award of Distinction (1979); Order of Ke Ali’i Pauahi Award, Kamehameha Schools; and Living Treasure of HI. In 2023, the U.S. Mint honored her in its American Women Quarters program along with her chant, E hō mai ka ʻike (“Grant us wisdom).

Sources:
Shay Dawson,” Edith Kanaka’ole (1913-1979,” National Women’s History Museum.  Retrieved 1/9/2024, https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/edith-kanakaole
Wikipedia
Photo:  U.S. Mint, 2023.  Public domain. Source: https://www.usmint.gov/coins/coin-medal-programs/american-women-quarters/edith-kanakaole.