ʻAha Pūnana Leo
Pilina First’s partners and associates have worked with ʻAha Pūnana Leo in varying capacities over the last 20+ years, advocating alongside and in support of its leadership to advance their vision of E Ola ka ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiian Language Shall Live. Pilina First’s fluency in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi grounded in a fundamental understanding and working knowledge of the perspective and worldview grounded in the Hawaiian language and traditional knowledge has made for a longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership.
ʻAha Pūnana Leo has always strived to ensure that the Hawaiian Language lives. Rooted in our mission to drive and inspire change to ensure a living Hawaiian language in Hawaiʻi and beyond, our organization is dedicated to the people we serve. We span across 13 different locations throughout the Hawaiian islands and have three unique programs.
Kaʻau Hua, Kaʻau Ola - 40th Anniversary
In 2024, Pilina First produced Kaʻau Hua, Kaʻau Ola, the Wednesday night hōʻike of the Merrie Monarch Festival, in partnership with Kahuli Leo Leʻa. The performance honored the 40th anniversary of ʻAha Pūnana Leo, celebrating four decades of leadership in the Hawaiian language revitalization movement. Featuring hundreds of participants—from Pūnana Leo preschoolers and their makua, to ʻōpio and kumu from Nāwahīoaklaniʻōpuʻu, the kumu and ʻōlapa of Hālau Nā Pualei o Likolehua to revered kūpuna—the program wove together mele, hula, original compositions, and narration to tell the story of a movement that restored ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi to homes, schools, and communities across the paeʻāina. The show highlighted the intergenerational impact of language immersion education, honored foundational kūpuna and leaders, and uplifted graduates and families who embody the living legacy of this work.
As co-producer, Amy Kalili helped to lead creative direction, scripting, casting coordination, and overall execution, shaping a large-scale, culturally grounded production that centered ʻike Hawaiʻi while delivering a seamless, emotionally resonant experience for a global audience.
