A Name That Shapes Generations

UH Hilo Dedicated Mookini Library’s Hawaiian Collection to Edith Kanakaʻole

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo has formally renamed its Hawaiian Collection at the Mookini Library in honor of cultural icon and educator Edith Kanakaʻole. The tribute reflects her lifelong efforts to elevate Hawaiian knowledge and embed it in academic spaces.

The May 5, 2025 dedication ceremony brought together members of the Kanakaʻole ʻohana, library staff, and representatives of UH Hilo’s leadership team to celebrate the renaming. “Because of her, generations of students and scholars—especially here at UH Hilo—have come to understand that our language, our stories, and our ways of knowing belong not in the margins, but at the center,” said Amy Kalili, UH Hilo’s Interim Director of University Relations.

Wooden sign above Hawaiian Collection room in UH Hilo’s Mookini Library reads "Edith Kanakaʻole Hawaiian Collection" Brand new sign above the renamed Edith Kanakaʻole Hawaiian Collection room in UH Hilo’s Mookini Library

Four generations of Aunty Edith’s ʻohana—including her daughter Dr. Pua Kanahele—joined the celebration, underscoring the deep personal and cultural meaning of the moment. Hear from Aunty Edith’s great-granddaughter Lanihuli Kanahele as well as collection librarian Annemarie Aweau Paikai in this video featured below as they reflect on how the renaming honors legacy, ʻike, and belonging.

A Name That Shapes Generations

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