Research Activity:
Exploring Moʻolelo - Navigating Hawaiian Knowledge and Perspectives

Objective: This activity is designed to familiarize Hawaiian Studies students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with the research process, focusing on Hawaiian knowledge resources and incorporating Hawaiian perspectives. Students will explore moʻolelo (stories, histories, narratives) to understand their cultural, historical, and ecological significance.

 

Activity Overview:

Students will select a specific moʻolelo related to a place (wahi pana), a person (aliʻi or kupuna), or an event in Hawaiian history. They will research the moʻolelo using a variety of sources, analyze its significance, and present their findings, highlighting the moʻolelo's relevance to contemporary Hawaiian issues or perspectives.

 

Steps:

 

1. Select a Moʻolelo: Choose a moʻolelo that interests you. It could be about a place you've visited, a figure you've heard about, or an event in Hawaiian history that intrigues you.

 

2. Initial Research: Start your research by visiting Ulukau.org and Wehewehe.org to find initial information about your chosen moʻolelo. Note down any relevant keywords or names to aid further research.

 

3. Dive Deeper:

• Use the University of Hawaiʻi's library resources to find scholarly articles, books, and dissertations that discuss your moʻolelo.

• Explore Papakilo Database at http://www.papakilodatabase.com for historical documents, land records, or newspapers that mention your moʻolelo.

 

4. Incorporate Hawaiian Perspectives:

• Identify how the moʻolelo reflects Hawaiian values, beliefs, and practices.

• Consider how the moʻolelo relates to concepts like aloha ʻāina (love for the land), mālama ʻāina (care for the land), and/or kuleana (responsibility).

 

5. Contemporary Relevance:

• Research how the moʻolelo is being remembered or celebrated today. This might involve community events, conservation efforts, or educational programs.

• Reflect on the moʻolelo's relevance to current issues facing the Hawaiian community.

 

6. Presentation:

• Prepare a presentation of your findings. This could be a written report, a digital presentation, or a creative project (e.g., a video, artwork, or performance).

• Include a section on your research process, highlighting how you navigated Hawaiian knowledge resources and incorporated Hawaiian perspectives.

 

7. Discussion and Reflection:

• Share your presentation with your classmates or at a student symposium. Discuss the different perspectives and insights gained through this activity.

• Reflect on how this research activity has deepened your understanding of Hawaiian culture and history, and how it might influence your future studies or actions.

 

Evaluation Criteria:

• Depth of research and variety of sources used.

• Understanding and incorporation of Hawaiian perspectives.

• Analysis of the moʻolelo's significance and contemporary relevance.

• Creativity and clarity in presentation.

 

This activity not only enhances research skills but also deepens students' connection to Hawaiian culture, encouraging them to think critically about the relevance of traditional knowledge in addressing contemporary issues.