Presentation Session I

This study explores the profound impact of incorporating ʻike kupuna, including moʻolelo, mele, and wahi pana, into contemporary Hawaiʻi classrooms. Rooted in the belief that “there is life in the teachings of ancestors,” the research addresses a modern lack of intergenerational learning by examining how traditional Hawaiian ways of knowing influence student identity and academic engagement. By bridging the gap between kupuna and keiki, this thesis highlights the transfer of knowledge from one generation to the next as a foundational educational tool. Ultimately, the study aims to provide educators with insights for creating culturally sustaining environments that honor lineage while fostering student success through the timeless wisdom of those who came before.