The Moanalua High School  Hawaiian language classes observed the November 28 Hawaiian Independence Day Nov. by making and distributing hae Hawaii, Hawaiian state flags, around school last week.

Olelo Hawaii teacher Kumu Kapua Adams said in an email to the faculty that Lā Kūʻokoʻa  “commemorates the day in 1843 when Hawaiʻi was internationally recognized as an independent sovereign kingdom. This is a day when native Hawaiians celebrate Kauikeaouli (King Kamehameha III) for achieving this recognition to create relations with large countries such as Great Britain, France, and even America,” she wrote. 

Because Lā Kūʻokoʻa is so close to the American Thanksgiving holiday, this native Hawaiian anniversary is often forgotten. Adams said she wanted her students to “spread awareness and reclaim our Hawaiian holidays.”

To this end, they made and distributed the Hawaiian flags.