On August 29, 2025, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Linguistics Department released a landmark study on Olelo Niihau, funded by the Hawaiʻi State Legislature through Act 164, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2023.

The study documents linguistic features that distinguish Olelo Niihau from other varieties of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, traces the historical development and contemporary use of the language within its community, and presents results from a sociolinguistic survey of 17 native speakers. The study revealed:

  1. Olelo Niihau is distinct in several respects from other varieties of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i,

  2. there are apparent patterns of language shift toward English among younger generations, and

  3. there is strong community support for the development of language maintenance initiatives and

  4. there is a desire for more government services in Olelo Niihau.


The research underscores the resilience of the Niihau community in perpetuating its language. With about 500 speakers today, Olelo Niihau continues to thrive in homes and communities on Niihau and Kauai, strengthened by the dedication of Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha (KKNOK) charter school that has published more than 400 books in Olelo Niihau and built a priceless archive of recorded interviews with manaleo (native speakers). “The remarkable achievement of Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha in publishing over 400 books in Olelo Niihau highlights the resilience and dedication of our community to preserve this unique dialect,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

Last month, members of the State Legislature visited Kauaʻi, where KKNOK shared their work and the impact of preserving Olelo Niihau through education and community leadership. Students spoke directly to lawmakers about their experiences, bringing to life the study’s findings and highlighting the next generation’s commitment to carrying the language forward.

“The Hawaiian language, Olelo Hawaii, is vital for preserving the Hawaiian culture, its identity, preserving history and strengthening the connection to the land," said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (D-8, Kauai, Niihau), "It acts as a bridge to the past, connecting people to their ancestors, traditional knowledge, and the land. Olelo Niihau remains a living language and a connection to our history. We must honor and protect this dialect, not only for the sake of tradition, but for our future.”

Dr. Ed Noh, Executive Director of the Commission, noted, “This is an important and exciting research that not only uplifts and calls attention to Olelo Niihau, but the Hawaiian language as a whole. The Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission is proud to have such a rich and diverse portfolio of schools that elevate language and culture, such as Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha.”

Interested in learning more about the Olelo Niihau Study? Click here to read the full report.

Note: Olelo Niihau, for the most part, does not use diacriticals. We have followed that convention in this story when referring to Olelo Niihau.