Activations of Ea

January 6, 2026-April 3, 2026
Location: Elevator Gallery

Pane mai Hawaiʻi moku o Keawe
Kōkua na Hono aʻo Piʻilani
Kākoʻo mai Kauaʻi o Mano
Pau pū me ke one o Kākuhihewa

From now through April, Hamilton Library will be hosting a set of activations, or interactive exhibits, from Kanaeokana in the Elevator Gallery. The activations focus on aspects of Hawaiian history while centering ea (sovereignty, life, breath) and are a kāhea (call) for us to think more deeply and engage more meaningfully with the ea of Hawaiʻi.

Last semester, the activations toured between Windward CC Library, Honolulu CC Library, and Kapiʻolani CC Library. This semester, the activations will make their way across the pae ʻāina at UH Mānoa, UH West Oʻahu, Kauaʻi Community College, UH Maui College, and UH Hilo.

Mahalo to our partners, Kamehameha Schools Kealaiwikuamoʻo and Kanaeokana, for making this tour possible!

Now – February 6: Ka Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea and Ka Lā Kūʻokoʻa
A journey centered on Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli, and his vision of an independent lāhui (nation). Students are encouraged to take the Hoʻomau i ke Ea Hawaiʻi quiz and show their completed quiz screen to the Circulation Desk on the fifth floor to redeem for a free sticker or poster.

February 9 – March 6: Ka Malu ʻUlu o Lele
Explores Lahaina’s sacred history and cultural resilience with a call to return wai (water) to West Maui.

March 9 – April 3: Ruth Keʻelikōlani
Honors Princess Ruth Keanolani Kanāhoahoa Keʻelikōlani, who embodied unwavering commitment to ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), tradition, and her people.