Hoʻolaukanaka I Ka Leo O Nā Manu

Abstract

It is the goal of this qualitative grounded theory research to analyze the way Hawaiians used Hawaiian honeycreepers as metaphors in mele and why the birds were used to represent what they did. Much of the scholarly material found on the topic of manu mūkīkī Hawaiʻi has been written from a western perspective, with little to no documentation as to what the birds represent. The way the manu mūkīkī Hawaiʻi are utilized in mele is of particular interest, and if Hawaiians fail to recognize this potential loss now and take steps to remedy it, they will not be able to pass down this invaluable ʻike to future generations. This qualitative study examines the usage of Hawaiian honeycreepers as literary devices in mele. After the initial gathering of mele, the Papakū Makawalu methodology of deconstructionism will be applied to allow readers to see the different layers of meaning. In order to aid the Hawaiian language revitalization efforts, it is important for Hawaiians to recognize the significance of manu mūkīkī Hawaiʻi in mele. The aim of this inquiry is to present Hawaiians with one more way to understand and engage with the mele that were left for us by older generations.