Kīpaepae: Hawaiian Language

I graduated from Kamehameha schools several years ago now and in my time at University on the mainland I have forgotten much more than I expected. This app has allowed me to refresh what I already know and learn a lot of practical everyday Hawaiian that wasn’t emphasized in my earlier schooling. Though sometimes I feel a bit silly standing in my bathroom practicing body part and color vocab at 20 years old like I’m still a keiki, I’m glad this app allows me to relearn it all at my chosen pace. That said I think the app is perfect for relearners or as a bonus tool alongside some other form of Hawaiian language classes. There are many points in the lessons where I’m filling in the gap of my understanding with things I remember my Kumu saying in class. I think if this were my first go at ‘ōlelo Hawaii I would be quite frustrated during certain parts where you just want someone to explain why something is. Though I doubt it could ever be as frustrating as some of the issues I had with Duolingo when they first started offering Hawaiian. All in all I very much recommend this app. It is a wonderful resource and I recently got my Mom and Tūtū on it as well.

Recently I decided to learn ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, though it has been challenging considering I don’t actually live in Hawaiʻi. I use a variety of resources to help with this, but Kīpaepae is by far the best one I have ever used. The lessons teach you sets of words and grammar, and even has a bunch of books to help you with your reading and comprehension skills!! The way the lessons are organized feel like an actual class, where it goes from learning words to grammar to sounds to reading and more!! I really do feel like I’m learning best with this app out of every app I have used!! I really hope Pauheo makes more apps honestly, but even if they don’t this app has enough learning material to last me for a long, long, LONG time!!! Cannot recommend this enough!!! The Hawaiian language shall live!!!!! Go learn ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi RIGHT NOW!!! What are you waiting for, for this review to end? It already has!!!

This app makes learning Hawaiian so much clearer than Duolingo! I was struggling to understand the simplest concepts correctly and since starting this app I feel like I am finally moving in the right direction. The information here is so correct and relevant. I appreciate all the time, energy, and inspiration given and look forward to deepening my learning. With this tool I feel I will finally gain the confidence to start a real conversation with another Hawaiian speaker.