Hawaiian Airlines has launched a no-cost ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi certification program for its employees to help preserve and promote the traditional Hawaiian language.
“Adding ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi as a recognized language was a natural move for Hawaiian since the majority of our ʻohana was either born or raised on our islands,” said Jim Lynde, senior vice president of human resources at Hawaiian Airlines. “We believe the Hawaiian language certification will inspire and empower even more team members to share ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi with our guests.”
Developed in collaboration with Hawaiian language experts, the program is open to employees who already speak the language and can demonstrate advanced proficiency through oral and reading assessments. Employees who earn certification receive a Hawaiian state flag on their nametag to signal their fluency to passengers.
“This is an incredible moment for our ʻohana and an opportunity for employees to share Hawaiʻi’s mother tongue wide and far,” said Debbie Nakanelua‑Richards, director of community relations at Hawaiian Airlines. “Language is a powerful tool, and we are proud to help keep the history and essence of these beautiful islands alive through ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.”
The certification is part of a broader effort by Hawaiian Airlines to celebrate and sustain Hawaiian culture. The carrier also offers complimentary introductory ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and hula lessons to employees and recently opened a Hawaiian Culture Resource Center at its Honolulu headquarters to further support cultural education and awareness.