Pukui, Mary Kawena (1895–1986)

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Pukui, Mary Kawena (1895–1986)

Hawaiian composer, chanter, teacher, translator and writer who was known as the greatest authority on Hawaiian culture and language. Born Mary Abigail Kawena-'ula-o-ka-lani-a-hi'jaka-i-ka-poli-o-pepe-kawahine-l'ai-hou na Pukui in Ka'u, Hawaii, on April 20, 1895; died in May 1986 in Honolulu.

Mary Kawena Pukui composed over 50 Hawaiian songs ranging from hula music to Christmas carols, blending Hawaiian and European cultures. She remained, however, a proponent of Hawaiian language and culture. A teacher of the Hawaiian language, she composed and translated many songs, often collaborating with other well-known composers. Pukui received honorary LL.D.s from the University of Hawaii in 1960 and Brigham Young University, Hawaii, in 1974. Traditionally, Hawaiian singers passed on their culture to future generations, a role Pukui fulfilled admirably.

John Haag , Athens, Georgia