Publishing Criteria

To facilitate Hawaiian cultural vitality and high-quality publications, all submissions are reviewed against the following criteria:

Mission / General

Aligns with our vision at Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha for a thriving and self-determined lāhui and the development of ‘Ōiwi leaders.
Addresses the needs of Native Hawaiian communities in relevant and meaningful ways.
Demonstrates intergenerational appeal and impact.
Uses an approach that is effective and appropriate for the intended audience.
Exhibits a high level of integrity and quality in the process used to create the work and in the work itself.
Reflects a high level of creativity and artistic expression.
Reflects a high level of intellectual rigor.

Recenters and contributes to the ever-growing genealogy of Hawaiian language, dialects, history, oral traditions, literature, beliefs, spirituality, values, and practices.
Provides views of Hawaiʻi’s past, present, and future that are grounded in Hawaiian traditions of articulating a Kanaka universe and its inhabitants—ʻāina, akua, kānaka, and all in between and beyond.

Cultivates a sense of Hawaiian identity rooted in inherent genealogical, geographical, and temporal connections to kūpuna and moʻopuna.
Reflects and celebrates the diversity of Hawaiian perspectives informed by traditions and genealogies of knowledge.
Provides ʻike and skills that empower readers to carry out their kuleana in service to ʻohana, kaiāulu, and lāhui.
Creates opportunities for critical, in-depth consideration of current Hawaiian issues that build understanding for our broader lāhui.

Inspires or strengthens kuleana to natural environments and cultural places—centering pilina to specific locations, entities, people, communities, and resources.
Inspires values and behaviors that reflect the best of Hawaiian meʻe—past, present, and future.
Respects and credits oral informants and knowledge holders in the acquisition and presentation of information and other guidance provided by these experts.
Promotes interest and active involvement in current Hawaiian issues.
Builds meaningful bridges within and between the broader lāhui and global communities.
Builds capacity for Hawaiian self-determination and a thriving lāhui.