Ke Ala Hou - A new path forward by Malu

Ke Ala Hou - A new path forward by Malu - October 2026 Scholarship Essay

In my Moʻolelo Hawaiʻi, or history class at BYU–Hawaiʻi, I was assigned to envision what our nation of Hawaiʻi might look like without colonization. This project immediately engaged me, as Hawaiian history, language, and culture are deeply significant to me as a Native Hawaiian. I have spent years studying our history and understanding the events that shaped Hawaiʻi into its present form. However, as I began to imagine an independent Hawaiʻi, I realized that my knowledge of the political systems and legal structures required to govern a nation was limited. This realization sparked a new curiosity. I started to think beyond Hawaiʻi’s past and became interested in its potential future. Questions regarding sovereignty, governance, land, education, and the rights of Native Hawaiians prompted me to explore Native Hawaiian law and politics more thoroughly. I learned that understanding our history is only one part of advocating for our nation's future. It is also essential to comprehend the systems that shape our communities and the decisions that impact our people. Although I do not intend to become a lawyer or politician, this project transformed my perspective on my education and future. Regardless of Hawaiʻi’s eventual political status, I believe our lāhui will require educated individuals who understand our history, our rights, and the systems that influence our future. This project showed that education can do more than help us understand the past; it can also help us envision and prepare for the future we seek to create.