Kaiwipunikauikawēkiu Lipe

About the Author

Kaiwipunikauikawēkiu Lipe is a distinguished Native Hawaiian scholar, educator, and cultural practitioner whose work bridges traditional Kanaka ‘Ōiwi knowledge systems with contemporary academic discourse. Raised in the rich cultural landscape of Hawai‘i, Lipe draws deeply from her ancestral heritage to explore themes of identity, sovereignty, and ecological stewardship. As a faculty member at the University of Hawai‘i, she advocates for Indigenous methodologies that honor mo‘olelo (stories) and metaphor as vital tools for research and healing. Her scholarship challenges Western paradigms, emphasizing relationality and place-based wisdom in addressing modern challenges faced by Native communities. Through her writing, Lipe inspires a new generation to reclaim and revitalize Hawaiian epistemologies for a sustainable future.