Summer Puanani Maunakea

About the Author

Summer Puanani Maunakea is a distinguished scholar and educator deeply rooted in Hawaiian cultural traditions, with a profound commitment to preserving and revitalizing Indigenous knowledge systems. As a Native Hawaiian academic, she draws from her ancestral heritage to explore the intersections of mo‘olelo (storytelling) and metaphor in contemporary contexts, bridging ancient wisdom with modern scholarship. Her work emphasizes the importance of Kanaka ‘Ōiwi methodologies in fostering cultural resilience and decolonizing educational practices. Through her insightful contributions, Maunakea inspires readers to engage with Hawaiian narratives in ways that honor their depth and dynamism, making complex cultural concepts accessible and relevant to diverse audiences worldwide.