Aulia Austin

Title: Kaiapuni Educational Specialist
Job site: Office of Hawaiian Education

Years in the HIDOE: 28 years

Years in the position: 4 years

Aulia Austin’s passion for Hawaiian language and supporting Native Hawaiian children in education is the spark that inspires her work serving students in the Department’s Kaiapuni programs. As a 19-year veteran in the classroom, she started her educator journey at Ke Kula Kaiapuni ‘O Waiau, guiding students in kindergarten, 1st, 5th and 6th grades, then transitioned to the District level in Waiʻanae Moku. Austin is now with the Office of Hawaiian Education working as an educational specialist. 

Q: What are your primary duties?

A: In my role at the Office of Hawaiian Education, my kuleana is in developing curriculum, instruction and assessment that embodies aloha ʻāina and the unique history, language and culture of Hawaiʻi. I am dedicated to supporting our schools and kumu to build instructional systems that nurture Hawaiian literacy. My goal is to ensure every Kaiapuni student has the support they need to thrive and to be contributing members of their communities.

Q: How does your job support students?

A: In Kaiapuni education, we look to the wisdom, language and perspectives of our kūpuna as the very foundation of learning. In that way, we give students more than just an education; we give them a sense of self. I truly believe that the identity forged through this educational system—and the deep connection to the moʻolelo of Hawaiʻi—provides Hawaiʻiʻs children with a kahua that allows them to walk confidently into any future, no matter where their path may lead.

Q: What advice do you have for people considering this role?

A: Kaiapuni Education is a beautiful, demanding and incredibly rewarding career. My advice? Never lose sight of the reason you started. When the work gets tough, your “why” becomes your compass, guiding you back to the joy of teaching and the importance of the Kaiapuni mission.

Q: Briefly describe your career path.

A: My educational career began as a Hawaiian Immersion teacher at Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻO Waiau. My passion for student growth eventually led me into leadership roles as a curriculum coordinator and district resource teacher, where I focused on empowering classrooms in the Waiʻanae Moku through project-based learning. For the past four years, I have served as an educational specialist for the Office of Hawaiian Education, supporting the continued growth of Kaiapuni Education.

Q: Most challenging part about your position?

A: While the mission of Kaiapuni is clear, navigating the limited landscape of specialized curriculum and instructional resources remains a significant challenge. The process of creating authentic, high-quality Kaiapuni materials is a formidable task, yet I believe it is absolutely essential. These resources are critical to a vital learning environment, ensuring our students have every opportunity to succeed in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.

Q: Favorite part about the job?

A: The highlight of my work is always the time spent within our Kaiapuni schools and classrooms. There is nothing quite as rewarding as witnessing our haumana thrive and seeing their love for learning. I am deeply passionate about supporting our Kaiapuni kumu, ensuring they have the resources, tools and encouragement they need to be truly effective in their roles.

Q: Fun fact about yourself?

A: When I’m not supporting our Kaiapuni schools, you can likely find me exploring the world—I’ve stamped my passport in over 15 countries in the last 10 years!