Edith Kawelohea McKinzie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edith Kawelohea McKinzie
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| Born |
Edith Kawelohea Kapule
October 22, 1925 Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
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| Died | October 21, 2014 (aged 88) |
| Education | BA, MA, PD, University of Hawaiʻi |
| Occupation |
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Notable work
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Hawaiian Genealogies |
| Spouse(s) |
Clayton McKinzie
(m. 1946) |
| Children | 1 |
| Awards | Living Treasure of Hawaii (2004) |
Edith Kawelohea Kapule McKinzie (born October 22, 1925 – died October 21, 2014) was an amazing Hawaiian woman. She was a genealogist, which means she studied family histories. She was also a teacher, writer, and a top expert in hula dancing and traditional Hawaiian chants.
Edith was part of the Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) people. She wrote important books about Hawaiian family trees. She also led a big project to organize old Hawaiian newspapers. For her work, she was called a Living Treasure of Hawaii in 2004. This award honored her efforts to share and protect Hawaiian culture.
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Edith's Early Life and Family
Edith Kawelohea Kapule was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on October 22, 1925. She was the oldest of three children. Her father, Harry Kawelo Kapule, was Hawaiian. Her mother, Caroline Costa, was Portuguese.
Edith went to McKinley High School in Honolulu. Later, she studied at the University of Hawaiʻi. She earned several degrees there. These included a degree in Hawaiian Studies and a master's degree in education.
In 1946, Edith married Clayton McKinzie. They had one daughter named Joleen. Edith also helped raise four stepchildren from Clayton's earlier marriage.
Edith's Teaching Career
Edith McKinzie became the first professor of Hawaiian Studies. She taught at Honolulu Community College from 1978 to 1997. She also gave lectures at the University of Hawaii. There, she taught about local family histories. She also taught about mele hula, which are hula chants.
Studying Hawaiian Family Trees
Edith was very well-known for her work on Hawaiian genealogy. She wrote two books called Hawaiian Genealogies. These books helped many people learn about their Hawaiian ancestors. She also researched the family trees of the chiefs of Kahoolawe. This was for the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission.
Edith was also the chairwoman for a special committee. This group worked to save and study Hawaiian language, art, and culture at the University of Hawaii.
Working with Old Newspapers
From 1992 to 2005, Edith worked with the Bishop Museum. She started a project to organize old Hawaiian language newspapers. Her team looked through newspapers from the 1800s and early 1900s. They indexed articles, notices, and ads. This made it easier for people to find information in these old papers. Edith was the director of this important project.
Hula and Chant Expert
Edith McKinzie started learning about traditional Hawaiian hula, music, and language at home. Her aunt, Mary Kapule, encouraged her. Mary had danced for a famous Kumu Hula (hula teacher) named Anton Ka`ö`ö. When Edith was 12, she began formal hula and chant training. Her teacher was Joseph `Īlālāʻole.
As an adult, Edith taught hula in many places. She taught across Hawaii and the U.S. mainland. She also taught in Guam, Midway Island, and Alaska. After opening a dance school in Guam, she was invited to teach Hawaiian dance at Jacob's Pillow in Massachusetts. She also often judged hula competitions. In 2012, she presented an award at the Malia Craver Hula Kahiko Competition. The award was named the Edith Kawelohea McKinzie Overall Trophy.
Awards and Groups
Edith McKinzie joined the Ahahui Ka’ahumanu society in 1949. This is a Hawaiian women's organization. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Edith received many awards for her cultural work. These included the Pulama Award and the Order of Distinction. She also received the Ke Kukui Malamalama award from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaiian Governor John Waihe’e gave her the Ambassador of Hawaii Award. The Rotary Club of West Oahu gave her the David Malo award.
In 2004, Edith was named a Living Treasure of Hawaii. This honor came from the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. It recognized her hard work in keeping Hawaiian culture alive.
Edith's Passing
Edith McKinzie passed away on October 21, 2014. This was just one day before her 89th birthday. She was buried in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. Abigail K. Kawananakoa, a member of Hawaii's royal family and a friend, shared a message. She said, "Edith McKinzie guided me into the world of genealogy and opened the door to the true history of the Hawaiian people. My profound aloha to you Aunty Edith."
