Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua

Born and raised on Oʻahu, Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua has dedicated her career to Hawaiian education, grounding students in ʻāina and community while preparing students to succeed at the highest levels of academia and. Noelani is a professor of political science, recognized with the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regentsʻ Medal for Excellence in Teaching. She serves on the boards of the Kānehūnāmoku Voyaging Academy, MAʻO Organic Farms/Waiʻanae Community Redevelopment Corporation, and Kamehameha Schools. As a kahu waiwai, she and her colleagues work to ensure that Ke Aliʻi Pauahi’s trust thrives in perpetuity and that the organization maintains a course toward the vision of a thriving and self-determined lāhui Hawaiʻi. Professor Goodyear-Kaʻōpua's research has focused on Hawaiian social movements and the politics of Indigenous education.