The events of the “overthrow” of Hawaii, the Americanization process that followed, and the near erasure of ʻōlelo Hawaii, all have played a role in obscuring the historical accounts of the land tenure system in Hawaii.  Kānaka Maoli island wide have long struggled to protect their ʻāina, the ocean, their culture and wahi pana (sacred places). They are threatened daily from over-development, big money corporations, tourism, military interests, and land speculators. Accurate translations and interpretations from Native perspectives of Hawaiian language kingdom documents are key sources that are needed to reframe our historical understanding of how the land of Hawaiʻi was lost. By uncovering these injustices perhaps this will open doors to reclaiming the land and provide a path towards self-determination.