1 US Dollar 2025 Native American Peoples – Mary Kawena Pukui

As part of the Native Peoples Series, a $1 commemorative coin honoring Mary Kawena Pukui, a prominent writer, researcher and expert on Hawaiian culture, has been issued. The coin also honors her work “Nānā i ke Kumu” (Look to the Source), one of the most significant works on Hawaiian traditions and values.

Mary Kawena Pukui played a key role in preserving the Hawaiian language, oral traditions, and cultural heritage. She was the author or co-author of more than 50 books and 150 articles, including dictionaries, ethnographic studies and collections of proverbs. Her work has helped reconnect many Hawaiians with their roots, making invaluable knowledge available to future generations.

The reverse of the coin features a portrait of Mary Kawena Pukui, flanked by pages from the book “Nānā i ke Kumu” and traditional Hawaiian designs symbolizing the deep connection the people have with their history. The design also includes an image of a kumu (teacher) passing on knowledge to a student, reflecting the central idea of ​​her book – turning to the wisdom of the ancestors.

This coin not only celebrates Mary Kawena Pukui’s contributions to the study and preservation of Hawaiian culture, but also highlights the importance of traditions, knowledge and their transmission to future generations.

Series: Native American
Face value: 1 USD
Weight: 8.1g
Diameter: 26.5mm