Jonathan Kamakawiwoûole Osorio (b. 1949-1950) is a Native Hawaiian professor of Hawaiian studies and musician. He was the Dean of the HawaiûinuiÃÂkea School of Hawaiian Knowledge at the University of Hawaiûi at MÃÂnoa from 2017 until 2025.
Osorio was born in Hilo. While attending Kamehemeha Schools he learned to play the guitar. He graduated in 1969.
In 1974 he formed a duo called "Jon & Randy" with fellow musician Randy Borden. Their song "Hawaiian eyes" won a Na Hoku Hanohano award in 1981.
In 1984 Osorio returned to school. He earned a PhD in history from the University of Hawaiûi at MÃÂnoa. He taught Hawaiian studies at the university and Kapiûolani Community College. He became the Dean of the HawaiûinuiÃÂkea School of Hawaiian Knowledge in 2018. While working as a professor, Osorio also attended protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope. Osorio's work as a professor and musician intertwine; he often sings a song during his interviews, conference presentations, forums, and other engagements.
In 2019 he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hawaiûi Academy of Recording Arts.
In 2025, after 8 years of being the Dean of HawaiûinuiÃÂkea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, he announced that he was stepping down to return to teaching.