MAILING ADDRESS:
(STUDENT NAME)
KĪNAʻU HALE
2210 GIRLS ROAD
HONOLULU, HAWAII 96817
MAILING ADDRESS:
(STUDENT NAME)
KĪNAʻU HALE
2210 GIRLS ROAD
HONOLULU, HAWAII 96817
KUMU ʻEKOLU
ʻEKOLU RAWLINS
KUMU KAHIAU
KAHIAU BERMOY
KUMU PAKI
KILIPAKI SOLATORIO
KUMU KAHU
KAHU WONG
Born: c.1805 Died: April 4, 1839
High Chiefess Kīnaʻu was the daughter of Kamehameha Paiʻea and Kaheiheimālie. She was the half-sister of Kamehameha II (Liholiho) and Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli), and the mother of Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho) and Kamehameha V (Lot Kapuāiwa).
Kīnaʻu was a very obedient child, praised by her mākua and kūpuna for her good manners. She was bright and learned very quickly to speak, read, and write English. Of all his daughters, Kīnaʻu came closest in developing the fine qualities of character and leadership of her great father, Kamehameha I; she was known to be independent, generous and intelligent.
In 1827, Kīnaʻu married Mataio Kekūanaoʻa. They had five children: David Kamehameha, Moses Kekūāiwa, Lot Kapuāiwa, Alexander Liholiho, and Victoria Kamāmalu. After four sons, Kīnaʻu wanted very much to have a daughter and shortly after her birth on December 19, 1831, Bernice Pauahi Bishop became the hānai daughter of Kīnaʻu.
In 1832, Kīnaʻu became kuhina nui, designated as such by her predecessor, Kaʻahumanu, shortly before her passing. Kīnaʻu served as kuhina nui with her younger, half-brother Kamemameha III (Kauikeaouli). Though the siblings did not always see eye to eye, following the strong leadership example of Kaʻahumanu, Kīnaʻu carried out her duties well.
In an example that can be seen as visionary in a time when not much was known about the spread of communicable diseases, in 1836, Kīnaʻu ordered the Honolulu harbor pilots to check the passengers and crews of incoming vessels for diseases that were causing the deaths of many Hawaiians
In 1839, at the age of thirty-five, Kīnaʻu passed away after acquiring mumps.
HE MELE NO KĪNAʻU
Congratulations to our three recipients: Lahikiola, Kealaula and Kalae for achieving the best in Hoʻomau, Mālama and E Ola at this years Hale Awards for Residential Life. We wish nothing but the best for them and the rest of our students as they all leave our hale to live in Liholiho and ʻIolani Hale next school year.
On Saturday 5/10, we went to Nānākuli Beach for our sunset beach day. We went in the middle of the day and stayed until sunset for our final huakaʻi of the school year. It was great to strengthen pilina with the other hale. We are very grateful.
On Friday 5/9 was the annual freshman biathlon. This year, it took place on campus. They swam in the pool and had to run a course around the school and end at the stadium. Good job to all of our students for completing the biathlon and a special congratulations to our very own Oliver P. who finished first in the biathlon.
Saturday 5/3 was our 7-11 pool night in which we invited all students to come and swim at Kalaniʻōpuʻu Pool. It was also Senior Prom night so they were not on campus. Mahalo to Kumu Keialohi for providing a sweet treat to all of our students.
Saturday 5/3 was our last mala lau ti maintenace of the year. We will welcome new students to tend to this garden. :)
Wednesday 04/30 we celebrated our seniors at our special dinner. We enjoyed good food and fellowship.
We had a wonderful concert for our Residential Life students to show the spirit of akahai and giving back with no reward. We had many alumni and some former boarders to come sing for our students. It was a wonderful night.
We loved spending Easter weekend with our Kauai ohana, gathering at the beach, deepening relationships, and connecting through aina-based learning. From the awe of Waimea Canyon to the stories of Kokee, and serving with Ku Mano i Ke Ala in Pee Kauai, our huakai was a powerful reminder that He Hawaiʻi Au lives in our actions. Mahalo to the Niihau community for welcoming us into a beautiful Easter morning service. Mahalo nui again to our Kauai ohana for taking good care of us and our haumana.
Easter Dinner was awesome and we had a wonderful meal: garlic shrimp, kalbi and chicken katsu. We also invited some ʻIolani School boarders to join us in this celebration. GREAT NIGHT!!!
This year, we honored the people that come up to the dorms every weekend and sometimes weekdays to checkout our students. We are so grateful to them and we hope to continue this tradition every year.
We had our Water Olympics event on a rainy day. It was good fun with all of the hale together. Congratulations to Liholiho and Kapuāiwa Hale for a dominating effort in every event of the competition.
The Ti Leaf Planting Initiative is more than just a gardening project—it’s a hands-on, hearts-on opportunity for our haumana to live out the values of aloha aina, malama aina, and He Hawaii Au. By planting and nurturing this deeply rooted symbol of protection and spirituality, students aren’t just learning about Hawaiian practices—they’re becoming active participants in them.
This initiative gives life to ike kupuna by reminding us that when we care for the land, the land cares for us. Each ti plant represents a commitment to sustainability and a deeper kuleana to our shared home here at Residential Life. As our students water, weed, and watch the garden grow, they are also growing in their identity—learning what it truly means to be Hawaiian in both word and action.
Engaging in this initiative allows students to connect with their heritage in tangible, meaningful ways. It's a living lesson in community, in culture, and in responsibility. Over time, this ti garden will not only provide leaves for lei and cultural practice but will stand as a symbol of the values we strive to live every day. Together, we are planting the seeds of a proud, rooted, and thriving lahui.
At the 105th annual Kamehameha Schools Song Contest, we paid tribute to hoʻokipa- to be hospitable. The Hawaiian people are very well known for welcoming people to their homes and making them feel comfortable. We would like to shout out Lono and Ola for being in hōʻike and Lono for also being apart of the oli hoʻokipa. We also would like to recognize Kamahaʻo for doing a great job as director for this second year.
Congratulations to the senior class for clean sweeping all of the awards. :) We canʻt wait until next year.
The 16th Annual Kualoa Canoe Festival offers our haumana an extraordinary opportunity to connect with the traditions of our kupuna through waa and voyaging, a legacy that continues to inspire our lahui. This year holds even greater significance as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hokulea—a beacon of resilience, cultural pride, and the rebirth of Polynesian wayfinding. The homecoming of Hokulea reminds us of the unwavering spirit that has guided our people across generations.
As our haumana paddle in the bay, offer hookupu, and share in mele and hula, they are not just participants—they are stewards of this rich heritage, reaffirming their Hawaiian identity. Through this living classroom, they embrace the values that have sustained our people for generations. May this festival ignite in them a lifelong connection to the mookuauhau of voyaging, ensuring that the ike and mana of our ancestors continue to thrive.
Mahalo nui to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for providing our haumana with an enriching E Ola! learning opportunity through the Build a Mental Health Toolkit presentation. This experience equips our students with essential tools to strengthen their mental, emotional, and physical well-being—empowering them to navigate life with balance, resilience, and a strong sense of self.
The concept of body hacking tools—practical strategies to regulate and enhance both mind and body—opens new doors for our haumana to malama i ke kino, ka naau, a me ka manao. As we continue to cultivate ike kupuna and holistic wellness, we look forward to integrating these practices in ways that uplift our students and support their growth as oiwi leaders.
By nurturing ourselves, we strengthen our ability to serve our lahui.
For another year, we have captured the ihe for the hoʻokūkū ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi challenge with a score of 410. We have always supported our students with anything and everything Hawaiʻi. ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is the foundation of our ʻike and it is always important to promote a kahua of strong ʻōlelo perpetuation. It was a big challenge this year with all of the hana o ka lā, hana keu and hana o ka pule. The ʻōlelo nane definitely challenged our students a lot which is always very good for them to strive to their highest potential. We also would like to congratulate Kahaʻōpulani Hale (middle school girls) for capturing the wahine ihe.
E OLA MAU KA ʻŌLELO HAWAIʻI...
We continue to upkeep and mālama our māla lau tī to help protect and provide for our hale.
Mahalo nui for a wonderful "Eat Local Challenge." We had so much fun brainstorming a meal to make with a box of local ingredients. For the judges, we made a pesto caprese salad, minestrone soup and a meatball sub sandwich. The best overall dish went to Lunalilo Hale. The most creative use of local ingredients went to ʻIolani Hale. The best storytelling and presentation went to Naeʻole Hale. The boys had such a fun time working together and using their creativity. :) Congratulations to all of the hale on a job well done.
Mahalo to everyone for a wonderful 100th annual Hoʻolauleʻa at the Bishop Museum. It was a beautiful day full of family, friends and fun. All of the hale shut down for the day and we were able to support our school in such a fun way. Great job to all of our student performers in Concert Glee, Hawaiian Ensemble and Band. Great job!!!
We continued our annual tradition of going to Zippyʻs Vineyard with E Hoʻopili Mai and Kumu Kahanuola Solatorio. We reviewed our introductions and how to order our food in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. We also learned how to say certain Zippyʻs favorite food items such as Kuʻi ʻAlani (Orange Bang), ʻĀpala, Nāpala (Apple Napple) and Fried Chicken Plate (Pā Moa Pālai). Afterwards, Zippys provided a buffet of food for us including Apple Napple a la mode for dessert. In all, we had a wonderful time learning our mother tongue and all that Zippys has to offer.
We had a 9/10 BBQ with Lunalilo Hale and Kapiʻolani Nui Hale on Saturday 2/8. This was a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as 9/10 hale to build pilina with each other. We had our students help to make all of the food which we had a great menu. The students enjoyed playing games such as Spikeball and Cornhole. They also sang karaoke, played board games, and just talked story. The students really had a wonderful time fellowshiping with one another.
As part of the Halau Kukalaulama – Alii Hula Series, haumana will embark on a rich cultural journey, deepening their understanding of hula, oli, and the revered alii of Hawaii. More than just movement and chant, this series serves as an immersive experience in E Ola! student engagement—where haumana will connect ike kupuna with their own identity, fostering a stronger sense of Hawaiian cultural identity. Under the guidance of esteemed Kamehameha Schools alumni Kumu Hula, this series will illuminate the mookuauhau of the alii and their profound connection to Ke Alii Bernice Pauahi Bishop. To begin, in honor of Alexander Liholiho Iolani, Kumu Hula Nani Dudoit KSK ’78 will lead haumana through foundational hula movements and oli exercises, setting the stage for a deeper cultural appreciation. Through moolelo and mele, haumana will gain insight into the life and legacy of Iolani, exploring how his leadership and vision continue to shape our lahui today. By grounding their learning in the traditional practices of hula and oli, haumana will strengthen their connection to Hawaiian cultural identity and honor the legacy of the alii who paved the way for future generations.
Our sophomore students dressed in their best fashion for a night in Paris. They had their sophomore banquet held at Kekūhaupiʻo Gym. They had a great time getting ready and then realizing that they all wore the same thing. We took pictures at the hale and then we went to pick up other students from other hale. It took a while for us to get pictures of all of our students and some of the Liholiho boys but we did get everyone. They had a wonderful Italian dinner, hahaha. Then, they danced all night until the very last song. Afterwards, we shuttled them back to the hale and they told us how much fun they had. We are so happy that it was a great night.
In celebration of Mahina Olelo Hawaii, Windward Mall will be hosting Ola Ka I, an event dedicated to uplifting and perpetuating our native language. For our haumana, this is more than just an event, it’s an opportunity to immerse themselves in olelo Hawaii, regardless of their current proficiency level. Each haumana is on their own journey with olelo Hawaii, some just beginning to find their voice while others are strengthening their fluency. Ola Ka I provides a welcoming space for all haumana to listen, practice, and engage with the language in a real-world setting. This aligns beautifully with our 9/10 grade level theme, He Hawaii Au, I am Hawaiian, reinforcing the importance of language as a cornerstone of identity. By participating, haumana will not only hear the beauty of olelo Hawaii spoken and sung, but they will also have the chance to use it themselves, gaining confidence and deepening their connection to their heritage. This is a way to honor our kupuna, who fought to keep our language alive, and to take an active role in ensuring its future. This event is more than just words, it is a living, breathing expression of who we are as Hawaiians. Let’s encourage our haumana to step forward, speak with pride, and embrace olelo Hawaii as an essential part of their identity.
The Ti Leaf Planting initiative fosters a sustainable source of ti leaves on the Residential Life campus, providing students easy access to this culturally significant resource. This project promotes aloha aina, environmental stewardship, and cultural identity through hands-on learning. Students actively care for the ti leaf garden, practicing sustainable methods while deepening their connection to Hawaiian traditions. The initiative builds community, cultivates personal growth, and reinforces cultural values. Long-term goals include integrating ti leaf care into the curriculum, ensuring sustainability, and instilling pride in cultural heritage. By nurturing the garden, students uphold the values of aloha aina and He Hawaii Au.
It was a wonderful weekend at Kalaʻiokaʻōpua in Punaluʻu with 21 boys. We went to Ka Papa Loʻi ʻo Punaluʻu, Hauʻula Kai Shopping Center and Kōkololio Beach. We also played a very intense but fun game of hide and seek at the hale. On Sunday, we had a wonderful Sunday devotional with Kumu Kahu and beautiful mele haipule with Kamahaʻo. Afterwards, we went to have a wonderful beach day Hūnānāniho with the rest of the hale to end our beautiful weekend. We look forward to more pilina building opportunities such as this one.
We gathered as a RL ʻohana to honor the spirit of Lā ʻOnipaʻa, a symbol of steadfast determination that has defined the Hawaiian people. Even in the face of the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii on January 17, 1893, Queen Liliʻuokalani remained steadfast in her resolve, determined to protect the sovereignty of her people and their land. This spirit calls us to stand firm in the face of adversity, as she did when she fought against the annexation. Her legacy of courage and resilience lives on, inspiring us to continue standing strong for what is right. E Ō MAI...
We had another opportunity to work at Hale Huliāmahi. Our students did a great job cleaning up in and around the hale. It was a good give back to our Kapālama campus. Mahalo to our program assistants for planning this event.
Congratulations to Kīnaʻu Hale and Kapiʻolani Nui Hale for winning the Christmas Decorations contest. All hale were judged on E Ola, DIY, Christmas Spirit and Overall Presentation. Both hale received the ihe as reward. :) Good job to the kumu and haumāna for making this a success for both our hale.
We attended Kapuaiwa Alii Sunday at Kawaiahao Church on 12/08/2024. We honored Kapuaiwa, the son of Elizabeth Kinau. E ola kou inoa e ke alii Kapuaiwa, ke kama o Kinau, ko kakou alii. Ola.
We attended the 2024 KS Christmas Concert as a hale at the Neal Blaisdell Arena. The theme this year was Ke Au Maluhia: The Season of Christmas Peace. We went to support four of students including: Kamahaʻo, Kamakau, William and Kekona D. We were so proud of all the hard work that showed through their performances.
We took the boys to watch Wicked in the theaters. It was another great bonding experience for us as a hale. We went to Windward Mall and had the admission paid by our RL department. Our movie finished at midnight and then a nice drive back to campus and off to sleep.
We celebrate both Pauahi and Ke Akua with our annual Residential Life Pauahi Christmas Dinner hosted by Dr. Chun. Our students were treated to a wonderful prime rib dinner, wonderful entertainment by Ke ʻOlu, a photobooth and a makana from Santa. It was another way for us to come together as an ʻohana to fellowship with one another.
As we begin the month of December, we stop to take a moment to visit 2 of our aliʻi that we cherish in our hearts at Mauna ʻAla. First, we honor Bernice Pauahi Bishop, our founder. She celebrates her birthday this month. We also wanted to honor our namesake, Elizabeth Kīnaʻu, the hānai māmā of Pauahi and taught her many things. Together, we would not be here without these 2 aliʻi and we were grateful to offer our oli and some pua loke for both of them.
At KInau Hale, we immerse students in the foundational values of mAlama (caring), kuleana (responsibility), alakai lawelawe (servant leadership), and kulia (striving for excellence), guided by the Hawaiian Culture-Based Education (HCBE) framework. As part of our commitment to fostering Hawaiian identity, our 9/10 grade haumAna will participate in a leadership and team-building huakai to Camp Erdman, engaging in a high ropes course. This activity challenges students physically while fostering essential skills such as communication, resilience, and teamwork. By stepping into leadership roles, haumAna will practice alakai lawelawe, guiding and supporting their peers, and embodying mālama through care and concern for others. These experiences are integral to kuleana, teaching students the importance of fulfilling their responsibilities to their ohana and lahui. Aligned with our foundational theme, He Hawaii Au (I am Hawaiian), this huakai empowers haumāna to strengthen their Hawaiian identity while developing leadership and teamwork capabilities. The outcomes include a deeper connection to Hawaiian values, an enhanced appreciation for collaboration, and a holistic understanding of what it means to be Hawaiian. This ropes course is a vital step in nurturing confident, culturally grounded individuals prepared to contribute positively to their communities and the world.
On Nowember 28, 1843, Hawaiʻi was formally recognized as independent nation by Britain and France. This day, known as Lā Kū‘oko‘a, became one of the first holidays celebrated annually in Hawai‘i. We had a special dinner in honor of this holiday. Mahalo to Kanaeokana for coming out to teach and support our haumāna.
Every first Saturday of the month, Ka Papa Loʻi ʻo Kānewai @ the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa does a community service workday to help mālama their ʻāina. We were very grateful to take our boys there again to give back to our kaiāulu. There were many different volunteers from all over the world to help give back and that is what helped us get our work done faster. After the work was done, we had a wonderful lunch: kalua pig, kalo poke, ʻopae salad and rice pudding.
Every year, we celebrate Makahiki a little earlier than usual in October. It is a time for peace as we honor the god Lono. We were very happy to compete in this years Makahiki Games. It is another opportunity for us to come together as a Residential Life ʻohana and see all 9 hale together. We competed in various games such as hukihuki, ula maika, and hoʻokaʻa pōhaku. Congratulations to ʻIolani Hale (kāne) and Paiʻea Hale (wahine) for capturing the ihe for this years Makahiki Games.
The Ti Leaf Planting initiative aims to establish a sustainable source of ti leaf plants directly on the Residential Life campus, providing students with easy access to this culturally significant resource. This initiative will support educational activities, promote environmental stewardship, and uphold aloha aina. The Ti Leaf Planting Initiative is a meaningful and intentional educational activity designed to engage students deeply in their cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. By creating a sustainable source of ti leaf on campus, students will gain hands-on experience in traditional Hawaiian practices, learn the importance of caring for the land, and build a stronger sense of community and identity. This initiative will not only support educational activities but also ensure that we uphold the values of aloha aina and contribute positively to the natural beauty and sustainability of our campus.
At Kinau Hale, we are committed to immersing our students in the richness of malama, caring, kuleana, responsibility, alakai lawelawe, servant leadership, and kulia, striving for excellence, as foundational pillars of our approach to culture-based education. To further this commitment, we are offering a community service opportunity that aligns with our Hawaiian Culture-Based Education (HCBE) framework, with a specific focus on the cultural identity pathway, ike mauli lahui.
We are deeply honored to visit The Pantry, where our haumana will have the chance to engage with community organizations that are not only deeply rooted in the traditions of our people but also actively practice these core values. Our hope is that this experience will forge meaningful connections between our haumana and these organizations, inspiring them to continue their journey in practicing malama, kuleana, alakai lawelawe, and kulia in all aspects of their lives.
The primary objective of this activity is to help our students form, inform, and develop their Hawaiian identity by witnessing firsthand how local community organizations embody and express their Hawaiian heritage. By participating in this meaningful and intentional engagement, students will not only honor their cultural heritage but will also learn to integrate these Hawaiian values into their daily lives, thereby enriching their personal growth and involvement in the community.
Through this experience, we aim to empower our haumana to become culturally grounded individuals who are equipped to contribute positively to their communities and to the larger world, all while staying true to the principles that define what it means to be Hawaiian. This aligns seamlessly with the 9/10 grade level foundational student experiential learning theme, He Hawaiʻi Au (I am Hawaiian), ensuring that our students’ identities are nurtured and celebrated throughout their educational journey.
Mahalo nui to our haumāna for their incredible kōkua at The Food Pantry today! Your hard work and dedication made a significant impact, and it did not go unnoticed. Jen, the Executive Director, personally expressed her gratitude for the efficiency and enthusiasm you all brought to the task. In fact, because of your efforts, Jen was able to give her regular Thursday group of volunteers a well-deserved day off—what an amazing accomplishment!
Together, our team completed over 100 orders, ensuring that families in need will have food on their tables. The commitment, teamwork, and aloha spirit you demonstrated today exemplify the values we strive to uphold as a community. Your service today not only lightened the load for the pantry but also made a positive difference for those who rely on its resources. Mahalo for being shining examples of how we can come together to serve and uplift others!
Nice to start the weekend and the second quarter off with a beach day. We went to one of our favorite spots on the west side: Mākaha. The boys enjoyed building pilina with each other on another beautiful day in Hawaiʻi Nei. It was nice to get in the water and enjoy our time together as an ʻohana.
Hale Huliāmahi is an outside space on the Kapālama campus where kumu and students can learn about the moʻolelo of this area. It is also where we were able to weed out many different plants as well as plant different plants such as loulu and alaheʻe. We spent a great time working as a hale to learn about this ʻāina and we are grateful for it. We teach our students to care for the hale that they live in but also for this campus in which they call home.
This year, our students will tour the Bishop Museum and attend the 48th Annual Honolulu Intertribal Powwow at Bishop Museum, held in the ahupuaʻa of Kapalama and the iliaina of Kaiwiula on Oahu. Powwows are social gatherings that celebrate Native American heritage, foster community, and offer a platform for cultural exchange. Open to all, they provide an invaluable opportunity for students to engage directly with indigenous cultures through interactions with dancers, singers, and artisans. Our students will embark on a self-guided tour of Bishop Museum, an invaluable cultural and educational resource within our kaiaulu, or community. This activity is designed to foster a deep connection with Hawaiian heritage and enhance the students’ understanding of their identity.The Powwow huakai is designed to broaden our students’ perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of global cultural diversity while strengthening their own Hawaiian identity. By engaging with Native American traditions, our haumāna will gain insights into the shared values and resilience of indigenous communities. This experience is integral to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are rooted in their heritage and equipped to navigate and contribute to a globally interconnected world. Attending the powwow will be a pivotal step in their journey of cultural awareness and self-discovery as they grow into E Ola! graduates.
We had the honor of attending the second workshop of the Aliʻi Hula Series presented by Hālau Kūkalaulama that honored Lot Kapuāiwa (Kamehameha V). He is the son of Kīnaʻu and Kekūanaoʻa so we had to come and honor this aliʻi. He was an aliʻi who valued "holoholo" and traveling from place to place. Kumu hula Leinaʻala Medeiros (KS ʻ87) came to teach us the mele entitled "Hānauma" written by Mary Kawena Pukuʻi and Madeline Kaululehuaohāʻili Lam. It was a new experience for many of our students but was very fun and educational. We look forward to learning more hula throughout the school year.
Iolani Palace stands as a powerful symbol of Hawaiian history and sovereignty, reflecting the era of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. Our recent visit to the palace, along with sites like Keliiponi Hale (Coronation Pavilion), Hale Koa (Iolani Barracks), and Pohukaina, offered our students meaningful insights into the lives of Hawaii’s alii and the importance of these sacred spaces.
Participating in Kamaaina Sunday allowed our students to engage with the community, reinforcing the value of onipaa (steadfastness) in preserving our heritage. The visit deepened their connection to their Hawaiian identity and underscored their kuleana (responsibility) to honor the legacy of our ancestors.
E onipaa kakou—may we all remain committed to celebrating and perpetuating our rich cultural history.
With great anticipation of our annual Makahiki Games held on Kōnia Field in October, we held an oli lesson to teach our haumāna our Residential Life oli entitled "Kuʻu Home I Kapālama" (My Beloved Home of Kapālama) composed by kumu hula Manu Boyd ʻ80. We went through the first verse to speak of the beauty of this ahupuaʻa and the accompanied ʻŌlauniu breeze. We reference our hale and the many haumāna that live here under the watchful eye of our advisors. We also held our kīhei printing workshop. This year, every haumāna in Residential Life will create their own kīhei including designing a stamp that represents their Hawaiian identity and where they come from and they will use an assortment of color paint to stamp it onto their kīhei.
Our new freshman students had an amazing opportunitiy to visit Dr. Taran Chun at Hale Pelekikena. Our Pookula, Dr. Taran Chun, invited all new students in the Residential Life Program to a wonderful dinner. Dr. Taran Chun encouraged students to take advantage of all opportunities available at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama. Our guest speaker tonight was Tammy Miles, Dean of Academics for K-12. Kumu Tammy shared of her experience being a former boarder at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama and her childhood experiences living up country Maui. Kumu Tammy inspired our students to become oiwi leaders in our Hawaiian communities. Kumu Tammy encouraged our students to live into Ke Alii Bernice Pauahi's vision and desire to develop and "make good and industrious men and women" through developing our potential to be global minded oiwi leaders.
This morning, our journey took us to Haleʻiwa, where we began with an early morning piko protocol to ground ourselves in ʻike kupuna and the spirit of the ʻāina. Through oli and mele, we centered our hearts and minds, welcoming the rising sun with chants of gratitude and offering pule for a blessed new day.
While in Haleʻiwa, we had the extraordinary opportunity to visit and board the Hōkūleʻa, a living symbol of our voyaging heritage. Under the guidance of Kaleohano, we immersed ourselves in the moʻolelo of our ancestors, gaining deep insights into their wisdom and the principles that guided their wayfinding journeys. Our students were able to connect these teachings with our grade-level theme, He Hawaiʻi Au, reinforcing their understanding of what it truly means to be Hawaiian.
As part of our E Ola! educational initiative, our students will attend the morning Sunday service at Kawaiahao Church, a significant Hawaiian Christian resource within our kaiaulu, or community to honor Queen Liliuokalani. This experience will offer students an opportunity to engage deeply with both Hawaiian and Christian values. The objective of this activity is to form, inform, and develop our students’ Hawaiian identity in a way that mirrors the qualities of our revered Alii. By participating in this meaningful and intentional engagement, students will not only honor their cultural and spiritual heritage but also learn to integrate these values into their daily lives, thereby enriching their personal growth and community involvement.
As an extension of honoring Queen Liliuokalani, our students will visit her statue and engage in PIKO protocol, pule, mele, oli, and makana hookupu. This experience will offer students an opportunity to engage deeply with both Hawaiian and Christian values. The objective of this activity is to form, inform, and develop our students’ Hawaiian identity in a way that mirrors the qualities of our revered Alii. By participating in this meaningful and intentional engagement, students will not only honor their cultural and spiritual heritage but also learn to integrate these values into their daily lives, thereby enriching their personal growth and community involvement.
Washington Place is perhaps best known as the home of Queen Liliuokalani, who arrived at the elegant mansion in 1862. It remained her residence for 55 years until 1917. For over 175 years, Washington Place has been at the heart of social and political life in the Hawaiian Islands and has served as the official residence for the Governor of Hawaii since 1922. This historic site offers rich insights into Hawaii’s royal heritage and the lives of its alii, royalty. Our haumana will visit Washington Place as part of their educational journey to deepen their understanding of Hawaiian history and identity. This activity is intricately tied to the 9th and 10th grade foundational student experiential learning theme, He Hawaii Au, I am Hawaiian. By exploring Washington Place, students will gain a profound appreciation of their cultural heritage and the legacy of Queen Liliuokalani. The objective of this activity is to provide students with a formative and immersive experience that enhances their understanding of Hawaiian history and identity. By visiting Washington Place, students will gain insights into the lives of Hawaii’s alii and develop a deeper connection to their cultural heritage.
To end our amazing E Ola! activity packed day, we ended our time at Ala Moana. A few of our haumana ate lunch with Kumu Ekolu at Gen.
Our students visited the Pauahi Heritage Center to learn about 3 main aliʻi that we wanted them to connect to which include Kamehameha Paiʻea, Kīnaʻu and Pauahi. These 3 individuals have a special connection to our hale so we wanted our students to learn more about them. A few of them were able to play Pauahiʻs piano and ʻAnakē Nanea Armstrong-Wassel broke down the moʻokūʻauhau of this ʻohana. She explained that they were gracious and kind people and wonderful servant leaders. Our students learn with identity comes great kuleana. We hope that they are proud to be Hawaiʻi and proud to be apart of Pauahiʻs legacy.
At Kamehameha Schools, we are deeply committed to providing meaningful engagement opportunities for our students that align with the HCBE framework and E Ola learner outcomes. These focus on building a strong foundation and fostering well-being, ultimately cultivating culturally grounded individuals. These initiatives are central to Kamehameha Schools’ vision of creating an E Ola graduate who is not only academically proficient but also rooted in Hawaiian culture and values.
In alignment with this vision, we will conduct a ti leaf lei making activity that emphasizes the importance of ike Hawaii, Hawaiian knowledge, and moomeheu Hawaii, Hawaiian culture. This activity is designed to be a powerful and intentional engagement that helps to form, inform, and develop our students’ Hawaiian identity in a way that honors and practices hana noeau, the skillful use of hands.
The main objective of this activity is to deepen students' understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian cultural practices, specifically through the art of lei making. By engaging in this hands-on activity, students will learn to take pride in and have patience for traditional Hawaiian crafts, integrating these values into their daily lives. This will enrich their personal growth and foster a sense of community involvement.
We had our annual Res. Life Welcome Back Dinner at ʻAkahi Dining Hall. All of the hale came together to enjoy a wonderful meal. We also got to write letters to ourselves that highlighted our personal goals this school year. For the returning boarders, they received their letters from last school year and they got to reflect on last school year. We once again collected this years letters and will give them back next year at the Welcome Back Dinner. Again, here is to another wonderful school year.
We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our newly elected moho for Aha Kukui! Hoomaikai ia olua e Cairo laua o Kaua. Your dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving our Residential Life community have truly shone through, and we are so proud of each of you for stepping up to take on this important role.
Serving on Aha Kukui is a significant responsibility, one that requires vision, integrity, and a strong sense of kuleana to both your peers and the broader Residential Life community. I have no doubt that you will each bring your unique strengths, ideas, and aloha to this role, and that you will work tirelessly to make a positive impact on our school.
As you begin this journey, please remember that you are not just leaders in name, but also in action. Your voices will help shape the direction of our hale, and your efforts will pave the way for future generations of haumana. We encourage you to embrace this opportunity with open hearts and minds, always striving to uplift and support one another, just as our kupuna have done before us.
Once again, congratulations on this incredible achievement. We are excited to see the wonderful things you will accomplish together!
Aloha Games is our first competition of the school year between hale. Dressed in white, we competed in a variety of games including team walk, frisbee, wheelbarrow relay, back to back, volleyball and hula hoop relay. It was a great hale bonding experience for all of us. At the end of the night, we came in 2nd place in the kāne division. Congratulations to Liholiho and Kapuāiwa Hale for capturing the ihe.
Kawaiahao Church, established under Queen Kaahumanu in 1820, has been a cornerstone of faith and culture in Hawaii. The church’s mission is to share the love of God and preserve Hawaiian traditions, reaching across the islands and beyond. Worship, deeply rooted in both Hawaiian and Christian values, remains a vital part of life for many in Hawaii.
Our students will participate in a docent-guided tour of Kawaiahao Church, a key resource within our kaiaulu, or community. Uncle Arthur Aiu, Kawaiahao Church moderator, gave a guided tour and history lesson of Kawaiahao Church. This experience will allow them to delve into the rich history and stories that the church holds. As they engage with these lessons, students will be encouraged to apply the ike, or knowledge, they gain to their own growth and understanding, aligning with our 9/10 grade level foundational student experiential learning theme—He Hawaii Au (I Am Hawaiian).
The aim of this E Ola! educational activity is to foster a deeper connection between students and their Hawaiian Christian heritage. By reflecting on the values embodied by our Christian kupuna, or ancestors, students can explore how these principles can be integrated into their own lives. This journey of formation is not just about learning history; it’s about shaping a Hawaiian identity that honors the past while engaging with the present world through a Hawaiian Christian worldview.
Mahalo nui for a wonderful "Eat Local Challenge." We had so much fun brainstorming a meal to make with a box of local ingredients. For the judges, we made a pesto caprese salad, minestrone soup and a meatball sub sandwich. The best overall dish went to Lunalilo Hale. The most creative use of local ingredients went to ʻIolani Hale. The best storytelling and presentation went to Naeʻole Hale. The boys had such a fun time working together and using their creativity. :) Congratulations to all of the hale on a job well done.