E Ola Mau!

Over the past decade, Kamehameha Schools has deepened its commitment to cultivating ‘ōiwi, supporting the growth of our people and places through E Ola! As we carry this kuleana forward through Strategic Plan 2030, Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha remains focused on nurturing haumāna, cultivating ‘āina momona, and uplifting our lāhui — now and for generations to come.

Resilient and Rising

From 2020 to 2025, our journey has been shaped by aspiration, challenge, resilience and resurgence. Whether delivering education with a Hawaiian perspective through E Ola!, embracing our kuleana as responsible stewards of ‘āina, or helping to build vibrant communities through impactful partnerships, we all contribute to this collective movement, honoring those who came before us and creating new pathways for those who will follow.

Our stories of growth reflect a shared dedication to our lāhui and illuminate the path ahead.

EDUCATION

Fulfilling the vision of Ke Ali‘i Pauahi, Kamehameha Schools strengthened its focus on world-class, Hawaiian culture-based education by empowering each campus and preschool program to chart its own path to student success. In response to growing needs for student well-being, cultural relevance and ‘ōiwi-centered excellence, kumu and leadership teams implemented strategies to elevate academic rigor, support systems and innovation. Together, these efforts cultivate haumāna who lead with identity, excel beyond high school and advance ea for their communities and the lāhui.

Number of preschool graduates meeting E Ola! expectations (FY21-24)

Number of graduates from KS Hawai‘i, KS Maui and KS Kapālama (FY21-24)

During the past three years, KS’ postsecondary enrollment has steadily risen to 90%, recovering from pandemic-era declines seen across Hawai‘i and the continent.

Growing ‘Ōiwi Leaders

Dual-credit programs at our three campuses fast-track haumāna to college success, saving ‘ohana tuition costs and bolstering confidence, achievement and impact.

E Ola! in action

At KS Maui, Nā Wāhine ‘Ahumanu joined the “Poi for the Pēpē” project, putting ʻōiwi leadership into action and demonstrating how student-led, culture-based learning drives impact beyond the classroom. Haumāna delivered poi they made to KS Preschools ‘ohana on Maui.

Our Kaiāulu Votes is an ‘ōiwi-led initiative aimed at increasing civic engagement. Spearheaded by a coalition of organizations, including Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha, the campaign engages ‘ōpio voice, emphasizing voting as a vital lāhui kuleana.

I OLA NĀ KEIKI

KS continues to foster a safe and secure learning environment supported by highly trained personnel. Through a whole-child approach, we empower and equip each haumāna with the skills needed to reach their fullest potential.

KE ALI‘I PAUAHI’S LEGACY

Each year, Kamehameha Schools haumāna at He‘eia Preschool raise money in honor of Ke Ali‘i Pauahi. Through Pennies for Pauahi, the keiki support ‘ōiwi learners by collecting donations for the Pauahi Foundation, which provides educational opportunities for the lāhui. The experience serves as a hands-on lesson about the values of mālama and kuleana for our youngest learners.

Boosting early education

In 2022, after years of advocacy and KS’ own commitments to early education, supporters of kamali‘i learning celebrated the state’s passage of Act 257, a landmark law that secured an initial $200 million investment toward the goal of ensuring that all 3- and 4-year-olds have access to preschool education by 2032.

Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha continues to steer and steward its lands toward the vision of ‘āina momona — where people, place and regenerative practices come together to cultivate abundance and opportunity for our lāhui. To better fulfill this vision, KS brought its conservation, agricultural and commercial lands under one division: ‘Āina Pauahi. This unified approach roots our stewardship in kuleana, pilina and purpose — whether restoring wahi pana, expanding food security, or generating income to sustain our educational mission. Thriving ‘āina is the foundation of a thriving lāhui.

‘ĀINA

Restoring ‘Āina Pauahi

Kamehameha Schools reopened Kahalu‘u Ma Kai on Hawai‘i Island to provide cultural educational opportunities for haumāna and community from across the pae ‘āina. Decades after two hotels were built at that site, KS dismantled the hotels and began the work to restore area heiau, bringing with it the promise of a new path forward.

Haumāna from KS Maui contributed to ongoing conservation and reforestation efforts at Ku‘ia in Lahaina by planting native ‘a‘ali‘i and wiliwili. The plants were carefully cultivated at the ‘A‘apueo campus. The effort is part of an overall approach to work alongside community leaders to bring healing and abundance back to Lahaina.

“Ea, sovereignty, aloha ‘āina — this is who we are. It should not be on the side of our work; it is our work.”

Jack Wong, CEO of Kamehameha Schools

Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha stewards approximately 3,600 acres — about 60% of Punalu‘u Valley on O‘ahu. The valley’s floodplain created safety issues for residents and mahi‘ai. Working closely with the community, ‘Āina Pauahi led a yearslong stream restoration project designed to restore the natural stream flow and alleviate the dangerous impacts of flooding while protecting natural, cultural and agricultural sites. An estimated 22% of KS’ ‘āina is considered priority watershed land.

Supporting food sustainability

The value of local food produced, processed and distributed on KS ‘āina has increased from $22.1M in 2021 to more than $44.3M in 2024.

Gathering places that foster connection

Kamehameha Schools celebrated the opening of Kū‘ono Marketplace at Kāhala in 2021. Our commercial real estate portfolio generates financial resources to support our educational mission while also helping to activate communities and strengthen the local economy.

COMMUNITY

Guided by the foresight of Ke Ali‘i Pauahi, Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha remains deeply committed to uplifting Hawai‘i’s communities through investments that blend cultural stewardship, ‘āina resilience and educational equity. From strengthening local food systems to expanding early education and fostering community through values grounded in ‘ike kūpuna, KS supports the long-term well-being of keiki and ‘ohana while nurturing ‘ōiwi identity. Through all of its efforts, KS stays steadfast in cultivating thriving communities rooted in Hawaiian values and collective impact.

Nurturing local food entrepreneurs

Local food-focused entrepreneurs Hā Tonics, The Local General Store, Polipoli Farms and Manu Brewing Co. won $50,000 to supercharge their ventures through Kamehameha Schools’ 2024 Mahi‘ai Match-Up competition. Advancing more sustainable and resilient food systems in Hawai‘i, the competition has awarded 28 local food businesses with a total of $470,000 in prize funds, $76,000 in scholarships and agricultural leases for 144 acres across ‘Āina Pauahi since 2014.

Kamehameha Schools created a $10 million Food Systems Fund in 2021 to invest in local businesses and enhance the economic resiliency of Hawai‘i. Resources are directed toward food production, distribution and aggregation, processing, purchasing, consumption, and food waste solutions. The fund is fully committed into 14 businesses as of June 30, 2025.

NO KA LĀHUI

Together with partners, Kamehameha Schools celebrated the blessing of the Kalanihookaha Community Learning Center in 2021, honoring the legacy of Dr. Agnes Kalanihookaha Cope as a champion of Native Hawaiian well-being. The Nānākuli facility serves as a hub for lifelong learning, ‘āina-based programs and career development. Designed in collaboration with community organizations, the center embodies a vision to nurture ‘ōiwi leadership and support the Wai‘anae Coast through culture, education and community engagement.

Community connections through KS Kaiāulu

With support from KS Kaiāulu, Mālama Hūle‘ia has expanded its efforts to revitalize Alakoko Fishpond, transforming it into a cultural and educational resource for haumāna across Kaua‘i. The island’s largest loko i‘a is now a thriving site for hands-on, place-based learning. The partnership has enabled major restoration progress and the development of curriculum rooted in Hawaiian values and environmental stewardship.

Access to early learning begins with access to qualified kumu. Through a partnership with Chaminade University announced in 2023, KS Kaiāulu provided full-tuition Mu‘o scholarships to support the education, training and preparation of aspiring early learning kumu, who, in turn, will mālama keiki as they take their first steps on their educational journeys.

Understanding language revitalization is key to a thriving lāhui, Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha has been a strong proponent of Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, supporting Ola Ka ‘Ī events across the pae ‘āina. Since 2020, the events have brought ‘ohana together with games, speeches and community fun.

We recognize that a thriving lāhui is shaped by the work of many — Kānaka and kaiāulu who continue to learn, teach, grow, and build our future together.

Read Strategic Plan 2030

STRATEGIC PLAN 2030

HERE’S TO THE ‘ŌIWI - from keiki to kūpuna, alaka‘i to kāko‘o, and the generations past and present who have advanced our lāhui and Hawai‘i through ‘ike and aloha. As we carry SP2030 forward, we honor the people who show us the way, the places that grow us, and the practices that brought us to this moment and continue to breathe life into ea.

ADDITIONAL FOOTAGE COURTESY:
‘Ulu‘ulu Archives
Hawai‘i Congressional Media
Hawaiian Legacy Foundation: Eddie and Myrna Kamae
Juniroa Productions
Nā Maka o ka ‘Āina
Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana
KGMB