It is with great excitement that we welcome your child to the Punahou School’s Class of 2029!
At Punahou School, your child will be encouraged to cultivate a love for learning, embrace innovation, and develop a strong sense of kuleana. Supported by our dedicated faculty, your child will find opportunities to grow academically and personally, contributing to and benefiting from the rich experiences that define Punahou.
To ensure a smooth and confident start at Punahou, completion of Mālama Bridge Program during the summer is required before your admission is finalized.
This six-week program is designed to:
- Prepare you for academic success – gain essential skills to start strong in the fall.
- Build connections – Be part of a supportive cohort group that fosters a sense of community.
- Ease the transition – get comfortable with expectations and student life at Punahou.
We understand summer is a busy time for families, and we are committed to making this experience engaging, impactful, and well worth the investment of your time. If you have scheduling concerns, please contact our Mālama Bridge Program Coordinator, Lynn Kunishige.
Mandatory Events and Dates
- Welcome to Punahou Day and Bridge Info Session | April 5 | 8 – 11:30 a.m. | RSVP
- Student Preview Day (optional) | April 8 | 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. | RSVP
- Course Registration Day | April 26 | Complete this Programming Form
- Mālama Bridge Program | June 9 – July 18 | 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
About the Malama Bridge Program
Program Dates: June 9 – July 18, 2025 | Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
The Mālama Bridge Program is a specially designed opportunity for a select group of incoming 9th graders, offered as part of their enrollment at Punahou School, at no additional cost. This program provides a strong foundation for academic success, fosters meaningful connections, and helps students prepare for the expectations of our faculty. Through engaging coursework, collaborative learning, and interactive experiences, students will develop essential skills in critical thinking, time management, and self-advocacy, which are key to thriving in the Academy and beyond. Additionally, students will have the chance to navigate their new environment with confidence, form lasting friendships, and become an integral part of our school community from day one.
As a required component of enrollment at Punahou, the six-week summer Mālama Bridge Program is designed to support a smooth transition into the Academy with the guidance of our dedicated faculty. During the summer, students will take courses in Social Studies, Math (Algebra I), and English, along with interactive seminars that further prepare them for high school success.
Beyond The First Summer
The Mālama Bridge Program is designed to provide a smooth and supportive transition into the Academy, helping students feel prepared and confident as they begin high school.
As part of the program, students will be placed in a cohort of fellow Mālama Bridge Program participants, creating a built-in support system that will stay with them throughout their time at Punahou. This close-knit group fosters meaningful friendships and a sense of belonging, providing both academic and personal support.
To further enhance their experience, students will meet regularly with faculty advisors and mentors who are committed to guiding them through their Academy journey. In ninth grade, they will also have scheduled study halls twice per cycle with their summer teachers, reinforcing key skills and ensuring they have access to academic support.
Program Highlights
- Academic support and development of organizational skills
- A supportive cohort that fosters community and connection
- One-on-one check-ins with dedicated mentor teachers
- Structured study halls with Mālama Bridge Program teachers during ninth grade
- Continued support throughout all four years of high school
With the Mālama Bridge Program, students become part of a community that supports their growth, learning, and success every step of the way.
List of 2 items.
-
James Kakos, Associate Principal for K – 12 Student Life
The Bridge program offers key transitional support for students entering Punahou. It sets students up for success, both in terms of academic performance and social-emotional learning. The cohort model of learning employed by the Bridge Program builds bonds between students that last for the entirety of their high school experience and beyond.” -
Attorney Fransina Savusa ’07, Bridge Program Alumnus
The Bridge Program offered at Punahou School laid the foundation for not only my success while in the Academy, but also in my post-graduate and professional career.I learned the importance of prioritization and time management skills. Transitioning from a traditional school schedule to a modular college-like schedule was challenging at first, but I was well-equipped and prepared after participating in the Bridge Program. I learned how to be purposeful with my time and resources to be a better student. The Program provided me with an abundance of tools and resources to excel academically and allowed me to hone in on subject areas I needed improvement in.All of this would not have been possible without the support system the Bridge Program embraced me with. Every teacher and faculty member that is a part of this program is truly committed to the academic success of each student. For all these reasons and more, the Bridge Program will always hold a special place in my heart, even after 20 years.”
Colleges Attended by Bridge Alumni
Adams State University
Boise State University
Bowdoin College
Brigham Young University
Bryn Mawr College
Cal State – Northridge
California Lutheran University
California Maritime Academy
California Polytechnic State University
Chaminade University
Chapman University
College of Southern Idaho
Colorado Mesa University
Colorado State University
Concordia University
Creighton University
East Carolina University
Eastern Washington University
George Fox University
Graceland University
Hawaii Pacific University
Hofstra University
Howard University
Illinois Institute of Technology
Iowa Western Community College
Kansas State University
Lewis & Clark College
Linfield College
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University – Chicago
Manhattanville College
Marist College
Menlo College
Musicians Institute – Hollywood
New Mexico Military Institute
New York University
New York University – Shanghai
North Park University
Northeastern University
Northern Arizona University
Oregon State University
Pacific Lutheran University
Pacific University
Pierce College
Pitzer College
Portland State University
Prairie View A & M University
Princeton University
Quinnipiac University
Regis University
Salve Regina University
Santa Clara University
Santa Rosa Junior College
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle University
Smith College
Snow College
Southern Nazarene University
Southern Utah
Stanford University
Texas A & M
Texas Christian University
University of Arizona
University of California – Berkeley
University of California – Los Angeles
University of Colorado – Boulder
University of Hawaii – Manoa
University of Hawaii – West O‘ahu
University of Idaho
University of Miami
University of Nevada – Las Vegas
University of Nevada – Reno
University of Notre Dame
University of Oregon
University of Portland
University of Puget Sound
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of Southern California
University of the Pacific
University of Utah
University of Virginia
University of Washington
US Air Force Academy Prep School
Utah State University
Weber State University
Wellesley College
Western Illinois University
Whittier College
Wichita State University
Willamette University
York College
Contact
List of 1 items.
-
Lynn Kimura ’81 Kunishige
Mathematics Teacher
Student Activities Coordinator
Mālama Bridge Program Coordinator
808.944.5882
lkunishige@punahou.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
List of 4 items.
-
How do students enroll?
Incoming ninth graders will receive an invitation to join the program. Students register for the summer school course through their Deans. Successful completion of the summer school course is required for acceptance and enrollment to Punahou. -
What is the cost to attend?
The summer school course is included in the cost of tuition, so there is no cost to attend. -
Is the course required?
Yes, the 6-week summer school course is required before your student can start in the fall. -
When are classes held?
The summer school course classes are held June 9 – July 18, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Punahou School
©2022 Punahou School. All Rights Reserved