Academics

Hawaiian Studies

Hawaiian Studies brings to life the vibrant culture, history and storytelling traditions of our Islands.

The program, housed in Kuaihelani Learning Center, assists K – 12 faculty with integrating ‘ōlelo (language), mele (song), oli (chant) and protocol into existing curriculum.

The program’s content-based approach imbues students with an appreciation for Hawaiian cultural values and for the School’s lands, a historic gift from the ruling ali‘i. By reconnecting children to the ‘āina, the program encourages the mindset to embrace Hawaiian cultural values in their lives.

Mele Monday is a project brought to you with aloha from Kuaihelani at Punahou School. We hope these videos bring small moments of inspiration and ʻike Hawaiʻi to our Punahou community.

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  • May Day and Holoku Program

    Each spring, the School’s May Day and Holokū present a joyful showcase of mele, oli and hula. Students K – 5 perform in the May Day programs while Holokū features exuberant volunteers from Middle School and the Academy.
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  • Hawaiian Language

    Hawaiian language, or ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, is introduced in kindergarten, first and third grade, where it serves as the curricular foundation and springboard. Students K – 5 can enroll in an after-school language class. In middle school, seventh and eighth graders can elect to take Hawaiian language while the Academy offers five credit-bearing levels of ‘olelo Hawai‘i.

  • Hawaiian Arts

    The HĀ (Hawaiian Arts) after-school program provides a cultural immersion experience for students K – 12. The program imparts core Hawaiian values through mele, oli, arts and crafts, and other hands-on activities.
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