Efforts to restore Lahaina’s native ecosystem are underway with removing invasive eucalyptus trees, installing conservation fencing and replanting native species.
Kamehameha Schools Maui haumāna recently planted native ʻaʻaliʻi and wiliwili at the Ka Malu site on ʻĀina Pauahi in Kuʻia, Maui. The plants were carefully propagated at the ʻAʻapueo campus. Their hana is part of a bigger community-focused restoration effort ma uka to ma kai.
Sixth graders from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama traveled to Maui to deliver their “love letter to Lahaina” in the form of a theatrical performance. “Ka Malu Ulu o Lele” is an entertaining, emotional journey that tells of Lahaina’s prestigious history, and the forces that worked to erase its Hawaiian culture and abundance. Haumāna also shared common-sense solutions, in a way only ʻōpio can.
The ma uka to ma kai restoration of Kamehameha Schools’ lands in Kuʻia, Lahaina mirrors the efforts to restore kaiāulu there. With her people leading the way, KS envisions the return of Lahaina to the “breadbasket of West Maui.” And those seeds of change are being planted now.
As the year comes to an end, we proudly share the latest edition of I Mua magazine — now online and soon to arrive in the mail. Read more about ‘āina restoration happening in Lahaina and how alumni are helping to reshape narratives of our lāhui.
Kamehameha Schools remains focused on rebuilding Lahaina, following the community’s vision and lead. While the wildfires displaced Lahaina families throughout Maui and beyond, our hope is to rebuild a community that welcomes them back home.
A part of Kamehameha Schools’ reimagination of its Kuʻia lands is already beginning to take shape ma waena, just above the Lahaina Bypass. That’s where native trees and food crops are about to be planted on a one-acre parcel, with plans to add more food trees on an adjoining parcel in 2025.
Discussions are underway to rebuild the elementary school on Kuʻia acreage, along with Hawaiian learning centers and ʻāina-based programs to revitalize the community and preserve Lahaina’s educational legacy.
Twenty Kamehameha Schools Maui students volunteered at the Upcountry Aloha Luncheon, supporting impacted community members one year later.
Lahaina ʻohana and KS land stewards take cues from the hearty ʻaʻaliʻi plant as they holomua toward restoration.
Hui o Waʻa Kaulua offers cultural education programs that foster resilience and joy for families impacted by the Maui wildfires.
Nearly two dozen high school haumāna, most from West Maui, embarked on a summer camp-style learning journey in Honokōhau Valley. Funding for the camp was made possible by Kamehameha Schools Kaiāulu through a Summer Boost program.
Two KS Maui haumāna have earned yet another honor for a groundbreaking environmental invention. Their biofiltration sock prototype using live pili grass garnered a prize at an international science fair on the continent.
An award-winning project developed by two Kamehameha Schools Maui haumāna utilizing lāʻau ʻōiwi Hawaiʻi is showing promise in aiding toxic cleanup in places like fire-ravaged Lahaina.
With KS Maui’s trades program, students receive construction skills and a path to serve their communities during the Lahaina recovery and rebuilding process.
Maui Kuʻia Estate Chocolate has endured crises with a steadfast commitment to cacao cultivation and philanthropy.
Maui residents who want to be a part of the rebuilding of Lahaina can receive free trade certifications through the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement with support from Kamehameha Schools.
A hale waʻa built by KS Maui Māhele Lalo haumāna is a testament to ʻike kūpuna, having withstood numerous windstorms, including the one on Aug. 8 that fueled devastating wildfires elsewhere on Maui.
Maui musicians and hālau will join KS elementary school haumāna for He Leo Aloha No Maui.
Kamehameha Schools Maui students discuss the restoration of Lahaina during Spotlight Now: Student Edition.
A KS Maui senior’s journey of healing turns tragedy into resilience through a powerful project on grief and mental health ma ka ‘ōlelo Hawaiʻi.
With support from the Hoʻōla Maui Fund, Zoe Acantilado and her ʻohana have found resilience, rebuilt their sense of community and embraced a hopeful future.
Emotions were high as KS Maui’s Hawaiian Ensemble recorded “Yonder Lahaina Mountains,” a classic song dedicated to the town known as a “home for all.”
Rooted in their faith, the Pratt ʻohana is rebuilding their lives post-Lahaina wildfires with gratitude.
A surprise makeover and outfits from Manaola bring joy to high school haumāna impacted by the Maui wildfires.
Healing opportunities were created for those affected by the August wildfires on Maui through community collaboration.
Kamehameha Schools and the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association formed a partnership rooted in aloha to deliver free backpacks filled with school supplies to hundreds of haumāna impacted by the Aug. 8 wildfires.
Three Kamehameha Schools Maui haumāna are the inaugural recipients of the Ke ʻAno Koa – Warrior Mindset award. Hāweo Fuqua (Grade 5), Ka‘ikena Guzman (Grade 8) and Kealoha Baricuatro (Grade 12) were honored during halftime of the Sept. 29 home football game alongside their kumu and ʻohana.
KS Maui kindergarten kumu Cathy Honda KSK’82, who lost her home in the Maui wildfires, received an outpouring of aloha when she returned to campus.
Four KSM Maui varsity football players share manaʻo about representing, not just their kula, but also West Maui, where they’re from.