News archive | Kamehameha Schools

Lahaina stories

April 21, 2025

Removing invasive trees sets Kuʻia on a new path

Efforts to restore Lahaina’s native ecosystem are underway with removing invasive eucalyptus trees, installing conservation fencing and replanting native species.

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April 7, 2025

KS Maui haumāna and community boost restoration vision for Ka Malu site in Lahaina

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.

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March 24, 2025

Ka Malu ‘Ulu o Lele

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.

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Feb. 7, 2025

Lū i nā hua o ka holomua

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.

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Dec. 9, 2024

Latest I Mua magazine edition highlights seeds of positive change planted across the pae ʻāina

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.

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Nov. 19, 2024

Kamehameha Schools’ offer of land to rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary School in Lahaina

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.

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Oct. 11, 2024

Native food crops, other plants poised to take root on KS’ lands in Lahaina

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.

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Oct. 9, 2024

Kamehameha III Elementary finds new potential location on Kamehameha Schools’ Kuʻia lands

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.

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Aug. 8, 2024

He aloha poina ʻole

As we huipū in observance of the one-year remembrance of the Maui fires, we hold close the precious lives lost and send our deepest aloha and pule to their ‘ohana, friends, and the larger Lahaina community. Their strength and resilience through the tragedy, and this difficult past year, remind us of the importance of standing together, supporting one another, and embodying the spirit of aloha that defines our Kamehameha Schools ʻohana.

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Aug. 8, 2024

E holomua kākou: Like the hearty ‘a‘ali‘i plant, Lahaina finds resilience in the face of adversity

Lahaina ʻohana and KS land stewards take cues from the hearty ʻaʻaliʻi plant as they holomua toward restoration.

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Aug. 7, 2024

Kamehameha Schools’ contribution to healing and restoration

Aloha nō e ka ʻohana o Kamehameha. As promised, the Board of Trustees and I are writing to offer a detailed update about the Lahaina global settlement. Our joining this settlement ensures the restoration of Lahaina’s people and community, protects Ke Aliʻi Pauahi’s trust, and offers future opportunities and hope.

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Aug. 6, 2024

This KS Kaiāulu-sponsored voyaging program is bringing joy back to Lahaina families

Hui o Waʻa Kaulua offers cultural education programs that foster resilience and joy for families impacted by the Maui wildfires.

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July 15, 2024

West Maui ‘ōpio connect with ‘āina, wai through summer camp supported by KS Kaiāulu

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.

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May 28, 2024

Native plant project garners international science fair award for two KS Maui haumāna

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.

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