For the first time in its history, the Kamehameha Schools Archives is opening its doors to the public from its new home at Kāpalama Kai.

Offering a rare glimpse into more than a century of Hawaiian history, education and culture, the vault safeguards an expansive collection of artifacts, manuscripts, photographs, video footage and memorabilia that traces the evolution of Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha. Appointments can be made online to study everything from 19th-century Hawaiian fishing hooks and lei hulu to vintage Song Contest footage and early images of campus activities.

“Among Hawaiʻi’s independent schools, few have full-time staff dedicated to their archives,” KS’ archivist Aloha Paʻakaula-Lozier KSK’10 said. “It’s rare to have an enterprise that truly values its own history.”
The new space along Dillingham Boulevard makes the archive more accessible to researchers, alumni and community members while keeping haumāna at its heart. In a recent presentation, high schoolers explored original materials about Ke Aliʻi Bernice Pauahi Bishop as part of preparations for next year’s mele event.

“It’s their story — their moʻokūʻauhau — that continues Pauahi’s legacy,” Paʻakaula-Lozier said. “Whether their kūpuna came before them or they’re the first in their family, one day their moʻopuna will benefit because Kamehameha Schools will always be here."

For Paʻakaula-Lozier, the work is both professional and deeply personal. Whether a doctorate-seeking academic poring over documents or a nostalgic alum gathering family photos, the Kapālama graduate is there to guide each visitor through the stories that built Kamehameha Schools and, in many ways, Hawaiʻi. Each request, she says, reveals a new perspective on history, which means the job never gets old.

Every discovery reminds her of why preserving the past matters for the future.

“There’s some confusion about the importance of archives,” Paʻakaula-Lozier said. “A lot of people just look to the future…but you can’t move forward without knowing where you come from. You need leaders who understand the importance of history.”

The KS Archives is open by appointment. Go to ksbe.edu/archives to explore the digital collection or schedule an in-person visit.

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