Kamehameha Schools’ lands in Kuʻia will be the home of the new King Kamehameha III Elementary School, marking a significant milestone in Lahaina’s restoration. The State of Hawai‘i, the Department of Education (HIDOE), and County of Maui announced the selection of the site at an online community meeting on Oct. 1. 

This decision followed months of engagement by HIDOE with the Lahaina community from May to November 2024.  Four potential sites were under consideration. More than 51% of community respondents supported the Kuʻia location, citing its proximity to the original campus, improved emergency access, and favorable traffic conditions. While 67% preferred rebuilding at the original site, government officials determined it was no longer viable. 

The approximately 14-acre site, located about 0.6 miles from the original campus and outside the tsunami inundation zone, ensures that the school remains rooted in Lahaina, reflecting its history, culture, and its namesake’s deep connection to the area.  

This decision builds on the bond between Ke Ali‘i Pauahi and her granduncle, Kauikeaouli, uniting their legacy in Lahaina and commitment to education. The property is part of nearly 2,500 acres Pauahi inherited in Ku‘ia and Paunau from chiefesses Ruth Ke‘elikōlani and Victoria Kamāmalu, and Mō‘ī William Lunalilo. Kauikeaouli, Hawaiʻi’s longest-serving king, made Lahaina his kingdom’s capital in 1837 and signed its first constitution there. His motto, “ʻO koʻu aupuni, he aupuni palapala” (My kingdom shall be a kingdom of learning) guided his leadership. Under his rule, the first public school system west of the Mississippi was established, contributing to Hawaiʻi achieving one of the world’s highest literacy rates at the time. It is fitting, then, that these two high ali‘i are reunited: Pauahi’s lands will now become the home of the school that has carried his name for 100 years, continuing its enduring legacy of educating the Lahaina community. 

“We envision a school that not only educates but uplifts keiki and ʻohana, contributing to a safe and thriving future for Lahaina,” said Jack Wong, CEO of Kamehameha Schools. 

Safety is a top priority in the campus design, which will incorporate modern, fire-resistant materials such as concrete and other non-combustible elements. Plans prioritize traffic flow, accessibility, and walkability. Ample space on the 14-acre site, combined with thoughtful design, will support smooth drop-off and pick-up, while new roads connecting to the Lahaina Bypass, Honoapi‘ilani Highway, Mill Street, and Lahainaluna Road will improve traffic flow and evacuation routes. 

Cultural and environmental assessments are set to begin soon—an important step toward bringing this vision to life—for the proposed $162 million project.

Restoring Lahaina from Mauka to Makai 

Following the lead of the community, Kamehameha Schools envisions a holistic restoration of the region guided by the ahupuaʻa approach, ensuring ma uka restoration supports the ma kai community. The goal is to bring balance, abundance, and resilience to Lahaina. 

Upland forests will extend to lower elevations to retain moisture, cool the ʻāina, and establish groundcover. Mid-elevation lands will revive Ka Malu ʻUlu o Lele, a historic canopy of food trees, alongside agriculture and livestock to manage invasive grasses. Restoring the ma uka strengthens ecosystems and safeguards the ma kai, keeping keiki and future generations at the heart of planning. 

Kamehameha Schools also continues to advance fire resiliency across our ʻāina in Kuʻia, reaffirming our commitment to mālama these lands so communities can thrive, with efforts aligned with guidance from the state Attorney General and State Fire Marshal. 

“Our hope is for the undeveloped ʻāina surrounding the new school site to transform into a vibrant community that honors Lahaina’s past while embracing a bold future, with diverse land uses that meet local needs, said Kāʻeo Duarte, Vice President ʻĀina Pauahi.

“Our proposed draft master plan includes open spaces, areas for cultural practice and ecosystem restoration, parks, commercial and community centers, and replacement housing for Lahaina residents. Kamehameha Schools is determined to make as many homes as possible affordable. We want displaced Lahaina families to return home and have access to a permanent replacement school that provides long-term stability and education for their keiki,” said Duarte. 

Guided by the voices of Lahaina, these efforts aim to nurture a resilient, thriving community that honors its past while supporting future generations. 

For more information on KS’ approach to supporting the restoration of Lahaina, please visit www.ksbe.edu/lahaina. 

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