Kamehameha Schools alumni use culture and craft to conquer the stage

Aleah Kay KSH’21 (left) and Jason Aiwohi-Tomlin KSH’21 led the first Hōʻike film for Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi “ʻEleau.”

Aug. 15, 2024

When Aleah Kay KSH’21 entered Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi in the sixth grade, she was most excited to grow her dance skills at a place that could support her. Once there, her love for performing arts blossomed, laying the foundation for her future as a performer and advocate for the up-and-coming Hilo theater scene.

“Since I graduated, there’s so many more camps and programs for younger students to learn about theater and that’s something that I want to be able to give back now,” Kay said.

Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi, with its rigorous academic and renowned performing arts programs, offer students like Kay the tools and support to pursue their passions. By fostering both cultural identity and creative expression, Kamehameha Schools prepares students to lead and succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Kay’s journey, however, wasn’t without strife. As a child, she often felt burdened by the “weird theater kid” stereotype, making her feel insecure and scared to stand out. She recalls her first audition at KS as a disaster; her nerves getting the best of her. But with encouragement from her kumu, she focused on improving her voice talents, determined to become a triple threat in singing, dancing and acting. Countless hours of rehearsing with acclaimed glee and chorus kumu Herb Mahelona KSK’85 eventually paid off, landing her multiple lead roles in school productions.

Aleah Kay KSH’21 (front) and Jason Aiwohi-Tomlin KSH’21 still perform and serve together on the Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre board of directors.

As her senior legacy project, Kay orchestrated the first student-led Hōʻike film “ʻEleau." The annual performance had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic but she and fellow performer Jason Aiwohi-Tomlin KSH’21 took on multiple roles to get the production off the ground. They served as director, producer, editor, actor and more in the live-streamed event, an experience that revealed the leadership and confidence she developed at school.

“The most important thing I learned at KS was pushing yourself towards success,” Kay said. “I am so grateful for the programs they had that prepared me for both college and theater.”

Like Kay, Makoa Kalai KSH’17 also learned perseverance at KS Hawaiʻi. Throughout his adolescence, Kalai grew his artistry and identity as a performer despite the stigma of being an “annoying theater kid.” Talented in hula and Tahitian dance, he felt most like himself when he was on stage but during high school, he grappled with self-acceptance and advocating for the future he wanted.

“A big struggle for me was getting people to take me seriously,” Kalai said. “The judgments that come with being on stage all the time and what is 'cool,' I didn’t let that sway me. I was really cultivating something that none of us could imagine.”

Makoa Kalai KSH’17 smiles outside the marquee of "Mamma Mia!"

Kalai’s determination led him to study at New York University’s Tisch School of Performing Arts. Though he had a prestigious degree, living in the city was exhausting as he worked part-time jobs and attended countless auditions often without a callback.

“What got instilled in me at KS was the importance of discipline, especially now being an adult and in charge of my own life,” Kalai said.

Through grit and dedication, Kalai was able to break through. Today, he performs on the Broadway national tour of “Mamma Mia!” traveling across the country and selling out shows. His dreams of performing on Broadway and transitioning into television acting are now that much closer in reach.

Reflecting on his journey, Kalai is grateful for the foundation he received at KS. He fondly remembers starting each day at the Keaʻau campus with oli during morning protocols. For him, the musicality embedded in Hawaiian culture is inextricably linked to his identity as an ʻōiwi performer.

“I may be singing Mamma Mia pop music every night but it informs what I bring,” Kalai said. “My voice is unique because I know how to oli, because I know Hawaiian mele. It’s what’s most special about our people and Hawaiʻi,” Kalai said.

As alumni like Kay and Kalai chase their dreams, they carry with them the values and traditions of their home, setting an example of how far one can go when passion meets perseverance. Kamehameha Schools remains committed to helping students reach their goals, empowering them to create their own success – whether on a local stage or the Broadway spotlight.

Makoa Kalai KSH’17 (far right, first row) performs on the Broadway national tour of “Mamma Mia!”