Kamehameha Schools kumu: Alison Makanui-Lopes’ legacy of aloha in early learning

June 24, 2026

Get to know the Kamehameha Schools kumu who are inspiring haumāna and helping shape the future of our lāhui.

Meet Alison Makanui-Lopes, KS Preschools: Kalihi-Pālama and Kapālama

What inspired you to become a kumu at KS?
I stepped into this work because it rose naturally from my upbringing and moʻokūʻauhau. I come from a line of educators who planted in me the values that shape my path and showed, through their own hands and hearts, the true meaning of kahiau. My aloha for Hawaiʻi, our culture, and our Hawaiian keiki is the force that carried me into the classroom and continues to guide my way.

Tell us about a time you saw your haumāna use what they’ve learned to make a difference. What did that mean to you?
He keiki aloha na mea kanu. Beloved children are the plants. I will always remember when haumāna demonstrate the lessons of showing aloha and being pono. For example, comforting a keiki who’s having a hard time or choosing kind words without being asked and hearing ʻohana say they see those same behaviors at home means so much — a reminder that learning continues far beyond our classroom. Watching their pilina with each other, kumu, ʻāina, and their own identities has been the greatest gift.

And because preschool kumu rarely see the full journey, hearing about former haumāna thriving years later touches my heart. It shows that the small seeds we plant truly grow.

What is something your haumāna have taught you about yourself?
Something they’ve taught me about myself is that we don’t need to be perfect — just present. They’ve shown me that learning is messy, playful, and full of possibility. They remind me every day to slow down, kilo, wonder, and find joy every day.

Where do you see Pauahi’s legacy most in your work?
I see her legacy in our keiki, in their confidence, curiosity, and pride in who they are. I see it in our ʻohana, who share how their children are growing in identity and aloha. And in the quiet moments, I’m reminded that I get to do this work because of Pauahi’s love for keiki o ka ‘āina.

Shout out a fellow kumu who empowers their students every day!
A huge shout out to the entire Kamehameha Preschool ʻohana — our kumu, staff, and HPK leadership. Mahalo for who you are, for all you do, and for the aloha you pour into the work, into one another, and into our keiki and ʻohana.

An extra special shout out to the kumu in the Honolulu and Maui regions for your steadfast aloha for keiki and ʻohana. And especially to Ululani Makuʻe (HPK), Valerie Cruz (SC), Kalani Mahoe (AC), and Reene Hatakeyama (HPK). Your dedication and unsung hard work are reflected in the ways your kumu and haumāna continue to grow.

A heartfelt mahalo to past teaching assistants who have walked alongside me with keiki: DeeAnne Imes Amas (retired), Ronda Armstrong (KSK EA), Rose Chong (Lead), Ivana Joaquin (Lead), and Amy Kalawe (SCLI). TAs truly are the quiet heroes in our classrooms, lifting our keiki and our work in ways that often go unseen.

My deepest appreciation to our KSP Central Office: Shelli Kim (PK), Nicole Souza (HPK), Ed Yonamine (Branch Director), Kalaiʻikū Wong (HCBE Coordinator), Jen Matsuda (AC), Terry Kelly (retired), and especially Kaipo Hale (retired). So much of leadership is lived in quiet, values-driven ways, often without recognition. Your guidance and support have helped nurture spaces where our keiki can learn and live E Ola! in their own unique ways.

After 30+ years as an educator, I will be retiring. Mahalo for the chance to honor the many hands and hearts who helped carry this work. Serving our lāhui — quietly and behind the scenes — has shaped me in ways I’ll hold close. The path was not always easy, but it was always meaningful. I’m grateful to God for His steady guidance and to Princess Pauahi, whose vision and generosity made this work possible. It has been an honor to serve in the house built from her love and legacy. Ola Pauahi, Ola Hawaiʻi!