Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Alumni Week is a treasured tradition that began in 1989. The weeklong reunion welcomes alumni back to their alma mater to reconnect and honor the legacy of the schools’ founder Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop.

Over 3,400 alumni and their families returned to campus for this year’s Alumni Week, which ran from June 6-13. Celebrating classes included those with graduating years ending in the numbers 1 and 6.

“Alumni Week at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama brings us together to celebrate and strengthen the unique bond we all share as Kamehameha ‘ohana,” says KS Chief Executive Officer Jack Wong. “It offers an opportunity for alumni to reconnect with our beloved kula and show appreciation for all that Ke Ali‘i Pauahi has given to them.

The week kicked off with over 90 golfers at the Alumni Golf Tournament on Monday, June 6, at the Pearl Country Club. The Women’s Cup (Gladys ‘Ainoa Brandt Award) went to the class of 1966’s Sarah Miles Hohner and Kathleen Dupont; the Men’s Cup (Allen A. Bailey Award) went to the class of 1984’s team of KS Chief Communications Officer Kevin Cockett, Richard Costa, Greg Lee and KS Commercial Real Estate Managing Director Walter Thoemmes; and, the Co-Ed Cup (Trustees’ Award) went to the 1966’s Kathleen Dupont, Sarah Miles Hohner, Tony Bento and Ron Lee. Celebrating alumni also had the opportunity to tour KS lands in Punalu‘u and the North Shore.

Tuesday was check-in day for over 320 alumni who chose to be closer to the action by staying in the dorms. The day’s activities also included an opening chapel service at the Bishop Memorial Chapel led by Deacon Sherman Thompson, which was followed by the Po‘o Kula Welcome Reception at the Ka‘iwakīloumoku Hawaiian Cultural Center.

“I enjoyed my time in the dorms sharing meals, kanikapila, stimulating conversations and getting to know the class of ‘51 and ‘61. We felt like family by week’s end,” said Brucella Hopkins Berard, who, along with her classmates, celebrated her 60th reunion at this year’s Alumni Week.

Wednesday was dedicated to a trip to Mauna ‘Ala to offer ho‘okupu to Ke Ali‘i Pauahi in the morning. Other activities for the day included a Cultural Fair at Ka‘iwakīloumoku followed by Paniolo Night on Kōnia Field.

Thursday is always a popular day in the week as classes gather for some friendly competition and class bragging rights. The day started off with the Taste of Kamehameha on Kōnia Field where celebrating classes served up tasty dishes for the judges and over 300 in attendance.

Winning dishes included 1981’s ‘Ahi Trio for Best Overall and Judges Choice, 1991’s Korn Chowder for Best Presentation, 1996’s Savory Smoked Meat Tacos for Most Unique and 1971’s Ah Sook’s I-Mui for Best Tasting.

Later that same day, more than 600 celebrants came together under the Kōnia field tent for the highly anticipated Talent Night. Awards went out to the class of 1991 for Best Original Performance and Best Overall, 1976 for Best Contemporary Performance and Best Production, 1951 for Best Traditional Performance, 1966 for Best Choral Performance and Judge’s Choice, 2001 for Best Spirit, and 1961 for Best Costuming. 

On Saturday alumni woke up to another fun-filled day starting with attending the King Kamehameha Day Parade before heading back to campus for the popular Alumni Lū‘au. Chaired by the class of 1987, the lū‘au drew over 2,200 people for some ‘ono Hawaiian food and entertainment.

The week ended with a memorial service on Sunday to remember celebrating alumni who had passed away.

For the second year in a row, the KS trustees and leadership team joined the activities as participants, as well as volunteers. In fact, the trustees served up some kalua pig sliders at the Taste of Kamehameha.

“Alumni Week is one of those magical times of the year for Kamehameha and for the trustees,” says KS Trustee Lance Wilhelm. “Not only do we get the opportunity to launa and kūkākūkā with this important part of our Kamehameha ‘ohana, we also get to see friends, old and new, and share aloha with all involved.”

The week’s success was the result of a kākou effort led by KS Kapālama’s Parent and Alumni Relations Office, as well as key support from the Pauahi Foundation, the campus’ operations staff and over 350 volunteers, many of whom were non-celebrating alumni.

“Mahalo nui to the Parent and Alumni Relations Office, the Pauahi Foundation, the Kapālama operations staff and to the many volunteers for collectively ensuring a memorable return home for our celebrating classes and their families,” Wong added. 

The excitement and success of KS Kapālama’s Alumni Week has inspired alumni celebrations on both the Hawai‘i and Maui campuses.

KS Maui will host its alumni celebration from July 7-9 complete with an opening chapel service and welcome reception, campus tour, huaka‘i to Ali‘i Lavendar Farms, and alumni lū‘au hosted by the KS Alumni Association Maui Region. 

KS Hawai‘i will hold its festivities from July 14-16 and will offer an opening chapel service, huaka‘i to Kionakapahu loko i‘a, and alumni lū‘au hosted by the KSAA East Hawai‘i Region. 

The events are open to all alumni. For event and ticket information, visit www.pauahi.org. 

To view more photos of the celebration, visit the I Mua Newsroom Gallery.

Over 3,400 alumni and their families returned to KS Kapālama for Alumni Week which gave classmates a chance to reconnect and honor the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. The celebrants included the class of 1971’s Poni Morgan Daines, Aaron Mahi and Faye Campbell Aki.

KS trustees Lance Wilhelm, Micah Kāne and Robert Nobriga served up some Puaʻa Paheʻe at the Taste of Kamehameha.

KS Chief Communications Officer Kevin Cocket, VP of Strategy and Innovation Lauren Nahme, Pauahi Foundation Interim Executive Director Pono Ma‘a and CEO Jack Wong were among the volunteers at the lūʻau’s pūpū booth.

The class of 1986's Lynn Makua Akeo, Brenda Lee, Kahea Kaiama, Linda Lee, Brian Baptista and Becky Brown greeted alumni at the welcome reception.

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