At Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha, our kumu dedicate themselves to shaping the next generation of ʻōiwi leaders. For Kumu Appreciation Week, we’re highlighting some of their efforts to help our haumāna grow, ensuring a bright future for our lāhui.

Meet Mara Bacon, KS Kapālama

What inspired you to become a kumu?
Oh boy… Where do I even START? Becoming a kumu was inspired by the incredible educators who made a lasting impression on my life. From the age of 6, my mom remembers me telling everyone I was going to be a teacher. My idea of fun? Playing “school” in our Kailua garage, complete with tables, chairs, and worksheets I would create, hand out, collect, and grade. The poor kids who lived on my street had to put up with this! From Kainalu Elementary (K-3) to KS Kapālama (4-12), I was blessed with kumu who went beyond simply instilling ‘ike; they ignited a passion for learning, encouraged curiosity and believed in my potential even when I doubted myself. Their dedication and creativity transformed the classroom into a place of excitement and discovery, showing me that education could be a powerful tool for change. I also found a deep love for school itself — as the youngest child (of 6…all KS Kapālama graduates: Kimo ‘71, Paul ‘74, Kaniu ‘77, Monica ‘83, Anna ‘85 and me ‘87), it could be a challenge to “hold my own” at home, so kula became a safe space where ideas were shared, friendships built and every day held the promise of learning something new. The joy of being in an environment where growth, collaboration and understanding are celebrated sparked my desire to contribute to that same atmosphere for others. Teaching, for me, is about paying it forward.

I owe so much to Pauahi. Her vision created a positive, empowering space for future generations. Teaching here is a way to honor those who lit the path for me and to continue fostering a love for education and uplifting our lāhui.

Tell us about a time you saw your haumāna use what they’ve learned to make a difference. What did that mean to you?
I am deeply inspired by my haumāna who not only learn moʻomeheu Hawaiʻi but also bring it to life through action, especially in our annual 5th grade play. This cherished tradition is more than just a performance — it’s a vibrant celebration of the values, stories and heritage that define who we are as kānaka. Every year, I witness the transformative journey haumāna embark on as they immerse themselves in our teachings then creatively share a hōʻike of their accomplishments.

Through the play, they honor their kūpuna and embody the principles of waiwai Hawaiʻi in ways that resonate far beyond the stage. It’s amazing to see how their understanding deepens and how they channel their creativity to share with their ‘ohana, peers, and kaiāulu. The play becomes a powerful means of preserving and perpetuating cultural knowledge, ensuring our stories continue to inspire future generations.

What touches me most is their unwavering enthusiasm and dedication to embracing their individual kuleana in the production. Their performances are a testament to their ability to not only learn but to integrate cultural lessons into their lives. The pride and joy they exude as they share their work is inspiring and keeps me going. As their kumu, it is a privilege to kōkua them on this journey and watch them flourish as both learners and custodians of moʻomeheu Hawaiʻi. The annual play is a highlight of our year, not only for its artistry but for the depth of connection and respect it fosters within each student.

What’s one lesson you hope your haumāna carry forward?
My greatest hope is that each haumāna under my care moves forward with a profound sense of kuleana to our people and culture. As educators in Hawaiʻi, we hold the unique privilege of being stewards of a place rich in history, traditions and values that have endured through generations. It is my goal to instill in my students an understanding of the importance of preserving and honoring this heritage, not only in their actions but in their perspectives and decisions.

By fostering an awareness of moʻomeheu Hawaiʻi, ‘ōlelo and a deep connection with our kulaiwi, I hope to inspire haumāna to embrace the principles of mālama and haʻaheo. These guiding values are essential in building a future where they not only excel academically but also contribute meaningfully to their kaiāulu, respecting and upholding the legacy of our people.
Whether they choose to stay in Hawaiʻi or venture beyond, my hope is they exemplify the best our lāhui has to offer. Through education, my aspiration is to empower them to recognize their role in perpetuating cultural values and practices, ensuring we have a future in our own kulaiwi.

What’s your advice for new kumu embracing this kuleana?
My advice for new kumu is to commit to and embrace the important kuleana of upholding Hawaiian culture-based education and fostering the values embodied by the E Ola! graduate. Teaching in Hawaiʻi is not just about academic instruction — it is about recognizing and celebrating our unique cultural heritage which makes this place extraordinary. HCBE serves as a cornerstone for connecting students to our history, traditions, and ‘ike kūpuna, while guiding them to respect and honor our pae ‘āina and its values.

To truly uphold HCBE, kumu must commit to integrating Hawaiian language practices and perspectives into their curriculum and interactions with students. This means approaching education with waiwai Hawaiʻi at the forefront, creating a learning environment that reflects and nurtures the essence of being kānaka ‘ōiwi.

Moreover, the E Ola! graduate represents the vision of a well-rounded individual who is grounded in Hawaiian culture and equipped with the skills, character, and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to their kaiāulu and honua. New kumu should view this as a guiding light, helping students grow not only academically but also as alakaʻi, innovators and custodians of Hawaiian values.

By embracing this kuleana, educators have the incredible opportunity to shape a generation that carries forward a profound respect for our people, culture, and environment. It’s both a privilege and a challenge but the rewards are immeasurable for our lāhui and the perpetuation of ʻike Hawaiʻi for future generations.

Shout-out a fellow kumu who empowers their students every day!
My shoutout goes to my tita, Kristy Keʻala Sharrer, who is not only our papa ‘elima coach but a fellow master’s cohort graduate. We were a part of a hui, the first of its kind with Dr. Kimo Cashman at UH Mānoa . It was called “Aloha ‘Āina” and challenged seven kumu from kula haʻahaʻa in developing various aspects of the curriculum designed to focus on and foster all things kānaka, especially patriotism. Since this experience and receiving our master’s degrees, Keʻala and I have been in full “beast mode” in ensuring our 5th grade play annual production and overall grade level curriculum, exemplifies ‘ike Hawaiʻi and aloha ʻāina. And with principles behind HCBE and the E Ola! graduate clearing the way, we have taken bolder steps in this endeavor! We touch on issues that are, besides being age-appropriate, important to pass on, even if it makes some people uncomfortable. We hold deep beliefs in this. It is our kuleana.

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