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E ola ke ea!

At Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha, our work is guided by Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop’s vision and our commitment to the haumāna we nurture, the ‘āina we mālama and the kaiāulu we serve.

Available opportunities Why you’ll love working here

To fulfill Ke Ali‘i Pauahi’s vision of empowering Native Hawaiians in perpetuity by improving the well-being of our people through education.

Native Hawaiian keiki are at the center of everything we do at Kamehameha Schools. Our goal is to inspire E Ola! learners who are connected to their Hawaiian identity and contribute to their communities as ‘ōiwi leaders. We believe that such haumāna are best nurtured in engaging, robust Hawaiian culture-based education learning environments.

Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha remains focused on nurturing haumāna, cultivating ‘āina momona, and uplifting our lāhui — now and for generations to come. Strategic Plan 2030 (SP2030) is our commitment over the next five years to bring this vision to life. Read SP 2030

The legacy of a Princess

Ke Ali‘i Pauahi created her will to ensure that Native Hawaiian children would grow, rise, and stand strong to care for their ‘ohana, kaiāulu, lāhui, and ‘āina. For nearly 140 years, Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha has honored our founder’s chiefly kauoha.

Impact you can see across the pae ‘āina

With career opportunities located throughout Hawai‘i, our impact reaches communities big and small, from ma uka to ma kai.

We steward and support

Haumāna

7,226

students across all our campuses and preschools

‘Āina

370,173

acres of land

Kaiāulu

$94.2M

spent serving the community

Hear from our hoahana

Stories from our limahana who show up every day to perpetuate the mission and legacy of our beloved founder.

“Before I started working at KS, I was trying to figure out a way to blend my passion for ‘āina with my knowledge and technical skill set in civil engineering. I’ve always been amazed at how our kūpuna observed and engineered the natural environment in a sustainable way, and I strive to be able to do the same.”

EMILY LUKE
Water Resource Engineer

“Our pua are our keiki, our ‘ohana, our kaiāulu, and our lāhui. We know that if we provide access to safe and mana-ful environments for them to thrive in, these experiences will not only grow within them, but will go back with them to their classrooms, their job sites, their homes, and their communities. Our team’s greatest joy is seeing the connection, growth, and ola of our community and lāhui as they connect with ‘āina in forms meaningful to them.”

KAIMANA BARCARSE
Director, Sites and Facilities (Natural and Cultural Stewardship)

“‘O kekahi o ko‘u mau kuleana hana, ‘o ia ho‘i ka hana pualu me nā kumu ma Ho‘okahua e haku a e ho‘omohala mai i ka papahana ‘Ōlelo Kahua i mea e ho‘okuluma ‘ia ka maopopo o ka ‘Ōlelo a me ka ‘ike Hawai‘i no nā limahana a pau a puni ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha. Ua ‘oi a‘e ka nui o nā limahana e ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i ana a puni nā wahi hana ma nā hālāwai me ka hui ‘ana o nā hoa hana. Kuluma ‘ia nā mele, nā pule kūmau, nā ‘ōlelo no‘eau, nā hīmeni ma ka hui Piko a me nā hanana like‘ole a puni kāhi ‘oihana. Ua ulu a ho‘oikaika ‘ia ka mākaukau, ka mahalo a me ka mālama ‘ana o nā loina, ka ‘ōlelo a me a mo‘olelo a puni kāhi ‘oihana nei.”

“I feel as though I am helping bring Pauahi’s vision to life daily when I step into my classroom. It is a kuleana I do not take lightly. We are helping to raise good and industrious men and women who will one day be at the forefront of our lāhui pushing forward and being the guiding light for the rest to follow. Pauahi is a role model, and her picture in my classroom is my daily reminder to never forget why I am here in this position: for our lāhui, for our keiki!”

HAU‘OLI AKAKA
Cultural Consultant II

“I am fortunate to be working on executing master plans that will deliver much needed housing in Hawai‘i. While I have worked around the globe on these types of initiatives, being able to be a small part of this on my ‘āina is truly humbling and rewarding. And to be working with teammates that are dedicated too, makes the job so much easier.”

PUALANI HAO
Director, Planning and Development

“Kamehameha Schools has invested in my growth in meaningful ways. KS supported me in earning my FAA Part 107 drone certification, covering both training time and exam costs. That milestone expanded my technical capabilities and allowed me to contribute to innovative projects like aerial mapping and cultural site modeling.”

JARED TAYLOR
Senior Land Information Business Analyst

“When I look at Ke Ali‘i Pauahi’s vision and her will to empower Native Hawaiians through education, I also feel like empowering them in our spiritual faith to find that strength in Ke Akua and to know that with him, all things are possible, is central to my kuleana.”

KANANI FRANCO
Kamehameha Schools Maui Kahu

See our work in action

Feb. 17, 2026

Nā Hīmeni Kalikiano: Speaking with aloha

Feb. 12, 2026

East Hawai‘i preschools build connection with ʻāina

Feb. 5, 2026

New podcast showcases cherished mele Hawai‘i

Feb. 4, 2026

Turning history into action at the ‘Onipa‘a Peace March

Jan. 5, 2026

Restoration allows Kūpopolo Heiau to stand tall once again

Benefits for you and your ‘ohana

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Key definitions

View a glossary of Hawaiian terms as defined by Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha.

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*FOR THIRD-PARTY VENDORS ONLY: KS does not accept unauthorized solicitations of candidate referrals from third-party vendors (i.e. Staffing Agencies, Executive Recruitment Firms). Any third-party vendor who has interest in supporting KS’s recruiting efforts must be authorized by KS Human Resources prior to the vendor’s candidate applying with KS.

Kamehameha Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veteran.

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Key definitions

‘Āina

Dictionary definition:
n. Land, earth, country.

Contextual meaning:
From a kuana‘ike Hawai‘i, or Hawaiian cultural worldview, the word “‘āina” carries foundational meanings that extend far beyond the physical land. It embodies the understanding that ‘āina is both ancestor and chief. The goddesses Haumea and Papa, progenitors of all kānaka (humans), are said to have bodies that are the earth itself. A well-known ‘ōlelo no‘eau, “He ali‘i ka ‘āina, he kauā ke kanaka—The land is chief, humankind its servant,” affirms this relationship. Just as chiefs and parents sustain their people and children, so too does ‘āina sustain all life.

‘Āina is also intimately connected to the kūpuna (elders) who have passed on, as their iwi (bones) are embraced by the land and, over generations, become part of it. This gives rise to the term “kulāiwi,” or “bone plains,” referring to one’s ancestral homeland.

Linguistically, ‘āina can also be understood as “that which feeds,” derived from “‘ai” (“to eat”) and na (an article that transforms a verb into a noun). Together, these cultural and linguistic layers reflect the deep and reciprocal relationship between kānaka and ‘āina—one of reverence, care, and shared life.

‘Āina Pauahi

Contextual meaning:
The descriptive term for land that Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha stewards. The ‘Āina Pauahi group refers to the department within Kamehameha.

Alaka‘i Lawelawe

Dictionary definition:
Servant leader.

Contextual meaning:
This is an E Ola! Learner Outcome that emphasizes servant leadership as a foundational expression of a Native Hawaiian identity. This principle guides leaders to serve with humility, kuleana, and deep pilina to our community and culture.

Ea

Dictionary definition:
A mindset, process, and action, rather than a destination. The life and breath that come from healthy, integral relationships with kānaka and ‘āina. The individual or collective agency to activate aloha ‘āina, accelerate ‘āina momona, and raise the well-being of our ‘āina, Kānaka ‘Ōiwi, ‘ohana, kaiāulu, lāhui, and honua. The capacity to exercise kuleana (authority and accountability), in decisions ranging from specific responsibilities to the broadest realms of sovereignty.

E Ola!

Dictionary definition:
To live, thrive, survive.

Contextual meaning:
A holistic learner outcomes framework developed by Kamehameha Schools to cultivate Native Hawaiian identity, academic excellence, and global leadership. It includes components such as ʻIke kupuna, Aloha ʻāina, Kūpono, Mālama, Kuleana, Kūlia, and Alakaʻi lawelawe.

E Ola ke Ea

Dictionary definition:
This phrase literally means, “May ea live and thrive,” or “Long live ea.”

Contextual meaning:
E ola ke ea is the promise of our welo, or brand. This phrase links E Ola!, which has been an expression of our Kamehameha identity since 2016, to ea, which is a key concept in our theory of change in Strategic Plan 2030.

Haumāna

Dictionary definition:
Student, pupil, apprentice, recruit, disciple.

Contextual meaning:
A learner at the center of our educational mission. At Kamehameha Schools, haumāna are nurtured academically, culturally, and spiritually and are empowered to lead their ‘ohana and lāhui.

Hawaiian culture-based education

Dictionary definition:
Grounded in Hawaiian culture, worldviews, and ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i. Personalized to the unique context and path of each haumāna and ‘ohana. Responsive to the needs of our ‘āina and lāhui. Rigorous and relevant to modern, global environments and technologies.

Hoahana

Dictionary definition:
Fellow worker, colleague, partner. (2) Often used synonymously with limahana.

Honua

Dictionary definition:
Land, earth, world; fundamental.

Huaka‘i

Dictionary definition:
Trip, voyage, journey.

Contextual meaning:
In Kamehameha contexts, huaka‘i often refers to a learning opportunity outside the normal classroom or work environment.

‘Ike Kupuna

Dictionary definition:
Ancestral knowledge or wisdom.

Contextual meaning:
The insights, practices, understandings, and intuitive senses passed down through generations of kūpuna. At Kamehameha Schools, ‘ike kupuna forms a foundation for education, guiding values, identity, and decisions rooted in cultural continuity and respect for ancestral voices.

Kaiāulu

Dictionary definition:
Community, neighborhood, social environment.

Contextual meaning:
Encompasses not just physical locale but the shared relationships, cultural values, and collective responsibilities that hold people together. At Kamehameha Schools, kaiāulu reflects the broader community that learners and leaders serve and are nourished by.

Kānaka/Kānaka ‘Ōiwi

Dictionary definition:
humans

Kauoha

Dictionary definition:
Order, command, testament, decree, will, statement.

Contextual meaning:
At Kamehameha, kauoha refers to Ke Ali‘i Pauahi’s final chiefly charge dedicating her estate to the education of her people. Her will, and her Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, carry a unique political standing that is grounded in the Hawaiian Kingdom and affirmed in US and international law. Ke Ali‘i Pauahi’s kauoha was contextualized by her Christian faith.

Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha

Contextual meaning:
The educational institution founded in 1887 through the will of Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Bishop to educate Native Hawaiian children. The school system includes three K-12 campuses, thirty preschools, scholarships, community partnerships, and numerous culturally stewarded lands that serve as ‘āina “classrooms” for E Ola! focused educational experiences for haumāna.

Kuleana

Dictionary definition:
Right, privilege, concern, responsibility.

Contextual meaning:
Kuleana is both a privilege and a responsibility, encompassing accountability, stewardship, and the culturally inherent obligation to uplift the lāhui and mālama both places and practices integral to thriving communities. It is a key to E Ola! outcomes, fostering community engagement and self-directed purpose.

Kūlia

Dictionary definition:
To strive, try; outstanding.

Contextual meaning:
To pursue excellence with intention and resilience. Kūlia is an E Ola! attribute that calls learners and leaders alike to rise to high standards grounded in cultural identity.

Kūpono

Dictionary definition:
Upright, honest, just, fair, suitable.

Contextual meaning:
Refers to honorable character and ethical behavior based on Hawaiian and Christian values.

Kūpuna

Dictionary definition:
Elders

Lāhui

Dictionary definition:
Nation, race, people, community.

Contextual meaning:
The collective Native Hawaiian people and nation. At Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha, the term invokes responsibility for cultural sustainability, sovereignty, and the regeneration of thriving communities.

Limahana

Dictionary definition:
Laborer, worker, employee. Often used synonymously with hoahana.

Mālama

Dictionary definition:
To care for, tend, protect, preserve.

Contextual meaning:
A central principle of care and stewardship, mālama encompasses responsibilities to self, ‘ohana, ‘āina, and lāhui. As part of E Ola!, it encourages learners to take thoughtful, loving action.

Ma kai

Dictionary definition:
Seaward, or toward the ocean.

Ma uka

Dictionary definition:
Inland, or toward the mountains.

Momona/‘Āina momona

Dictionary definition:
This phrase literally means “fat lands” or “fertile lands.”

Contextual meaning:
At Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha, ‘āina momona refers to vibrant, thriving lands across our pae ‘āina that provide the essential context for cultivating ‘Ōiwi leaders and form the basis for cultural, spiritual, ecological, economic, and community well-being needed for a thriving and self-determined lāhui. The concept of ‘āina momona embodies the pilina of ‘āina and kānaka in which the well-being of one is inextricably connected to the other, reinforcing their mutual flourishing.

Nīnau

Dictionary definition:
question; to inquire or interrogate.

‘Ohana

Dictionary definition:
Family, relative, kin group.

Contextual meaning:
Beyond biological ties, ‘ohana includes all those joined together through shared values and mutual support. At Kamehameha Schools, nurturing ‘ohana is essential to educational and cultural success.

‘Ōiwi

Dictionary definition:
Native, indigenous; native-born.

Contextual meaning:
Refers specifically to aboriginal Native Hawaiians—people with genealogical ties to the Hawaiian Islands tracing to the era before Westerners’ arrival to the islands. ‘Ōiwi is a lived identity rooted in ‘āina, ancestry, language, culture, and a sense of responsibility to uplift the lāhui. It affirms a deep relationship to ‘āina and to collective well-being.

‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i

Dictionary definition:
Hawaiian language.

Contextual meaning:
The language of the land and the medium through which ancestral knowledge, cultural practices, and identity are transmitted. ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi is foundational to Kamehameha Schools’ educational approach and identity.

‘Ōlelo no‘eau

Dictionary definition:
Proverb, wise saying, traditional saying.

Pae ‘āina

Dictionary definition:
Group of islands, archipelago.

Benefits for you and your ‘ohana

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Key definitions

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Key definitions

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