Ku‘upau and Our Values
After more than 25 years here in the malu of Haleakalā, Kamehameha Schools Maui has emerged as a bona fide institution in her own right—with her own unique character, her own unique ʻano, her own unique identity.
Kuʻupau. It is at once a statement of who we are and a vision for who we will become. Pukui defines kuʻupau as using all of one’s might and strength; exerting oneself; to go to the limit; to release all checks and inhibitions. Arriving at this identity was not at all arbitrary. It required us to examine everything from our moʻokūauhau, our genealogy, to our moʻowaiwai, our values—the things that make us rich.
So how, then, do we embody kuʻupau? We do this by exhibiting three campus values: ʻImi Naʻauao, Kūlia Pono & Kuleana, and Pilina.
The value of ʻImi Naʻauao is inspired by the knowledge and wisdom-seeking of our kūpuna. Maui figures like Davida Malo and Samuel Kamakau, whose scholarship and writing continues to inspire today, sets an example for our own thirst for knowledge.
Kūlia Pono and Kuleana is striving to do that which is right, correct and just. By orienting ourselves as people with a deep appreciation for kuleana to ‘āina, kupuna and the lāhui, we strengthen our sense of responsibility and courage.
Finally, Pilina is the fostering of meaningful relationships, particularly to our community and to the ʻāina. By remaining rooted in our interconnectedness, our actions and words serve the collective good.
These are the things that make us who we are. This is how we are unique. Our challenge from today onward is to remain steeped in these values so that we are willing to go to the limits for not just ourselves, but each other and our community.
