2017 Kamehameha Schools Alumni Week

June 13, 2017

Alumni belonging to classes with years ending in 2 and 7 returned to the Kapālama Campus for a week of activities and reunions.

The week kicked off on Monday, June 5, with the Pauahi Foundation golf tournament, as around 150 alumni and guests took their swings at Pearl Country Club. Monday also featured two "Alumni on the ʻĀina" events, in the Koʻolau community and on the North Shore. On Tuesday, June 6, those alumni who stayed in the dorms checked in before there was an opening chapel service and the Poʻo Kula Welcome Reception, held by new KS Kapālama Poʻo Kula Dr. Taran Chun.

Alumni started the day at Mauna ʻAla on Wednesday, June 7, presenting hoʻokupu to Ke Aliʻi Pauahi and other members of the Kamehameha dynasty. Wednesday also featured a Cultural Fair at Kaʻiwakīloumoku and Paniolo Night at Konia Field to cap the evening. On Thursday, June 8, the two major class competitions took place. Taste of Kamehameha allowed alumni to show off their culinary expertise during the day while Talent Night brought out great performances many of the talented KS alumni.

Friday, June 9, was reserved for class night activities, as each of the celebrating classes held their own events off campus to reunited with classmates. Many participated in the Kamehameha Day Parade in the morning on Saturday, June 10. That night, over 1,700 alumni got together for the Alumni Lūʻau under the large tent at Konia Field. The week ended with an emotional chapel service at the Ruth Keʻelikōlani Auditorium on Sunday, June 11, where alumni in the celebrating classes honored classmates who have passed on.

In total, there were over 3,500 attendees throughout the week at the various events, giving another wonderful opportunity for the Kamehameha Schools ʻohana to come together as one.

The 2017 Kamehameha Schools Alumni Week brought together KS alumni from many different classes.

Alumni from the class of 1998 and 1999 participated in the Pauahi Foundation golf tournament.

After a long day of golf, a great banquet provided some time for launa.

Many awards and prizes were handed out at the end of the golf tournament.

Alumni visited an ancient Hawaiian fishpond on KS lands in Kāneʻohe has been revitalized under the care of KS community partner Paepae ‘o He’eia.

Guide Keli’i Kotubetey explains how the mākāhā, or sluice gate, allows the fresh sea water and baby fish to enter the fishpond. Once the fish mature they are too large to leave the pond and can then be easily harvested.

Up mauka, the alumni visit Papahana o Kualoa to see how another KS community partner on KS land is working to build loʻi and to teach Hawaiian culture.

KS Kapālama Poʻo Kula Dr. Taran Chun took the opportunity to talk story with alumni at the Poʻo Kula Welcome Reception.

Dr. Taran Chun, and his wife Nizhoni, met with many alumni during the Poʻo Kula Welcome Reception

Alumni visit Mauna Ala, the Royal Mausoleum, to pay their respects at the final resting place of the Hawaiian Aliʻi and especially to Kamehameha Schools founder Princess Pauahi.

Hoʻokupu, gifts of lei, are presented at the Kamehameha Crypt.

For many alumni this is the most meaningful and emotional moment of Alumni Week.

At the Cultural Fair, alumni sample ʻawa, a drink made from the roots of the kava plant and used in ceremonies.

Alumni learned how to give and receive lomilomi massage.

A tour of the Heritage Center is like visiting the home of Princess Pauahi.

Kainoa Daines (1997) and mother Poni Daines (1971) get in the spirit during Paniolo Night.

Dr. Taran Chun got on stage to show off some country moves during Paniolo Night

Classes compete to see who can make the most appetizing dishes in the Taste of Kamehameha event.

Come hungry because there is always plenty to eat!

Trustees Lance Wilhelm and Micah Kane didn’t compete but their pork sliders were great!

KS alumni showed their many talents during Talent Night

KSK Elementary Teacher and 1992 alum Bruce Watson performs for his class during Talent Night.

Alumni from all the classes came together during the Alumni Lūʻau.

Executive Vice President of Administration Darrell Hoke, Executive Vice President of Education Dr. Holoua Stender, Director of Advancement Tara Wilson, Vice President of Strategy and Innovation Lauren Nahme and Manager of the Office of the CEO Pomai Apana, lend a hand to serve food during the Alumni Lūʻau.

Over 1,700 alumni got together under the Konia Field tent for the Alumni Lūʻau.

Photo galleries

2017 Kamehameha Schools Alumni Week

Kawaiaha‘o Plaza

KS Hawai‘i

KS Kapālama

KS Maui