May 14, 2026

As the school year ends, we’re celebrating kumu across KS campuses who dedicate themselves to shaping the next generation of ʻōiwi leaders. In every classroom, they help fulfill Pauahi’s vision for an educated and thriving lāhui.

Meet Mike Kawakami, KS Kapālama

What inspired you to become a kumu at KS?
It’s not what inspired me, but who inspired me. When I was in high school here at Kamehameha, Curt Kekuna was my Young Life leader and led me to a relationship with Jesus. 

During my senior year, I felt a calling by God to stand in the crossroads and point kids to Jesus just like Curt did for me. After being a youth pastor, Young Life leader, and a youth counselor for troubled teens, I started substitute teaching at Kamehameha. That turned into a full-time position teaching middle school math. I believe teaching is still a youth ministry, but I also get to teach math along the way and help our haumāna build a strong foundation in life as well as math, and, hopefully, set them up for a brighter future.

What lesson do you hope your haumāna carry forward?
The Pythagorean Theorem is good to know, but the most important lesson I could ever teach them is that God loves them just the way they are. He doesn’t make mistakes; He only makes masterpieces. And each one of them is His masterpiece! I also hope they learn how to give and receive help — kōkua aku, kōkua mai. Offer to help when you see someone in need and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and not just in the classroom. Furthermore, I hope they learn to appreciate Pauahi’s wonderful gift sooner than later.

What is something your haumāna have taught you about yourself?
A former student shared a motto that students at MIT appreciate: “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” Students think that because I teach the advanced math class that I’m the smartest person in the room. I let them know that because of them, I am not in the wrong room. I’m right where I belong. They are the future leaders of our lāhui and our world.

Where do you see Pauahi’s legacy most in your work?
It’s so rewarding to see former students thriving in high school, attending prestigious colleges, and doing amazing things in our community and around the world. They are what Pauahi envisioned as good and industrious ‘ōiwi leaders. I love seeing them on TV, reading articles about them, or running into them at Costco, sporting events, Song Contest and graduation.

Shout out a fellow kumu who empowers their students every day!
There are so many awesome kumu that it wouldn’t be fair to name just one. So mahalo nui to every kumu at every school for giving each precious child of God a hope and a future.