Aug. 14, 2026

Get to know the Kamehameha Schools kumu who are inspiring haumāna and helping shape the future of our lāhui.

Meet Ryan Cabalse, KS Hawaiʻi

What inspired you to become a kumu at KS?
Being a kumu is an honor that I do not take lightly. I loved coaching, so that is what brought me into the education world. The vast opportunities and resources provided at KS allow me to sew into our haumāna learning and faith through various experiences and perspectives each and every day. The belief that our haumāna can take their education further and deeper than I ever could motivates and inspires me to keep doing what I do.

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 remember a time when a former student shared how she went on to her college life and she felt comfortable in the workout facilities while her new friends did not. Because of this, she took it upon herself to teach them how to work out in the facilities and she, in turn, created, led and grew her own workout group at that college. This can sound like a simple story to some but to me as a kumu, it meant a lot.

What is something your haumāna have taught you about yourself?
What my haumāna have shown me through the years of teaching is that what I am doing is truly making a difference in their lives and they appreciate the work I put in. They have also taught me that it is okay for me have large calf muscles 😊! 

Where do you see Pauahi’s legacy most in your work?
If I had to narrow it down to one place I see it most, it would be in the years that come after haumāna leave our blessed kula. Talking to alumni 10-20 years later “down the road” and hearing their stories brings such hope and inspiration.

Shout out a fellow kumu who empowers their students every day!
It is the power of the collective experiences and perspectives shared by each and every kumu in our kula that truly empowers and grows our haumāna. Shout out to all kumu for your continued work and dedication!