Pauahiʻs Gift of Education

March 9, 2026

At Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha, each haumāna carries forward the legacy of Ke Aliʻi Pauahi’s vision for her people. Pauahi’s gift of a Kamehameha education is rooted in kuleana, nurturing identity, strengthening community, and preparing haumāna to learn, lead, and thrive in service to our lāhui. 

Today we are following up on earlier communications to share additional details about how Pauahi’s Gift of Education will be implemented at Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha ma Hawaiʻi beginning in School Year 2026–27. To ensure clarity and equity, learning opportunities are organized into three complementary categories: The Educational Promise, Expanded Opportunities, and ʻOhana-Directed Opportunities.

The chart below offers a snapshot of what is included at Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha ma Hawaiʻi, so ʻohana can plan with confidence.

As we move forward together, we invite ʻohana and haumāna to approach Pauahi’s gift, mindful of our core values of pono, mālama and aloha for one another in mind. We ask our community to:

  • Please request school-supported services with a genuine commitment to full participation
  • Release unused services promptly so others may benefit
  • Be mindful that space and resources are shared and finite

When we act with care and intention, we honor her vision and one another, helping ensure these resources are available for today’s learners and for generations yet to come.

The Educational Promise: What every haumāna receives.
The Educational Promise includes the core components of a Kamehameha Schools education provided universally to all haumāna, without additional cost, application, or criteria. It represents the shared and fully funded foundation across campuses. This commitment ensures that every haumāna has full access to the essential elements of a Kamehameha education.

The Educational Promise includes: 

  • Core academic curriculum and required instructional programming
  • Supplies, materials, equipment, and travel directly tied to required courses
  • School-day meals including breakfast and lunch
  • School-issued technology tools (e.g., laptops or iPads) and related supports
  • Coordinated multidisciplinary (health) care, multi-tiered support services
  • College & Career program and counseling services
Expanded Opportunities: What may be available based on criteria.
Expanded Opportunities extend The Educational Promise and deepen learning through exploration and growth. Access to these opportunities may be determined by haumāna readiness and interest, eligibility criteria, program capacity, or availability of resources. Some opportunities involve application or selection, and in certain cases, participation may involve additional costs or fundraising. Supplemental financial assistance for such costs may be available for families who qualify. This commitment allows resources to be directed thoughtfully, recognizing that not all opportunities are universally accessible in the same way.
  • Bus transportation
  • Kauluhala Summer Academy
  • Clubs and extracurricular activities
  • Advanced Placement courses
  • Specialized programs (e.g., Association of Arts, dual-credit, career certifications)
  • Materials, uniforms, and equipment necessary for extracurricular activities or athletics
  • Travel associated with extracurricular programs or optional
ʻOhana-Directed Opportunities: What families independently secure.
ʻOhana-Directed Opportunities include services or experiences that ʻohana arrange directly through external providers. These are not administered or funded through KS. This commitment honors ʻohana agency and choice.

Examples may include:

  • School & PE uniforms purchased through authorized vendors
  • School supplies & materials not directly tied to required courses
  • Backpacks, jackets, shoes, etc.
  • Afterschool care programs provided by a vendor
  • School and prom photographs
  • Graduation announcements

 

Together, these three types of Kamehameha experiences will ensure that:

  • Every haumāna begins with a fully funded, equitable foundation.
  • Opportunities expand as haumāna seek and develop readiness for available experiences.
  • ʻOhana retains agency in shaping additional experiences beyond the KS framework.

The information above reflects the primary updates for School Year 2026–27; additional guidance, policies, procedures, and expectations will be included in the Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha ma Hawaiʻi 2026–27 Parent & Student Handbook, which will be shared next month.

Mahalo nui for your care, partnership, and thoughtful stewardship as we walk this path together in service to our haumāna.