Mar. 17, 2016

Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth

Kamehameha Schools’ story is best told by the people who live it day in and day out. Just before Founder’s Day last year, KS launched "Voices of Kamehameha" to help tell those stories that celebrate how students, employees and alumni have given life to the vision of KS founder Ke Ali’i Pauahi.

KS’ three campuses have annual events and traditions that intentionally connect students to their culture as Native Hawaiians.

Cultural efforts that took place decades ago are bearing fruit and a new generation of kānaka are taking the lead in the movement to celebrate their strong Hawaiian identities. 

Kamehameha Schools is fully committed to that movement and is strengthening its students’ sense of pride through these annual cultural events. To witness the strength of this movement, we asked Kamehameha students the question – “How have these annual campus traditions strengthened your connection to your culture?” 

The videos  on this page capture the voices of KS students sharing their manaʻo on how events like Song Contest, Hōʻike, Pōʻalima ʻUlaʻula and ʻAha Mele help them embrace their cultural identity.

This story is part of “I Mua Kamehameha,” an ongoing effort to celebrate the excellence of KS campus and community education programs. Inspirational stories will be shared throughout the year about KS servant leaders who are improving the lives of KS haumāna and contributing to a thriving Lāhui.