The ʻAʻaliʻikūmakani Study 2026 closes MARCH 31st!
Just a few days are left. Take the ʻAʻaliʻikūmakani Survey today and encourage your classmates to do the same! The higher your class’s participation, the larger the mahalo makana to your Kamehameha Schools Class Scholarship Fund (if one exists), or to another KS scholarship that benefits haumāna.
This is our way of saying mahalo for helping us better understand the experiences of our alumni.
Follow along in the live dashboard below to see your class’s current response rate. The dashboard refreshes every 15 minutes.
The mahalo makana tiers are as follows:
What is the ʻAʻaliʻikūmakani Study?
The ʻAʻaliʻikūmakani Study is an opportunity for Kamehameha Alumni (28 years and older) to share their experiences and reflections on their journey into adulthood, how they are doing now, and the impact Kamehameha has had on their lives. Your insights—collected through an online survey—will deepen our understanding of the impact we are making and how best to support haumāna throughout adulthood.
Who can participate?
Alumni aged 28 years and older will be invited to take a survey. Invitations are phased across graduating classes over multiple years so that all alumni have an opportunity to be included over time.
Each graduating class is scheduled to be invited during a specific year of the study. Alumni who were part of an earlier invitation are not included again in later phases.
Eligibility by year:
Eligible alumni will receive an invitation by email or mail. Participation is voluntary.
What does participation entail?
Taking a survey!
Participation involves completing a 30-minute online survey available to eligible participants from February 1-March 31, 2026. Keep a look out for an email and/or postcard from us detailing instructions. Other options to participate, such as phone or mailed surveys, may be available upon special request.
There may be opportunities to participate in follow up focus groups & interviews.
How will I receive the survey link?
Eligible alumni, based on your class year (listed above), will receive a unique survey link via email. This link is intended exclusively for you. Please do not share, forward, or post your survey link.
To ensure you receive your survey link and your voice is heard, please contact us at aaliikumakani_study@ksbe.edu to update your current information. This will help us reach you effectively.
Will my responses be confidential?
Yes, your responses will remain confidential, and the findings will be reported in a manner that does not identify individuals.
Findings will also be summarized to support internal reflection and planning at Kamehameha, with broader insights shared as appropriate.
Why should I participate?
Your participation is voluntary but invaluable. By participating and sharing your journey, you help shape the future of Kamehameha for upcoming haumāna and constituents.
For more information and to update your contact information, please email us at aaliikumakani_study@ksbe.edu or call at (808) 843-3332.
ʻO ʻAʻaliʻikūmakani ka inoa
The ʻAʻaliʻikūmakani inoa draws its inspiration from the ʻōlelo noʻeau, “He ʻaʻaliʻi kū makani mai au; ʻaʻohe makani nāna e kūlaʻi” (I am a wind-resisting ʻaʻaliʻi; no gale can push me over).
The ‘a‘ali‘i shrub, native to Hawai‘i, embodies resilience and adaptability, thriving in diverse environments from coastal regions to upland forests. Known for its hardiness, the ‘a‘ali‘i is often one of the first plants introduced in ecological restoration efforts. Its deep roots stabilize the soil, preventing erosion and fostering the conditions necessary for other native plants to take hold and flourish. This pioneering role of the ‘a‘ali‘i is essential for reviving and restoring the ‘āina, paving the way for the growth of lush, vibrant forests that sustain both the ecosystem and the cultural heritage of kānaka ‘ōiwi.
In the context of Alumni, the ‘a‘ali‘i serves as a powerful metaphor. Just as the shrub lays the groundwork for future ecological growth, Kamehameha Alumni cultivate the foundations for their ‘ohana, kaiāulu, and lāhui through demonstrations of ʻōiwi leadership. For Hawaiians and non–Hawaiians alike. Their efforts, rooted in resilience and adaptability, activate ea, life/breath/rising/sovereignty, promoting a flourishing, self-sustaining society. By weaving the symbolism of the ‘a‘ali‘i into the narrative of ‘ōiwi leadership, we underscore the importance of its role in cultivating conditions that improve the well-being of others around it, resilience, foundational growth, and the interconnectedness of all facets of life. Ea mai Hawai‘i.
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
