Photos by Kathleen Connelly
More than 2,000 alumni, families, and friends gathered under the tent on Saturday, June 6, to celebrate a milestone in Punahou history—the 100th Anniversary of the Alumni Lūʻau. The evening honored a century of fellowship, tradition, and Buff ’n Blue pride while bringing together generations of alumni for one of the school’s most cherished events.
The festivities began on Chamberlain Field, where alumni from classes ending in 1 and 6 gathered to welcome the 50th Reunion Class of 1976. Thousands of alumni and student volunteers lined the route, cheering as classmates laughed, danced, smiled, and exchanged fist bumps on their way into the tent. The energy and excitement set the tone for an unforgettable evening of celebration and connection.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of the Class of 1976, whose members were honored for their lifelong connection to Punahou and their contributions to the school community. Continuing a beloved tradition, both the 25th and 50th Reunion classes performed their reunion hula, delighting the crowd and celebrating the bonds formed through generations of Punahou experiences.
The centennial celebration featured outstanding entertainment throughout the evening, including performances by talented alumni musicians, a spectacular lūʻau revue by Tihati Productions, and a crowd-pleasing finale with Henry Kapono ’67 and friends. As always, the evening concluded with alumni joining together to sing “Oahu A” and “Strawberry Shortcake,” creating a fitting end to a night filled with memories, laughter, and connection.
The success of the 100th Alumni Lūʻau was made possible by the extraordinary efforts of hundreds of volunteers. In particular, alumni from the 23rd and 24th Reunion Classes of 2022 and 2023 played an integral role in bringing the event to life. Equally important were the Reunion Class committees—made up of approximately 250 volunteers—who spent months planning their Alumni Week activities and raising funds for their Class gifts. Their commitment, collaboration, and generosity of time and spirit were essential to the success of the entire celebration.
As the Alumni Lūʻau enters its second century, the event remains a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of the Punahou ‘ohana and the traditions that continue to unite generations of Buff ’n Blue. It was truly a night to remember and a worthy celebration of an extraordinary milestone in School history.