Puns Gather on Hawai‘i Island for an Evening with President Mike Latham ’86 and Popular Novelist Sara Ackerman ’84 …
Punahou alumni came together for a memorable gathering in beautiful Waikōloa this fall. “The night really felt like a family reunion,” says Director of Alumni Relations Doug Rigg ’84. “It brought together many close-knit alumni with deep roots in upcountry Waimea, including acclaimed author Sara Ackerman ’84.”
President Mike Latham ’86 shared updates on Punahou’s latest developments, including details about the highly anticipated Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons, set to open in 2026. One of the highlights of the evening was a fascinating Q&A conversation between Ackerman – known for her evocative novels set against the backdrop of Hawai‘i’s history – and VP for Institutional Advancement Noelehua Lyons ’91 Archambault.
“Sara truly captivated the audience with her gift of storytelling,” Archambault says. Ackerman spoke about her journey as an author, sharing how her experiences growing up in Waimea shaped her writing. She also discussed the inspiration behind her latest book, “The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West,” a historical fiction novel set during World War II that weaves themes of love, loss and resilience. Ackerman’s passion for storytelling and her deep connection to Hawai‘i’s rich history resonated with the attendees, many of whom personally knew her from living in Waimea.
The event was held at the Kuleana Rum Shack, located in the Queen’s Marketplace in Waikōloa. Owned by alumnus Steve Jefferson ’86, the Rum Shack was the perfect setting, providing a fun and laid-back atmosphere with delicious island fare.
… And in the Pacific Northwest to Enjoy Buff ’n Blue Camaraderie
This November, Punahou Alumni Relations brought aloha and rainbows to Washington State, hosting a series of events in two vibrant cities, where President Mike Latham ’86 provided exciting updates about the School.
The first stop was in Seattle, where alumni convened at the Elks Club in Ballard, a venue with sweeping views of Puget Sound. Guests were greeted by Director of Alumni Relations Doug Rigg ’84 and Punahou Alumni Association Northwest leadership: Laura Genoves ’84, Gail Stringer ’84, Audrey Fan ’82, and Travis Dos-Santos Tam ’09. The event was an intimate gathering, with guests enjoying delicious local dishes from Kona Kitchen, a beloved restaurant serving a fusion of Hawaiian and Pacific Northwest flavors.
Latham shared exciting news about Punahou’s updated mission statement and the naming of the new Academy Learning Commons honoring Punahou teacher, historian, and Hawaiian scholar Mary Kawena Pukui. He also spoke about the School’s ongoing efforts to improve its campus and enhance its programs, particularly in sustainability and in civil discourse through a new program called the Davis Democracy Initiative.
Latham and the Punahou contingent then traveled south to Portland to join PAA Northwest leadership Bleu Blakslee ’87. The gathering took place at Swiss Hibiscus, a celebrated restaurant owned by Jennie Wyss ’93. Known for its blend of Swiss and Pacific Island-inspired cuisine, the restaurant reflects her family’s restaurant roots in Niu Valley, where her father once ran the well-known Swiss Inn. Previously trained as a nurse and massage therapist, Wyss addressed the crowd to say, “You think you know what you are going to do, but sometimes your life takes you on a different path … and now I feel honored to have learned what my dad did as a chef and what he has passed on to me.”
The gatherings in both cities were a reminder of Punahou’s strong alumni network and the deep connections that continue to thrive across generations.