On Saturday, Aug. 8, members of the Punahou community gathered at the Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons for “E Komo Mai, No Kākou Ka Hale”, a celebration honoring the legacy of renowned Hawaiian scholar, educator, composer and author Mary Kawena Pukui.
The morning began with “Pule Hoʻolaʻa Hale”, written by Pukui and chanted by her great-granddaughter Pelehonuamea Harman and her husband, Kekoa Harman. Members of Pukui’s ʻohana then performed hula to “Kuʻu Tūtū” and “Nani Ke Ao Nei,” with music by Kumu Hula Kimo Keaulana. The program continued with hula by Lei Hulu Hula School with Keaulana and Hālau Mōhala ʻIlima with Kumu Hula Māpuana Howell ’67 de Silva.
Punahou students also took part in the gathering, performing the mele oli “Eia Ka Punahou” with Kumu Hula Lauren Kanoelani Chang ’01 Williams. Through oli, mele and hula, the morning brought together Pukui’s ʻohana, faculty and staff, trustees, alumni and community partners to honor her enduring influence on Hawaiian language, culture and education.
President Dr. Mike Latham ’86 expressed gratitude to the many people who contributed to the Learning Commons and reflected on Pukui’s lasting impact at Punahou and throughout Hawaiʻi. Punahou students concluded the program with the mele hula “Lei Mānoa.”
Following the program, guests explored the Learning Commons during an open house ahead of its opening to students on Aug. 11. The gathering marked an important step in welcoming the community into the new interdisciplinary hub while grounding the space in the knowledge, culture and values Pukui championed throughout her life.
