BY GINA GELBER
Excitement is mounting across campus as the official opening of the Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons draws closer. In preparation for the milestone this summer, Punahou’s Academy community has come together through a series of special events and student assemblies designed to deepen understanding, appreciation and connection with the building – and with the legacy of the renowned Hawaiian scholar for whom it is named.
In late March, students took a significant step toward experiencing the transformative role the Learning Commons will play on campus when the building’s lānai opened for daily use following spring break.
Since then, the outdoor gathering space has quickly become an active hub, with students finding a variety of ways to make good use of it while looking ahead with excitement to the academic and social opportunities that will emerge when the new building officially opens.
The following reflections from Academy students offer insight into how the new space is already shaping their campus experience and inspiring anticipation for what lies ahead.
Marlowe Lai ’29
The perfect study spot
“I love sitting at the lānai after school to get some schoolwork done because the fresh air and beautiful views make it the perfect study spot. I cannot wait for the cafe, food design lab and culinary labs. I personally love cooking and sharing new creations with my friends, and being able to do that in a new facility is so exciting.”
Sebastian “Sebbie” Dang ’27
A haven after school
“I have been using the Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons’ lānai later in the day, after the Bishop Learning Commons closes. Sometimes, my parents are busy at work and can’t pick me up early. With the new lānai, I can now move to another quiet spot where I can work. I plan to take advantage of the new opportunities the building provides when it fully opens by using the study spaces almost every day and grabbing snacks from the grab-and-go snack bar.”
Sydney Chung ’27
A different experience
“I have used the Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons’ lānai to study and interact with friends in an outdoor environment. While both the Bishop Learning Commons and Cornuelle are wonderful study spaces, the new lānai offers a different experience because we can be outside while still enjoying the beauty of our campus. I plan to take advantage of the study rooms when the new building opens. I have always wanted to have access to whiteboards to write my ideas and thoughts.”
Kanoelani Shultz ’29
Munching with friends
“Since the lānai opened, I have mostly used it as a place to spend time with my classmates and eat lunch. This summer, I’ll be taking chemistry honors, so I intend to study there as much as possible and maybe use the new breakout rooms for group study sessions.”
Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons project at learningcommons.punahou.edu