Children of alumni who live away from Hawai’i experienced the best of Punahou during five, fun-filled days in July of the popular Alumni Keiki Experience summer program.
The elementary-aged group lunched by the Lily Pond, learned Punahou cheers and songs, tie-dyed buff ‘n blue T-shirts and swam in Waterhouse Pool. One day was spent at Waianu Farm in Waiahole, where the children shed their footwear and walked in a muddy lo’i, discovered and touched a rare, giant frog and helped pull weeds.
The three Yonemitsu siblings – children of Jon ’89 – made their dad’s heart sing as they cheered together and sang about Punahou in the car and before bed.
It was a week filled with lots of firsts for the children, many who live on the continental U.S. Some tried lychee for the first time, while others learned the legend of Ka Punahou. The experience ended with a lū’au and pā’ina attended by the children, their kumu and families.
The program is run each year by the Office of Alumni Relations and Punahou Summer School. It is taught by Punahou faculty and open to children and grandchildren of alumni who are entering grades 1 – 6.