For students entering Punahou’s Academy, stepping into a new school can feel daunting. To ease that transition, S+Well counselor Kimee Cruz-Kalahiki partnered with Admissions, Kuaihelani Learning Center and the Archives Department to create E Pili Mai, a week long summer orientation that helps incoming ninth graders connect, learn and belong from day one.
Cruz-Kalahiki drew inspiration from the new employee orientation program Eia ka Punahou, led by Kealohi Reppun ’99 and Kylee Mar. “Watching how Eia ka Punahou welcomed new faculty and staff into the community made me think – if that experience helps adults feel connected, why not do the same for students?” she explained. The result was E Pili Mai, launched in 2022, which has since welcomed between 65 and 90 new students each summer.
E Pili Mai blends Punahou’s history with community building. Students explore significant sites such as Pu’uomānoa (Rocky Hill) and the waters of Kapunahou, learn traditions, and participate in games and team activities designed to spark friendships. “It’s about giving students a shared experience so they immediately feel like they belong,” Cruz-Kalahiki said.
The first cohort, including Aidan Fraiola ’23 and Anela Martinez ’24, were instrumental in developing the program’s foundation and inspiring those who followed. This summer, members of that very first group, along with newer leaders like Jacob Cabuhat ’26 and Ilyana Alba ’26, returned as seniors to guide incoming participants. “That full-circle moment is so powerful,” Cruz-Kalahiki reflected. “They’re proof that the program works – it matters enough for them to come back and lead.”
For Ilyana, the impact of E Pili Mai has been both personal and lasting. “Looking back, E Pili Mai helped me become more educated on Punahou traditions and history… More importantly, I was able to connect with incoming Academy students just like myself, which I really enjoyed, before starting at a new school. I was able to start on the first day with a group of friends,” she shared. “As a leader, I wanted to continue to help ease the transition process for incoming Academy students, especially freshmen, because it’s a whole new environment starting high school.”
Jacob echoed that sentiment, reflecting on his own journey. “When I first joined Punahou, I wasn’t sure how I’d find my people. But at E Pili Mai, I met others who were in the same situation, and that reassured me. It inspired me to return as a leader, helping future ninth graders ease their own nerves and build connections that will stay with them throughout high school and beyond. I’m grateful for the chance to both participate and lead, and I can’t wait to see how the program continues to grow.”
Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive. Many share that E Pili Mai gave them their first real Punahou friendships and even inspired them to become leaders themselves. “One of my favorite things is hearing students say, ‘I want to be a leader in this program someday,’” Cruz-Kalahiki said.
The program advances the mission of Punahou’s Academy Counseling team (S+Well), which includes counselors, psychologists, a chaplain and even a therapy dog. Based in Alexander Hall, S+Well provides a welcoming space and services ranging from counseling to crisis support and wellness initiatives – all to help students thrive. E Pili Mai extends this philosophy by ensuring new students feel supported academically, socially and emotionally.
Looking ahead, Cruz-Kalahiki hopes E Pili Mai continues to grow. “Our goal is simple,” she said. “We want students to feel seen, connected and proud to be part of Punahou.”
