Ke Kilohana is Punahou’s place-based learning program that encourages students to deepen their understanding of themselves, their communities and the world through inquiry, service and meaningful connections. Rooted in Hawai‘i, the program challenges students to apply their knowledge and unique strengths in authentic ways that contribute to the well-being of others.
This summer, Punahou Academy students returned from transformative Ke Kilohana summer travel experiences in Bhutan, Thailand and the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, bringing home new perspectives shaped by cultural exchange, scientific inquiry and service learning.
Each Ke Kilohana travel course combines pre-travel coursework on campus with immersive field experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. The programs fulfill the School’s Ke Kilohana Social Studies graduation requirement while encouraging students to engage deeply with people, places and communities beyond Hawai‘i.
In Bhutan, students explored the country’s unique approach to Gross National Happiness while learning about environmental stewardship, Buddhism and education through cultural exchanges in villages across the Himalayan kingdom.
In Thailand, students interested in healthcare and medicine worked alongside the Global Public Service Academy in rural communities, participating in preventative health screenings while gaining firsthand insight into global health, Thai culture and the importance of compassionate service.
Meanwhile, students traveling to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks investigated wildlife, geology, climate and ecology alongside educators from Teton Science Schools. Through field studies in two of the nation’s most iconic national parks, they compared these diverse ecosystems with Hawai‘i’s own natural environment.
Together, the three Ke Kilohana travel experiences reflect the program’s mission of helping students develop a strong sense of place, deepen their understanding of diverse communities and apply their knowledge through authentic service. By combining inquiry, reflection and hands-on learning, students return with a broader worldview and a deeper appreciation for their role in contributing to the well-being of Hawai‘i and the world.
Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks
Bhutan
Thailand
