Punahou is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mahalo-grams, a tradition that began in the 1970s as a simple way for students to send handwritten notes of thanks to teachers, staff and classmates. The colorful slips of paper quickly became a cherished campus ritual, reflecting the spirit of aloha and connection that defines the school community.
This year, College Counseling, Alumni Relations and the Beyond Punahou student committee – a group of students who support the senior class as they transition from students to alumni – partnered to reintroduce the tradition to the Class of 2026 through digital Mahalo-grams. Juniors wrote digital Mahalo-grams to thank teachers and counselors, with all notes shared in a single celebratory campuswide “flood” of gratitude.
The renewed effort highlights the enduring impact of gratitude at Punahou. Half a century after the first Mahalo-grams were delivered, the tradition continues to offer students a meaningful way to recognize those who have supported them along their journey.
You can send a free buff ’n blue-themed Mahalo-gram e-card to someone special here: https://www.punahou.edu/life-at-punahou/traditions/mahalo-grams
