With the coronavirus pandemic forcing the postponement of the annual Alumni Lū’au to October, Punahou held its first-ever virtual Alumni Lū‘au on Saturday, broadcasting the event – Buff ‘n Blue Together: Live from Punahou – on Facebook and YouTube.
The online celebration included many of the School’s lū‘au traditions and replicated the in-person speeches, hula and special shoutouts to Reunion committees. It also featured live performances by Henry Kapono ’67 and Pomaika’i Keawe ’99 Lyman, who have most recently entertained alumni at virtual backyard pau hana concerts on Facebook, as well as special recognition for the resilient Class of 2020. Local TV personalities Lauren Day ’13 and Kainoa Carlson ’07 were energetic hosts who kept the party lively.
Guests tuning in live were encouraged to socialize within the Facebook comments and to leave song requests for the musicians. Attendees on O’ahu also had the opportunity to preorder lū‘au plates from Haili’s Hawaiian Foods, so they could watch and eat together. Punahou Advancement staff delivered Hawaiian food to alumni living at Arcadia and Kahala Nui.
At the October event, Punahou hopes to have a smaller celebration for Classes ending in 0 and 5.