Punahou faculty and staff gathered on campus Friday, Aug. 7, for a day of welcome, reflection and connection ahead of the 2026 – 2027 school year.
The morning began at the Puna with a Ho‘okipa welcoming new faculty and staff into the Punahou community. Following the sounding of the pū, President Mike Latham ’86 and members of the faculty and staff opened the gathering in song as new employees approached. Returning colleagues gathered around the area to witness the welcome.
New employees shared words of gratitude and oli before Latham offered welcoming remarks. Following “Lei Mānoa,” Ke‘alohi Reppun ’99, director of the Kuaihelani Learning Center for ʻIke Hawaiʻi, addressed the group. New employees then began their walk toward Thurston Memorial Chapel, with returning faculty and staff joining alongside them for the journey.
The opening Chapel introduced this year’s theme, “Pūpūkahi I Holomua,” focused on coming together with a shared purpose to move forward. Led by Punahou’s chaplains, the service included prayer, scripture, music, reflection and hula performed by faculty and staff.
Following fellowship and refreshments, the community returned to the Chapel for the All-School Meeting. Latham and Trustee Peter Ho ’83 reflected on the unique role each person plays in the Punahou community, while Latham spoke about purpose, the gifts faculty and staff bring to their work and the legacy of Mary Kawena Pukui.
The day continued with a presentation on the School’s strategic plan, community-building experiences and lunch, setting the stage for faculty and staff to begin the new school year together with a shared sense of purpose and direction.