Co-Directors Lauli‘a Ah Wong ’98 and Leilehua Utu ’95 – along with an extensive group of talented musicians, performers and instructors – began brainstorming about potential themes for May Day and Holokū in August 2023. That time of the year is usually filled with a sense of joy and renewal – with limitless possibilities in creative and artistic expression. But this time, the mood was much different. The conversations were taking place around the time of the devastating fires in Maui – which weighed heavily on everyone’s mind. One of the central questions for the group at that time was: how can we help?
“With the fires that gravely impacted Maui, and our entire lāhui, we felt strongly about ‘breathing life’ back into the place, people and community,” says Ah Wong. “That life was evident in the showcase of mele and hula of Maui that our student participants shared this spring.”
The theme the organizers ended up selecting for the 2024 Holokū Pageant was Aloha ‘ia nō ‘o Maui, which translates to “Maui is So Loved!” The show was structured to honor all-things Maui: the people, places and things whose legacies, memories and influences endure.
“Maui possesses extensive history and significance in Hawai‘i,” says Ah Wong. The mele and choreography in the program paid homage to Maui, from Haleakalā, the “House of the Sun,” which stands 10,023 feet above sea level, to the serene beauty of Maui’s own roselani flower lei. “Maui is always in our hearts,” Ah Wong. “I am glad we were able to honor that beautiful island.”
– By Gina Gelber
The May Day program and Holokū Pageant were dedicated to the Island of Maui – an inspiring idea that emerged during the devastating fires of August 2023. The theme of the stellar performances was Aloha ‘ia nō ‘o Maui, which translates to “Maui is So Loved!”
The Island of Maui holds significant cultural importance in the history of Hawai‘i. Using their craft, the gifted musicians and dancers honored the multitude of gifts that Maui possesses, from its fragrant state flower to the majesty of Haleakalā.
One of the most enduring memories in Punahou’s academic journey springs to life in the third grade. During this time, students are steeped in rich Hawaiian history and culture, culminating in an inspirational lū‘au celebration where they witness the power of students, faculty and parent volunteers working in unison toward a common purpose. “Much like how our Hawaiian culture relies on the intergenerational transmission of values and knowledge, our lū‘au has been experienced by multiple generations in a family,” says third grade Kumu Cory Mau. “It is very special to see parents and their kids making new memories together.”
Working as a team, the community creates vibrant experiences that include culture, traditional Hawaiian games – and the blossoming of lifelong friendships.
A jubilant community gathered for a Commencement ceremony honoring the Class of 2024 at the Stan Sheriff Center on June 1. Fittingly, the momentous occasion was filled with pomp and circumstance – from live orchestral music to inspirational speeches and an elegant hula performance.
Upholding a tradition that spans generations, Academy Principal Gustavo Carrera presented an adjective that encapsulates the essence of the graduating class. “I am honored by this responsibility and I find it challenging to fully express the immense pride that we, the faculty and staff of Punahou School, feel for these seniors,” Carrera said to an enthralled audience. “You, the Class of 2024, exemplify what it means to be a Punahou student – excelling in academics, athletics and the arts, all while embodying the spirit of service and leadership.”
Much thought goes into the time-honored process of selecting an adjective for a Class. In the time leading up to the Commencement ceremony, Academy faculty deliberate on the descriptive word that best exemplifies the graduates; some contenders that emerged for the 2024 cohort include resilient, supportive, empathetic and adaptable.
Ultimately, it was decided that “innovative” was the adjective that was most on point for this group. “The Class of 2024 looks at the future not with fear but with bold optimism,” Carrera said. “You are well prepared to look to the future because you have strong roots established here at Punahou.”
After Carrera concluded presenting the Class of 2024, President Latham ’86 delivered a warm farewell speech to the seniors (turn to page 2 for content). The mesmerizing evening was capped off with the School’s song – “O‘ahu-a” by Wilhelm Albert Gartner, Class of 1903 – and a benediction from Chaplain George Scott. “May God always guide you and satisfy you with good things. May God keep you strong and well,” he quoted from the Hebrew Scriptures. “You will be like a garden that has plenty of water. Like a spring of water that never goes dry.”
The evening included several inspirational speeches from students and School leadership. “What a thrill to witness us unfurling our wings to chase our dreams,” said student speaker Irene Zhong ’24. For his part, President Mike Latham ’86 raised important questions: “How will you move forward from this beloved home? What will you do with your tremendous talent, compassion and conviction? Which path will you take, and what purposes will you ultimately pursue?”
More than 2,000 alumni, friends and guests gathered for an evening of camaraderie, food and music. This year, the Alumni Lū‘au event was held on Chamberlain Field because a portion of Rice Field is temporarily occupied to facilitate the exciting transformation of nearby Cooke Library – set to open as the Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons in 2026.
Attendees, many who flew in from across the country and overseas, caught up with classmates while enjoying a delicious Hawaiian cuisine meal, courtesy of the Imu Gang and Dole Hall crew.
The evening concluded with alumni grooving to the sweet sounds of musical legend Henry Kapono ’67, and his friends, Jerry Santos, Robi Kahakalau, Brother Noland and Kimie Miner. They practically brought the tent down!
Punahou celebrated another joyous Alumni Week, featuring a host of activities and heartfelt gatherings to reminisce about the past – and create new memories. In addition to the Alumni Lū‘au and the Kūpuna Lū‘au, the festivities included a special chapel service in Thurston Memorial Chapel; the Class Gift Check Presentation; the Imu Blessing on Alexander Field; and the E Ho‘i Mai Alumni Celebration, which was open to alumni from all classes.
