Then and Now: 100 Years of Alumni Lū‘au

Alumni Alumni Events Alumni News Alumni Reunion

·December 5, 2025·7 min read

In 2026, Punahou celebrates the 100th anniversary of Alumni Lū‘au – a beloved tradition of friendship, aloha, and ‘ohana that has united generations of Punahou alumni.

This “Then and Now” photo series captures the spirit of our alumni through the decades – moments of joy, connection, and celebration that continue to unite our community today. Enjoy this visual depiction of how, while much has changed, the heart of Alumni Lū‘au and the spirit of Punahou ‘ohana have remained the same through the years.

100 Years of Celebration

Though much has changed over the decades, the Lū‘au continues to embody the warmth, fellowship, and joyful spirit that have long drawn alumni back to Kapunahou. As we approach the 100th anniversary of this beloved tradition in 2026, the connections and memories shared here remain as vibrant and meaningful as ever.

Though much has changed over the decades, the Lū‘au continues to embody the warmth, fellowship, and joyful spirit that have long drawn alumni back to Kapunahou. As we approach the 100th anniversary of this beloved tradition in 2026, the connections and memories shared here remain as vibrant and meaningful as ever.

Music and Entertainment Bring the Lū‘au to Life

Live entertainment has always been a highlight of the Alumni Lū‘au evening, adding energy, joy, and a festive spirit to the celebration. Over the years, the Lū‘au stage has welcomed both local favorites and talented alumni performers, creating unforgettable moments under the tent. A returning favorite over the past decade has been beloved musician Henry Kapono Ka‘aihue ’67, who, along with a host of special guest performers, brings the crowd to life with every performance.

Live entertainment has always been a highlight of the Alumni Lū‘au evening, adding energy, joy, and a festive spirit to the celebration. Over the years, the Lū‘au stage has welcomed both local favorites and talented alumni performers, creating unforgettable moments under the tent. A returning favorite over the past decade has been beloved musician Henry Kapono Ka‘aihue ’67, who, along with a host of special guest performers, brings the crowd to life with every performance.

Lifelong Connections and Traditions

Each year, new graduates are welcomed to the Alumni Lū‘au to celebrate their transition from students to alumni – a tradition that marks the beginning of their lifelong connection to Punahou. Classmates and friends also return every five years to reunite, reminisce, and celebrate their milestone reunions together. Starting from their graduation year, alumni are invited back in five-year intervals, making the Lū‘au a special place to reconnect and keep the Punahou spirit alive.

Each year, new graduates are welcomed to the Alumni Lū‘au to celebrate their transition from students to alumni – a tradition that marks the beginning of their lifelong connection to Punahou. Classmates and friends also return every five years to reunite, reminisce, and celebrate their milestone reunions together. Starting from their graduation year, alumni are invited back in five-year intervals, making the Lū‘au a special place to reconnect and keep the Punahou spirit alive.

Glee Clubs

Glee clubs have been a part of Punahou’s musical heritage since the school’s early years. Today, the Alumni Glee Club, founded in the early 1980s, continues this legacy by performing Hawaiian music at events like the Alumni Lū‘au, honoring Punahou’s enduring love of music across generations.

Glee clubs have been a part of Punahou’s musical heritage since the school’s early years. Today, the Alumni Glee Club, founded in the early 1980s, continues this legacy by performing Hawaiian music at events like the Alumni Lū‘au, honoring Punahou’s enduring love of music across generations.

Food: The Heart of the Celebration

For 100 years, the Alumni Lū‘au has been a cherished Punahou tradition, brought to life by alumni volunteers. From preparing the food to decorating and hosting, generations of alumni have come together each year to create a meaningful and memorable celebration. While the menu has evolved over time, the heart of the event remains Hawaiian food made with care, pride, and aloha. More than just a meal, the Lū‘au is a testament to the enduring spirit of community, connection, and shared legacy at Kapunahou.

For 100 years, the Alumni Lū‘au has been a cherished Punahou tradition, brought to life by alumni volunteers. From preparing the food to decorating and hosting, generations of alumni have come together each year to create a meaningful and memorable celebration. While the menu has evolved over time, the heart of the event remains Hawaiian food made with care, pride, and aloha. More than just a meal, the Lū‘au is a testament to the enduring spirit of community, connection, and shared legacy at Kapunahou.

The Imu

The imu is a standout feature of the Alumni Lū‘au, reflecting a collaborative effort that begins days before the event. Volunteers gather local materials – such as banana tree stumps and ti leaves – to carefully prepare the on-campus imu (underground oven), preserving an authentic Hawaiian cooking tradition. For many years, the imu pig was prepared by a group of stevedores coordinated by Charles “Fat” Guard (1937). Upwards of seven full-sized pigs were cooked to feed the alumni festivities. After his retirement, various approaches were tried until Scott May ’56 assumed the responsibility of food chairman in 1980, establishing a contemporary tradition and creating Punahou’s own Imu Gang.

The School’s original imu was also rediscovered in 1980. In 1987, the Class of 1963
gifted a new imu pit to the School, which has been in use ever since. The volunteer crew, officially dubbed the “Imu Gang Emeritus,” supports the 24th host class with cooking thousands of pounds of pork each year. The imu-cooked kalua pig remains a cherished highlight of the Lū‘au menu.

The imu is a standout feature of the Alumni Lū‘au, reflecting a collaborative effort that begins days before the event. Volunteers gather local materials – such as banana tree stumps and ti leaves – to carefully prepare the on-campus imu (underground oven), preserving an authentic Hawaiian cooking tradition. For many years, the imu pig was prepared by a group of stevedores coordinated by Charles “Fat” Guard (1937). Upwards of seven full-sized pigs were cooked to feed the alumni festivities. After his retirement, various approaches were tried until Scott May ’56 assumed the responsibility of food chairman in 1980, establishing a contemporary tradition and creating Punahou’s own Imu Gang.

The School’s original imu was also rediscovered in 1980. In 1987, the Class of 1963
gifted a new imu pit to the School, which has been in use ever since. The volunteer crew, officially dubbed the “Imu Gang Emeritus,” supports the 24th host class with cooking thousands of pounds of pork each year. The imu-cooked kalua pig remains a cherished highlight of the Lū‘au menu.

Alumni and Local Stars Shine at the Lū‘au

From hula dancers to musicians and singers, entertainment is always the highlight of the night at every Alumni Lū‘au. Often, performances feature our own alumni, while local entertainers are also invited to join the celebration.

From hula dancers to musicians and singers, entertainment is always the highlight of the night at every Alumni Lū‘au. Often, performances feature our own alumni, while local entertainers are also invited to join the celebration.

Class Photos

Another cherished Alumni Lū‘au tradition is for all reunioning classes to gather before the event for a formal group photo taken by a professional photographer. This special keepsake captures the memories of those returning to campus and celebrates their lasting connection to Punahou.

Another cherished Alumni Lū‘au tradition is for all reunioning classes to gather before the event for a formal group photo taken by a professional photographer. This special keepsake captures the memories of those returning to campus and celebrates their lasting connection to Punahou.

Celebrating Milestones, Honoring Traditions

At the Punahou Alumni Lū‘au, one of the most cherished traditions is honoring the 25th and 50th Reunion Classes. Each class prepares a hula to perform at the celebration, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the evening. For the 50th Reunion Class, the experience is especially meaningful – they’re honored with a special reception before the event and make a grand entrance as a group, parading into the Lū‘au tent to the cheers of classmates, friends, and family. Returning for a 50th reunion is a milestone that many alumni look forward to, and it’s celebrated with all the pride and aloha it deserves.

At the Punahou Alumni Lū‘au, one of the most cherished traditions is honoring the 25th and 50th Reunion Classes. Each class prepares a hula to perform at the celebration, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the evening. For the 50th Reunion Class, the experience is especially meaningful – they’re honored with a special reception before the event and make a grand entrance as a group, parading into the Lū‘au tent to the cheers of classmates, friends, and family. Returning for a 50th reunion is a milestone that many alumni look forward to, and it’s celebrated with all the pride and aloha it deserves.