Since its inception in 1993, Punahou’s Wo International Center has been a beacon of excellence in global education. This summer was no exception, as the Center organized a broad array of Ke Kilohana travel courses that were not only academically enriching but also fostered personal growth and deeper connections with other cultures.
“At Punahou, Ke Kilohana courses are designed to cultivate a student’s sense of being rooted in our place, helping them to recognize their potential to contribute meaningfully to Hawai‘i and the world,” said Wo Center Director Tyler Fujita ’06. “We believe travel can be a powerful technology for facilitating this kind of growth for students.”
Punahou’s Ke Kilohana program, akin to a senior social studies capstone course, blends classroom learning with real-world service as students work together and independently on projects that address community needs and culminate in a public presentation or performance.
Here are a few of the highlights from the experiences Punahou’s rising seniors enjoyed.
Ke Kilohana:
Thailand
Students with an interest in medicine participated in hands-on clinical work to improve health care for communities in Northern Thailand. The experience was empowering in many ways – and left an indelible mark.
“Thailand taught me that culture is not just something you observe – it’s something you feel,” said Maylena Gaughan ’26. “It lives in shared smiles, silent respect and the rhythm of everyday life. My kuana‘ike shifted as I realized that true understanding begins not with speaking, but with listening.”
Designed in collaboration with the Global Public Service Academy (GPSA), the trip introduced students to the principles of global health, preparing them to deliver clinic-based interventions and screenings for children and adults. Along the way, they touched the lives of underserved populations in rural Thailand and learned valuable lessons in global citizenship.
“It confirmed that I want to become a doctor – not for money, family expectations or guaranteed success, but for the people and the joy I can bring to their lives,” said Rhea Kawakami ’26. “It was truly life-changing to form genuine connections with the community, overcome language barriers and cultural differences and wake up each day excited to serve with purpose.”
Ke Kilohana:
Bhutan
The Kingdom of Bhutan provided the inspirational setting for this memorable educational experience. Students engaged in service learning, exploring Bhutanese environmental protection efforts, the role of Buddhism in daily life, and the impact of the country’s evolving education systems.
“It was truly eye-opening to take part in meaningful cultural exchanges with Bhutanese students, my homestay family and government officials. I loved being able to immerse myself in Bhutanese culture and traditions,” said Morgan Hom ’26.
For years, the Himalayan country has drawn global attention, including for its Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index, which measures the population’s well-being and contentment beyond material wealth – considering factors such as health and spirituality.
“Being able to learn firsthand about how Bhutan is influenced by their unique, holistic GNH approach gave me a new perspective,” Hom noted. “It encouraged me to think more deeply about how cultural, religious, social and economic values shape a country’s policies and practices.”
The experience highlighted real-life case studies which where integrated with the students’ course work at Punahou.
Ke Kilohana:
Grand Tetons
This 11-day educational experience combined classwork at Punahou with travel to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. Working with Teton Science Schools, students investigated the parks’ wildlife, climate, geology, human history and unique ecology.
“This experience made me realize how important the environment is to my identity and future,” said Elizabeth Chee ’26. “Becoming immersed in thriving ecosystems, diving into genuine fast-paced field research, and connecting with people in inspiring outdoor careers filled me with an unfiltered and unforgettable sense of curiosity, awe and inspiration.”
Beyond immersing themselves in the study of nature, students drew deeper connections about the land and its history.
“One big lesson I took from this trip is that protecting nature isn’t just about preserving its beauty, it’s about honoring justice and recognizing the Indigenous communities who have long stewarded it,” said Ella Bosworth ’26. “I learned to see that the land can be both breathtaking and contested, which starts the true conversation of acknowledging the histories and voices of those who cared for it first.”
