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Kamehameha Schools Preschools

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Big dreams start small

Our preschool program across the pae ‘āina helps our youngest haumāna gain the confidence to dream of how they’ll create a brighter tomorrow. Our preschools are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, which recognizes early childhood programs that meet national standards of quality requirements. Through Hawaiian culture-based education we offer learning experiences in an environment that is safe, enriching and enjoyable. By connecting our keiki to their culture and language, we lay a foundation for future success.


E Ola! How learning happens at KS Preschools

A day in the life at KS Preschools

Preschool locations

 
 

Ke Kupukupu

KS Preschools ‘ohana newsletter inspiring growth and connection

 

Learning resources for keiki

Keiki can begin their learning journey today with our resources:

 

Ka nūhou a me nā ho‘olaha (News and announcements)

Kamehameha Schools kumu: Alison Makanui-Lopes’ legacy of aloha in early learning

This early educator is teaching keiki to lead with aloha and kūpono.


Mālama Ola Minute: Simple habits for a healthy summer

Kamehameha Schools Maui lead nurse Melissa Manzano shares summer illness prevention tips, from hydration and rest to handwashing.


Kamehameha Schools kumu: Dayna Begonia on staying rooted in community

At KS Preschools Nānākuli, Dayna Begonia nurtures keiki through strong community ties while carrying forward Ke Aliʻi Pauahi’s legacy.


Kōkua for the North Shore: Preschool ʻohana hui puts values into action

After severe North Shore flooding on Oʻahu, the KS Preschools Koʻolau ʻOhana Hui quickly united to raise funds and deliver meals — embodying aloha, mālama, and kuleana.


Kalihi-Pālama preschoolers learn to ʻauamo kuleana in their kaiāulu

Keiki from KS Preschools Kalihi-Pālama welcomed Honolulu Police Department officers and K-9s, learning about kuleana and safety.


East Hawaiʻi preschools build connection with ʻāina

KS Preschools haumāna from three East Hawaiʻi campuses explored science, culture and stewardship through hands-on learning of the hala tree.


Nānākuli preschoolers explore leadership on Honolulu huakaʻi

Keiki from KS Preschools-Nānākuli explored servant leadership and Hawaiian history on a field trip to Kawaiahaʻo Plaza and ʻIolani Palace.



The unseen layer of care: KS Preschools staff take part in hands-on crisis response training

Dozens of new KS Preschools staff completed crisis response training led by Blue Line Solutions, a team of active and retired law enforcement and first responders who provide specialized safety training for schools and churches across the pae ʻāina.


KS Preschools launches Hawaiian heroes series

Kamehameha Schools Preschools launches the Meʻe Reader Series, a new set of early reader books that celebrate Hawaiian heroes like Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani while strengthening keiki literacy and cultural pride.


Tsunami Advisory – Update #2 from Kamehameha Schools

Mahalo for your continued care and attention during the tsunami warning. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has downgraded the warning to an advisory.


Tsunami Warning – Update #1 from Kamehameha Schools

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami WARNING for the state of Hawaiʻi. The estimated earliest arrival of the first wave is 7:10 p.m. Our top priority is to protect the safety of our haumāna, ʻohana and employees. Effective immediately, Kamehameha Schools will close all preschool and non-education sites and offices.


Ke Aliʻi Pauahi’s journal gives a rare glimpse of inaugural Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea

On Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea in 1843, a young Bernice Pauahi Pākī captured the return of Hawaiian sovereignty in her journal.


New edition of I Mua magazine celebrates all things ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi

The latest edition of I Mua Magazine is a celebration of our ʻōlelo makuahine, featuring several stories presented ma ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi!


Kamehameha Day marks a legacy built to lead

This Kamehameha Day, we remember how Ke Aliʻi Pauahi named her school after Kamehameha I to pass down his legacy of strong, caring leadership to haumāna who lead with the same spirit.


Our shared kuleana: How safety provides the foundation for success at Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha

Kamehameha Schools supports student success by prioritizing safety, well-being and strong partnerships between families, staff and peers.


Meet our kumu: Ashley Kalaiwaʻa — Instilling Hawaiian identity early on

The lead teacher’s goal is for keiki to leave the classroom knowing it is beautiful to be Hawaiian and show aloha.


Meet our kumu: Piʻikea Kihe — Teaching aloha through ʻike kūpuna

The preschool kumu grew up with a deep aloha for education, inspired by her mother’s dedication.


Mālama in action: KS preschoolers take on stream cleanup

Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha preschoolers used genki balls to clean a local stream, learning to mālama ʻāina through science and culture.


KS preschool teachers showcase Hawaiian culture-based education at conference

At the 2025 Early Childhood Education Conference on Kaua‘i, KS Preschools kumu highlighted their efforts to integrate Hawaiian culture-based education, sharing strategies to help keiki thrive.


Big wins for KS Kapālama, KS Maui in state wrestling tourney

The Kamehameha Schools Kapālama boys wrestling earned their second straight state title. Meanwhile Kamehameha Schools Maui’s Mikah Labuanan pulled off an amazing grand slam, earning four individual titles in four years. It’s the first ever for a Maui wrestler.



Lend your leo to new ʻōiwi-run app meant to amplify ‘ōlelo Hawaiʻi

A new ʻōiwi-run app, Lauleo, seeks to gather voices of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi speakers to develop AI speech recognition tools. The app’s creators view themselves as kiaʻi of this data, making sure it’s kānaka, not big tech who decide how it’s used.


KS in the news: Jason Momoa, Kamehameha students unite to combat plastic waste

Kamehameha Schools is making significant strides in various fields, from cultural and educational partnerships to environmental initiatives and athletic achievements.


KS Hawaiʻi girls win Division II state soccer title in dramatic fashion

Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi pulled off a dramatic late-game rally to win the Division II Motiv8 Foundation/HHSAA state girls soccer championship.


Aloha meets aroha: Waimānalo preschoolers engage in cultural exchange with Māori kumu

The visit united kumu and keiki across Moananuiākea in mele and moʻolelo.


Here’s how to celebrate Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi with your ʻohana

Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is a month-long celebration of Hawaiian language and culture with events that bring communities together to learn, connect and honor the revitalization of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.


KS in the news: How Kamehameha Schools aims to bring abundance back to Lahaina

Kamehameha Schools students and alumni are leading the way across Hawaiʻi and beyond, from a historic Maui football championship to groundbreaking roles in entertainment and public service.


Founder’s Day: Honoring Pauahi’s legacy through the ages

Founder’s Day honors Ke Aliʻi Bernice Pauahi Bishop’s legacy through evolving traditions of reflection, cultural pride and gratitude.


Latest I Mua magazine edition highlights seeds of positive change planted across the pae ʻāina

As the year comes to an end, we proudly share the latest edition of I Mua magazine — now online and soon to arrive in the mail. Read more about ‘āina restoration happening in Lahaina and how alumni are helping to reshape narratives of our lāhui.


Join the celebration: 2024 Founder’s Day events

Across Hawaiʻi pae ʻāina, our Kamehameha Schools ‘ohana will come together to honor the remarkable life and legacy of Ke Aliʻi Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop.


Native food crops, other plants poised to take root on KS’ lands in Lahaina

A part of Kamehameha Schools’ reimagination of its Kuʻia lands is already beginning to take shape ma waena, just above the Lahaina Bypass. That’s where native trees and food crops are about to be planted on a one-acre parcel, with plans to add more food trees on an adjoining parcel in 2025.


Kamehameha Preschools’ Lā Kūpuna: Nurturing relationships that connect generations

At all Kamehameha Schools Preschools, from Hāmākua across Hawaiʻi pae ʻāina, Lā Kūpuna is a reminder of the strength of ʻohana and the nurturing relationships that connect generations.


Kamehameha Schools collaborates with prestigious English museum for new exhibition

Kamehameha Schools collaborated with Pitt Rivers Museum – University of Oxford in England to support the launch of the “Ma uka to Ma kai: Back to the Future with Ahupuaʻa” exhibition.


Starting the year right at KS Preschools: An intentional approach to building pilina

The new school year at Kamehameha Schools Preschools begins with a series of orientation activities designed to build strong, lasting connections between teachers, children and families for a holistic educational environment.


From Kamehameha Schools to kula nui: Scholarships empower Hawaiian students

Three recent graduates reflect on how the educational and financial support they received has empowered them to pursue higher education and careers dedicated to giving back to their communities.


Boosting early learning connections on Kauaʻi through KS Kaiāulu

Using her expertise in data analysis and with support from KS Kaiāulu, Alanna Bauman enhances early learning opportunities for Kauaʻi County keiki.


Kamehameha Schools celebrates its newest preschool in Kapaʻa

The new KS preschool includes an outdoor playground, two classrooms, an office, a multi-purpose room and kitchen.


He aloha poina ʻole

As we huipū in observance of the one-year remembrance of the Maui fires, we hold close the precious lives lost and send our deepest aloha and pule to their ‘ohana, friends, and the larger Lahaina community. Their strength and resilience through the tragedy, and this difficult past year, remind us of the importance of standing together, supporting one another, and embodying the spirit of aloha that defines our Kamehameha Schools ʻohana.


Kamehameha Schools’ contribution to healing and restoration

Aloha nō e ka ʻohana o Kamehameha. As promised, the Board of Trustees and I are writing to offer a detailed update about the Lahaina global settlement. Our joining this settlement ensures the restoration of Lahaina’s people and community, protects Ke Aliʻi Pauahi’s trust, and offers future opportunities and hope.


KS in the news: Hawaiʻi student Sadie Yu is making a difference with Sweetheart Farm

From Pitcher of the Year to Miss Hawaii 2024, our KS haumāna, alums and kumu are taking titles and making headlines.


KS Preschools launch summer institute for teacher assistants

KS Preschools’ Teacher Assistant Summer Institute immersed educators in place-based professional development sessions across Hawaiʻi.


Make Music Day 2024 on ʻĀina Pauahi

Make Music Day Hawaiʻi, which is part of a worldwide music celebration, is back this year on June 21. There are numerous places to celebrate across Hawaiʻi pae ʻāina, including at some of our commercial properties on ʻĀina Pauahi.


FestPAC showcases Pacific leadership, native excellence

The legacy of our aliʻi showcases their strategic leadership and enduring impact on Pacific culture and unity.


Indigenous excellence celebrated at upcoming Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture

For the first time ever, the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture, the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders, is being held in Hawaiʻi pae ʻāina. You won’t want to miss this once-in-a-generation cultural exchange from June 6-16, 2024.


Latest issue of I Mua magazine focuses on Lahaina recovery and more

I Mua magazine 2024, Issue 1 is out online and in your home. This edition includes manaʻo from alumni who have demonstrated great resilience after the devastating Lahaina fire.


Kumu Appreciation Week: Celebrating KS Preschools kumu

As part of Kumu Appreciation Week, we salute the kumu mentoring our youngest learners at KS Preschools across the pae ʻāina.


KS in the news: Oʻahu hālau prepares for Merrie Monarch on ʻĀina Pauahi

KS haumāna, alumni and staff shine in academics and athletics.


Celebrate Native Hawaiian Plant Month across ʻĀina Pauahi

Join us in celebrating Native Hawaiian Plant Month by immersing yourself in lāʻau Hawaiʻi at events across ʻĀina Pauahi!


Mālama Ola Minute: How outdoor play boosts your keiki’s health and happiness

Learn how outdoor play not only promotes health and well-being but also strengthens family bonds and social skills!


Lenten weekly video devotionals: Easter

He has risen! Kahu Kanani Franco from KS Maui wishes us a happy Easter as we celebrate the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection.


Lenten weekly video devotionals: Good Friday

Good Friday is a day of reflection and remembrance of how much God loves us. In this video, Kahu Manu Naeʻole reminds us that we are only able to live prosperously because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us.


Lenten weekly video devotionals: Maundy Thursday

Kahu Kaunaloa Boshard teams up with his son and KS Hawaiʻi haumāna Loheau for this reflection on John 13:34.


Empowering families: The ʻOhana Committee’s role in celebrating Hawaiian culture

The spirit of kaiāulu shines bright at the Kapolei Kūhiō Day Parade, where KS Waiʻanae preschools ʻohana and keiki exemplify unity. More than a parade, this event is a celebration of cultural education and parental involvement pioneered by Waiʻanae’s ʻOhana Committee’s vision for hands-on learning.


Lenten weekly video devotionals: Week 6

This Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus’ selfless sacrifice and the power of God’s love and mercy.


Kamehameha Schools’ Waiānuenue Preschool traces E Ola! from ma uka to ma kai

Parents of KS preschoolers get to experience Hawaiian culture-based education at this school-wide event.


Lenten weekly video devotionals: Week 4

KS Kapālama Christian Education Kumu Nadia Kam urges us to seek God’s guidance in times of temptation.


Lenten weekly video devotionals: Week 2

Both Kensy Apaka and Brayden Malani reference Matthew 14:27 in their video devotionals about finding courage and trusting God.


Lenten weekly video devotionals: Week 1

In this week’s video devotionals, Shonnie Calina and Kaʻōiwi Jeong remind us that our identity is rooted in God.


Lenten weekly video devotionals: Ash Wednesday

The Lenten season is upon us, so let’s pay close attention to God’s word and allow it to transform our hearts.


Kamehameha Schools’ panelists champion equitable education at national conference

Leaders from KS share innovative initiatives and spark a national dialogue about educator development.


How to take part in Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi 2024

During the past 40 years, ‘ōlelo Hawaiʻi has seen a major resurgence. Here is how you can grow your skills and immerse yourself in the language this Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi!


Mālama Ola Minute: Revamp your keiki’s sleep routine to boost their well-being

Is your keiki getting enough sleep? These simple tweaks to their bedtime routine can turn restless nights into restful ones.


Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi haumāna is championing mental health awareness on campus and on-screen

Sophomore Ziona Launiu supports her peers as a member of the Young Leaders Council for the “My Life. Just Listen.” campaign


Kamehameha Schools education leader wants to revolutionize student testing

Chelsea Keehne, with Kamehameha Schools’ Kealaiwikuamoʻo Division wants to challenge educators, parents, and the community to rethink how students could be assessed with an emphasis on the types of learning that will stay with haumāna for a lifetime, instead of just long enough to take a test.


Welina mai! Back to school celebrated at Nā Kula ʻo Kamehameha

It’s a rite of passage dating more than 130 years. Haumāna across the pae ʻāina have returned to the classroom. Here are some photos marking this momentous occasion.


Kamehameha Schools expands ʻāina stewardship with acquisitions on Maui that include Kaupō Ranch lands

Kamehameha Schools has recently made two land acquisitions in southeastern and north Maui, adding more than 5,500 acres to its ʻāina portfolio.


Weekly devotional: Go beyond

Kahu Kalani Wong KSK’74 shares how a recent strawberry picking adventure with his moʻopuna revealed manaʻo about having faith to go outside your comfort zone.


Weekly devotional: Old ideas, new situations

Kahu Manu Naeʻole KSK’96 shares manaʻo on those times when we wondered, “why do I need to learn this? I’ll never use this again!” Turns out these seemingly insignificant lessons can pay big dividends later.


Weekly devotional: Getting creative

KS Maui Kahu Kalani Wong KSK’74 shares manaʻo about identifying and treasuring the talents given to you by Ke Akua.


Moananuiākea four-year voyage connects indigenous communities and the world

This week representatives from Kamehameha Schools will be in Juneau, Alaska, for the global launch of the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Moananuiākea: A Voyage for Earth. The delegation consists of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama haumāna and kumu, and a cultural protocol team from Hoʻokahua Cultural Vibrancy Group that will continue the Schoolsʻ nearly 50-year kuleana as culture bearers and heritage keepers for the Hōkūleʻa.


Weekly devotional: Being a great learner

Kahu Kalani Wong KSK’74 shares how Nā Aliʻi were great examples of not just being lifelong learners, but also in applying that knowledge in their daily lives.


The light at the end of the tunnel

In leaning on the words of Hebrews 12:2, KS Maui senior Kira Gomez shares that despite the many twists and turns that may come, our faith in Ke Akua ensures that we will never lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel.


Kamehameha Schools’ longstanding commitment to early learning leads to 150 new full-tuition college scholarships

Kamehameha Schools and Chaminade University have forged an innovative and community-focused partnership to educate, train and prepare aspiring early learning kumu through 150 full-tuition Muʻo scholarships. Muʻo means “to bud” and the name of the scholarship reflects the focus on taking care of keiki at the beginning of their educational journey.



KS education technology hui expands knowledge base during Lone Star State huakaʻi

Members from the KS ET Education Technology Services team recently attended the SXSW EDU 2023 conference in Austin, Texas where they had the opportunity to explore the latest trends and innovations in education.


KS collaboration aimed at boosting early learning workforce

Kamehameha Schools is helping to promote careers in early childhood education through collaborations that provide University of Hawaiʻi students with hands-on experience at preschool sites.


10 ways to teach your keiki gratitude during the holiday season

In a world that seems to value overabundance, teaching gratitude can feel like an uphill battle. Despite the challenges you might face, helping our keiki to feel grateful can be worthwhile.


Honoring Queen Lili‘uokalani

In honor of Queen Lili‘uokalani’s lā hānau, haumāna spent the day picking crown flower, making straw lei and coloring photos of our Queen.


CEO Message: Great Expectations

As we start the 2022-2023 school year, we do so with a renewed sense of hope and optimism having learned and grown so much over the last few years.


KS leaders praise support staff on Administrative Professionals Day

Mahalo piha to all of our administrative professionals! Please know that you are deeply appreciated today and every day!


Dr. Jennifer Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua selected as Kamehameha Schools trustee

The state Probate Court has selected Dr. Jennifer Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua as the newest member of the Kamehameha Schools Board of Trustees. She will begin her term immediately, replacing former Trustee Micah Kāne, whose term expired on June 30, 2021.


Mālama Ola Minute:  Five tips to help keiki cope with academic anxiety

In today’s environment of high-stakes testing and increased competitiveness in college admissions, experts worry that academic stress without enough down time, can take a serious toll on students.


KS blesses new Kikiwelawela Preschool in He‘eia

Nestled on the grounds of St. Ann Church in He‘eia, Kikiwelawela Preschool features two classrooms and will serve up to 40 kamaliʻi beginning in March.


‘Help Keep Our Schools Open’ programs re-air this weekend

The programs emphasize the importance of in-person learning and its positive impacts on haumāna and kumu.


Mālama Ola Minute: Helping your keiki stay at a healthy weight

It’s National Healthy Weight Week! Maintaining a healthy weight can be frustrating, even for kids. Extra pounds can put children at risk for developing serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease and asthma.


Pauahi tribute airs Dec. 19 on KHNL

“With the Stroke of Her Pen” is a moving tribute that reflects on the life and legacy of Ke Ali ‘i Pauahi and their impact on generations of Hawaiian learners.


Kealaiwikuamoʻo crew creates high-touch kits to supplement high-tech learning

The free kits contain DIY cultural activities like hei (string figure games) that engage kuaʻana, mākua and tūtū in playing with little ones in the ‘ohana.


Mālama Ola Minute: Eat Together, Eat Better

Here are some tips on how to encourage smart eating habits and prepare locally sourced meals to help you and your keiki eat healthy all year long.


Applying to Kamehameha Schools just got easier

The new ʻOhana Portal provides families up-to-date information on the status of their applications for K-12 campus programs, preschools and a summer learning opportunities.


Keiki thrive as KS returns to in-person learning

Kamehameha Schools campuses are pulsing with energy and enthusiasm now that students have returned to the classroom after more than a year of distance learning.









More Preschools news »
 
 
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Instagram

Meet Our Kumu: Alison Makanui-Lopes, KS Preschools: Kalihi-Pālama and Kapālama What inspired you to become a kumu at KS? “I stepped into this work because it rose naturally from my upbringing and moʻokūʻauhau. I come from a line of educators who planted in me the values that shape my path and showed, through their own hands and hearts, the true meaning of kahiau. My aloha for Hawaiʻi, our culture, and our Hawaiian keiki is the force that carried me into the classroom and continues to guide my way.” Tell us about a time you saw your haumāna use what they’ve learned to make a difference. What did that mean to you?  “He keiki aloha na mea kanu. Beloved children are the plants. I will always remember when haumāna demonstrate the lessons of showing aloha and being pono. For example, comforting a keiki who’s having a hard time or choosing kind words without being asked and hearing ʻohana say they see those same behaviors at home means so much — a reminder that learning continues far beyond our classroom. Watching their pilina with each other, kumu, ʻāina, and their own identities has been the greatest gift. And because preschool kumu rarely see the full journey, hearing about former haumāna thriving years later touches my heart. It shows that the small seeds we plant truly grow.” #Kumu #EOla #KumuAppreciation #imuakamehameha #Preschools

Instagram

Hauʻoli Poʻakahi! ☀️ Happy Monday! Nothing brightens a Monday like hearing our Kamehameha Schools Preschool haumāna proudly sharing a mele they learned at kula. 🎶✨ Way to go, e nā keiki! I mua! 🌿🤙🏽 #KamehamehaPreschools #EOla #Hamakua #Mele #IMua #OiwiLeaders

Instagram

🌿✨ Lei ʻia ke aloha. Love is worn as a lei. Before the end of the school year, the Kamehameha Preschools Waiʻanae Region ʻOhana Hui gathered for a special event where ʻohana made beautiful lei for their graduates. Many mākua found their thoughts drifting to how much their keiki have developed since the first day of preschool. Each keiki has grown so much in ability, confidence, ʻike and character. These are precious moments of reflection. Mahalo to everyone who came together to create lei that wrapped our graduates in abundant aloha on their special day. 💚🌿✨ #KamehamehaPreschools #EOla #Lei #Graduation #Aloha

Instagram

Meet Lehua Rowland-Sugse, KS Preschools Kailua-Kona (center with her Teacher Assistants) What inspired you to become a kumu at KS? What inspired me to become a kumu at KS was my desire to work with Hawaiian keiki in my community of Waiʻanae. In my heart, I knew that uplifting our keiki through education was one way to strengthen and empower our community. I believed that if I could help educate ʻohana about the importance of early childhood education, it could create opportunities to overcome the stereotypes and stigma often faced growing up in Waiʻanae. I wanted people to understand that 85% of brain development happens during the early years of life, making those first years so important. My parents always hoped that one of their six children would attend KS and had each of us tested when we were eligible. It saddened me that their dream did not come to fruition, so I made it my goal to work for KS. I pursued Early Childhood Education straight out of high school at Leeward Community College.

Kawaiaha‘o Plaza

567 South King St.
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 523-6200

KS Hawai‘i

16-716 Volcano Rd.
Kea‘au, HI 96749
(808) 982-0000

KS Kapālama

1887 Makuakāne St.
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 842-8211

KS Maui

275 ‘A‘apueo Pkwy
Pukalani, HI 96768
(808) 572-3100

Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.

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