Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i

‘ŌIWI EDGE - OUR CAMPUS IDENTITY

To reclaim and collectively advance a narrative of native Hawaiians thriving, Kamehameha Hawai‘i haumāna will have an ‘Ōiwi Edge—a strong ancestral foundation that shapes their agency, adaptability, and well-being giving them a competitive advantage to fulfill their unique purpose and kuleana.

‘Ōiwi Edge is our campus identity unique to Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i.‘Ōiwi Edge is rooted in the belief that Native Hawaiian identity is a source of mana, inspiration, and cultural armor for our learners as they venture into a global economy where the most valuable job skills are no longer technical in nature—they are skills such as empathy, adaptability, creativity, innovation, critical reflection, and the ability to navigate complexity.

Our ‘Ōiwi Edge Learning and Teaching Expectations are guided by three main pillars:

KAUHALE | ‘Ōiwi Center

Our Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i kauhale is a nexus of pilina whose structures and values put the learner at the center.

MO‘OLELO | ‘Ōiwi Narrative

Learners are aware of their history, good and bad, and use it to inform their future by telling their own story, using multiple perspectives aimed at solutions that de-center destructive and toxic narratives.

NA‘AUAO | An ‘Ōiwi Edge

Learners identify as learned persons who understand that knowledge is crucial to countering generational socioeconomic and political inequity.

Our Kauhale Commitment is that we will nurture and invest in knowing the truth of who we are, instilling within us a strong sense of identity. Giving us the confidence to exert our agency towards empowering socioeconomic and political equity. Our students are held to the highest academic expectations.

At Kamehameha Hawai‘i, we are here to support each student’s pathway in finding their unique purpose and kuleana in service to our lāhui. KSH prepares students through issues-based learning in today's global world, alongside the innovative thinking and design for tomorrow.

News and announcements

June 23, 2025

Alum’s weather balloon project opens STEM pathways for KS haumāna

A NASA-backed weather balloon project spearheaded by a KS alum is opening up STEM and post-secondary opportunities for KS haumāna.

June 18, 2025

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!

June 9, 2025

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.

More Hawai‘i campus news »