Our 2024-25 Lāhui Rising Ea Speaker Series will focus on sovereignty and implications for the future of Hawaiʻi. We begin by featuring Dr. David Keanu Sai, a 1982 graduate of KS Kapālama. Given the current political climate, Dr. Sai discusses his newly-published article “Hawaiʻi’s Sovereignty and Survival in the Age of Empire” and engages and in an inspiring question and answer session to follow.

This year’s Kamehameha Schools Song Contest theme is inspired by Helen Desha Beamer’s “Keawaiki,” a song that captures the spirit of joy and generosity which is at the heart of hoʻokipa – hosting guests. As the iconic voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa celebrates 50 years of spreading aloha through acts of kindness and hospitality, we are reminded that the art of receiving visitors is an ancestral Pacific heritage that extends far beyond our shores.

Originally published in Ka Lei Rose o Hawaii in June of 1898, this is the first installment in a series of articles written by a native child of Lahaina. The Honorable Daniel Kahāʻulelio begins by describing the position and features of Lahaina town, the way of life of its people, and some of the most impactful changes that took place in the area between the years 1820 and 1830.