Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus

Pauahi Nona Ka Lei - Pauahi, to whom the lei belongs - reminds us why we gather: to honor our beloved aliʻi and benefactor, Bernice Pauahi Bishop. For more than a century, this tradition has united not just our school, but our community through mele - voices lifted in harmony, in pride, and in purpose.

This year’s Song Contest holds special meaning. In a time of challenge, we are reminded of why Pauahi established these schools: to uplift and empower her people. We return to our foundation - to culture, to community, and to Pauahi’s unwavering commitment. Our students have made Pauahi proud. Through your discipline, unity, and dedication, you embody her dream. Congratulations to the Class of 2027 and mahalo to the many hands that brought this special event together. Every harmony, every note, every carefully shaped vowel carries gratitude for her sacrifice and foresight. Pauahi Nona Ka Lei - the lei of honor, love, and legacy belongs to her.

The 106th Kamehameha Schools Song Contest saw the Class of 2027 take top honors!

Months of preparation. One unforgettable night. This year’s contest centered on the theme “Pauahi Nona Ka Lei: Songs Honoring Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop,” celebrating the life and enduring legacy of the founder of Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha.

If you missed it, will rebroadcast the Song Contest on Wednesday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. on KHNL.

Learn more about this year’s mele at ksbe.edu/songcontest

A Warrior’s Welcome was held today for approximately 100 incoming 9th grade haumāna and their ‘ohana. Our newest members to the Kapālama campus heard from administrators on what to expect, listened to performances from Concert Glee, and visited information booths staffed by academic to athletics team members! It was a warm and wonderful welcome to the Kamehameha ʻohana!

With deep gratitude for the many hands and hearts that have guided us to this moment, we welcome Dr. Kaiwipunikauikawēkiu Punihei Lipe as the next poʻo kula of Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha ma Kapālama. She brings the experience and grounding to lead with humility, vision, and a deep commitment to the mission of Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha and the enduring legacy of Ke Aliʻi Pauahi.

Due to severe weather, the 106th Annual Song Contest has been postponed. We hope you will join us on the new date, Friday, May 1, 2026, when our haumāna will take the stage to share this year’s powerful mele honoring Ke Aliʻi Pauahi.

While the date has changed, the spirit of this year’s event remains.

Pauahi Nona Ka Lei celebrates the enduring legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop and the love she carried for her people. Through mele, our haumāna give voice to that legacy and invite all of us to reflect on the ways it continues to live within our lāhui today.

As we prepare for the new date, we invite you to explore the mele and the haumāna behind them, and learn more about the inspiration and ʻike that shaped this year’s compositions. Visit ksbe.edu/songcontest to discover the mele.

We will share updated broadcast details soon, and we look forward to celebrating our haumāna and our founder with our Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha ʻohana near and far.

Thank you to our campus leadership for taking a shift in the scrip both! Please stop by and purchase more scrip! Let’s sell out our many booths today at !

Thank you to our campus leadership for taking a shift in the script both! Please stop by and purchase more script. Let’s sell out our many booths today at !

Thank you to our campus leadership for taking a shift in the script both! Please stop by and purchase more script. Let’s sell out our many booths today at !

Come join us! Weʻre here until 4 pm. The vibe and weather are great. Mahalo ATP and the crowd for supporting our haumana!