Aloha Kai Academy

04/06/2026

Aloha Kai Academy is accepting applications for fall enrollment. We are now accepting applications for children ages 12 months to 6 years of age. Our early learning center is an accredited program located in Paia at the Holy Rosary Church. We have two classrooms; our preschool class has 20 students and our infant/toddler class has 10 students. Our classrooms are designed to incorporate the needs of the "whole child" through a variety of learning centers where children can implement their thoughts and ideas into reality. We offer a flexible balance of activities and themes geared to each child's individual interests, age and needs. The daily activities available to your child include: *Open-ended process art experiences *Dramatic play *Music and movement *Fine and gross motor practice *Science discovery *Math and number understanding *Exposure to books, stories, vocabulary, sign language skills, written and oral language acquisition We look forward to a partnership with families where, through our program, children may develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime. ~Aloha Kai Academy, where the love of learning begins~ Please call now to register 808-280-1582 or 808-283-3220 . We look forward to hearing from you. email: [email protected]
Mahalo, ~The staff of Aloha Kai Academy~ • Location: Up-Country-Paia

09/10/2025

Here’s what the data says:
Unstructured play is linked to lower anxiety and better self-regulation (Gray, 2011).

What that actually means?

Sending children outside to play might do more for their mental health than another structured activity ever could.

Play isn’t a break from life’s challenges. It’s practice for facing them.

When we give children the time and space to play, we’re giving them tools to manage stress, build confidence, and adapt.

Protecting children’s mental health starts with protecting play.

Source: Gray, P. (2011). The decline of play and the rise of psychopathology in children and adolescents. American Journal of Play, 3(4), 443–463.

08/19/2025

Research shows one of the strongest fuels for a child’s brain… isn’t endless worksheets.

It’s wonder.

Curiosity is the engine of learning, and every “why” that tumbles out of your child’s mouth is the brain’s way of stretching, wiring, and expanding. The problem? Too often, we hush it. We say, “Because I said so” or “Not now.” And little by little, wonder dims.

🧠 According to Engel (The Hungry Mind, 2015), children who are encouraged to question and explore build stronger cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills, and long-term love for learning.

Why does this matter?

Because the child who dares to keep asking “why” grows into the adult who knows how to think critically, challenge systems, and create solutions the world has never seen.

Here’s what nurturing curiosity can look like:
→ Answering their “why” with, “What do you think?” and exploring together.
→ Turning everyday tasks like cooking, gardening, even errands into discovery moments.
→ Praising their questions as much as their answers.
→ Allowing wonder to be messy, inconvenient, even loud because learning is rarely tidy.

The truth is, intelligence isn’t built on memorizing the “right” answers. It’s built on the courage to keep asking better questions.

So the next time your child asks “why” for the hundredth time, pause.
Lean in. Wonder with them.

Because curiosity isn’t just a phase.
It’s a lifelong gift.

Follow for more parenting truths that hit the heart and are backed by research. 🤍

07/31/2025

Aloha, are you looking for a great program for your little ones? We have openings in our preschool classroom beginning August 1 please message or call us for enrollment steps

10/27/2024

07/29/2024

There is still time to apply if you get your application in today! Is your child 3+ years old as of August 1? This funding last for the entire school year.

07/23/2024

05/30/2024