Lahainaluna High School

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Lahainaluna High School

Motto	O Keia Ka Kukui Pio Ole I Ka Makanai O Kauaula
Established	1831
Type	Public Secondary School
Principal	Michael Nakano
Students	836
Grades	9 – 12
Location	Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, USA
District	Hawaii State Department of Education, Lahainaluna District
Accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Campus	Suburban Coed
Colors	Red and White
Mascot	"Lunas"
Website	LHS

Lahainaluna High School is a grade 9-12 school located in Lahaina (on the island of Maui), Hawaii. It is considered the oldest public school west of the Rocky Mountains. It was founded in 1831 as a Protestant missionary school, originally named Lahainaluna Seminary. The early missionaries who arrived in Lahaina in 1823 explained to the Hawaiian Royalty the importance of an educational institution, a number of which are buried in a small grave yard. It was the first school founded in Hawaii and has remained in operation since. The school and the community are proud to boast of the school's historical significance as the oldest school west of the Rocky Mountains. ^[1]

Lahainaluna has a boarding program where students from the outer islands (including students from the "other side of the island") can live and study at either of the campus dormitories. In return, they work 18 hours per week doing various jobs around the campus. Initially and exclusively for males, the boarding program became coed in 1980. The two dorms are David Malo Dormatory for the boys and Hoapili Dormatory for the girls. Previously, Hoapili housed both genders. Lahainaluna is one of only a few public boarding schools in the nation.

Twice a year, boarders lay a fresh coat of white lime on Mount Pa'u Pa'u in the shape of an 'L'. On the L is the year and amount of athletic championships won the previous year. On a clear day, the freshly limed L can be seen from the island of Molokai.

The school celebrates David Malo Day annually - a day where a feast is served, students sing, and the dormitories are open to the public.

1 Hale Pa'i
2 Scenery
3 Notable alumni
4 Organizations
5 References
6 External links

[edit] Hale Pa'i

Hale Pa'i, or the house of printing, is a small coral and timber building on the Lahainaluna campus that, starting in 1834, served as the home of Hawaii's first printing press. English and Hawaiian language books and newspapers were printed here, including the first newspaper printed West of the Rocky Mountains. Many archived publications are on public display at the site, now a museum maintained by the Lahaina Restoration Foundation.^[2]

[edit] Scenery

Lahainaluna High School is perched high on a hill. The multiple classroom buildings are widespread. The grounds are covered with many benches, pathways, grass, plants and trees, the latter allowing easy-to-find shade even on hot, sizzling days. There is also a small stream near the school, past the Agriculture area. The path to view this stream is against a cliff and is therefore challenging to get to. The red rocks and lush scenery here however, eases one's trepidation while viewing.

Lahainaluna is also situated high enough on this hill to allow breathtaking views of the Pacific and of the islands of Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe. It is simply one of the best views from any school in the islands.

[edit] Notable alumni

David Malo, Class of 1835 - Native Hawaiian scholar, Hawaii's first superintendent of schools, Advisor to the Hawaiian royal family^[3] and namesake to the boy's dorm and the festival held at campus annually (described above).
Christian Riese Lassen, Class of 1971 - Internationally renown artist based on Maui, known primarily for his paintings of marine environments.
Macario Pascual, Class of 1974 - Nationally-acclaimed artist, primarily known for his paintings of Maui landscapes^[4]
Keali'i Reichel, Class of 1979 - Award winning, internationally renown Hawaiian music artist^[5]
Willie Kahaiali'i, Class of 1980 - Award winning and world renowned guitarist who plays regularly with Willie Nelson.
Jeffrey Mahon, Class of 1983 - Director/Cinematographer and cartoonist,^[6]
William Nieporte, Class of 1983 - Composer^[7]
Russell Yamanoha, Class of 1984 - Popular primetime KHNL local television sportscaster ^[8]
Stephen Nakamura, Class of 1985 - Telecine (Movie) Colorists in Hollywood^[9]^[10]
Garret Probst, Class of 2003 - Ukulele musician whose talents were included on a 2006 Grammy Award winning album^[11]

[edit] Organizations

School Clubs:

Anime Club - One of the more social interactive clubs on campus that brings students
Aloha Club - A club that is involved in community service projects.
Interact Club - A club is involved in community service projects, but on a more international scale.
Japanese Club - A club that teaches students the culture of Japan both traditional and modern.
Chess Club - A freelance club holds occasional casual games of chess where students can participate.