In 2015, a small group of Maui families came together around a simple but powerful vision: that our children deserved an education rooted in the language, values, and wisdom of their ancestors. With just six students and five families, Ke Kula ʻo Piʻilani was born- not through large institutions or major investments, but through the collective commitment of a community determined to shape its own future.

From the beginning, Piʻilani has been built by many hands and hearts. Parents volunteered in classrooms, kūpuna shared ʻike and stories, community members offered labor, expertise, and resources, and local businesses and partners stepped forward to help our school grow. What some call "crowdsourcing," we know is the power of kaiāulu, the understanding that our greatest wealth is found in our relationships with one another and our shared responsibility to care for future generations.

Today, Ke Kula ʻo Piʻilani serves nearly 60 students in grades K-5 through an ʻāina-based Hawaiian language immersion program that prepares young people to become confident leaders grounded in ʻike Hawaiʻi and aloha ʻāina.

In March 2026, severe Kona Low storms forced our school from our beloved campus in ʻĪao Valley. While our students continue learning in a temporary home, our hearts remain rooted in the place that has shaped our program and our identity.

The Hoʻi I Ka Piko Capital Campaign is our community's effort to restore and strengthen our campus so that our haumāna can safely return home. Together, we are not simply repairing buildings—we are rebuilding a gathering place for language, culture, learning, and community for generations to come.

Just as our school was founded through the generosity and determination of our community, our return home will be made possible by that same spirit of collective kuleana.

E ala. E alu. E kuilima kākou. Together, we will bring Piʻilani home.

10 Year Anniversary Gala & Capital Campaign

Hulu & Hula, A Holokū Ball

Team Members