KA'ŌHAO

The genesis of the name change came from a place of learning and understanding over time. First, we as a staff were very clear that a new capital improvement project building would be dedicated as the Kaʻōhao Enrichment and Arts Center, to express support of our history and culture. Then in 2015, our Kumu ʻIke Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Studies Teacher), Ms. Lilinoe Sterling, came to us and re-shared the names and stories of Kaʹōhao with students and staff. The keiki at Lanikai School started to put Kaʻōhao in their mouths and ears once again. The students began to inquire about the name Kaʻōhao. They expressed confusion and disappointment that the history and the old names of this land were not common knowledge. Their conversations reflected concern for the ease by which these old names hand been ignored and subsequently forgotten. Their inquiries developed into a teaching and learning opportunity, and a movement was born... We believe that our name change represents much of what we stand for..