Kāneʻohe Elementary School Principal Derek Minakami has been named Hawaiʻi’s 2026 National Distinguished Principal by the Hawaiʻi Elementary and Middle School Administrators Association (HEMSAA), recognizing his compassionate leadership, commitment to inclusive education and ability to build a school community grounded in aloha, belonging and shared purpose.

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) award annually recognizes elementary and middle school principals from across the country who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character and school climate. As Hawaiʻi’s honoree, Minakami will represent the state in Washington, D.C., this fall, where he will be recognized alongside other National Distinguished Principals.

“We have leaders throughout our schools. And we have special leaders throughout our schools. And then we have exemplary leaders who lead our schools,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said at a surprise faculty and staff meeting at the Kāne’ohe campus. “Derek is one of those exemplary leaders. He not only leads Kāneʻohe Elementary with excellence, but serves as a valued mentor to other principals across our Department and helps strengthen instructional practices that benefit students statewide.”

Minakamiʻs career in Hawai‘i public schools spans more than 30 years. He has served as principal of Kāneʻohe Elementary since 2012 after previously serving as vice principal at Kahaluʻu Elementary and teaching at Kailua High School. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Guided by Hawaiian values and a deep belief that education is strongest when it is rooted in relationships, Minakami has fostered a school culture where students, staff and families feel valued, connected and empowered to succeed. Under his leadership, Kāneʻohe Elementary was recently named a 2026 National Gold Star School by NAESP, one of just 57 schools nationwide recognized in the program’s inaugural year for excellence in leadership, school culture and student success.

The school has also expanded project-based STEM learning and ʻāina-based education through partnerships with the University of Hawaiʻi College of Engineering and community organizations, while emphasizing shared leadership by engaging teachers, students, families and community partners in shaping the school’s future.

Castle-Kahuku Complex Area Superintendent Sam Izumi praised Minakami for building a school where innovation and Hawaiian values go hand in hand.

“He’s a dedicated educator and a passionate advocate for our students and the Kāne‘ohe community,” Izumi said. “Over the course of his career, he has become a role model among his peers as Kāneʻohe Elementary has seamlessly found a way to weave Hawaiian cultural values and ʻāina-based learning into meaningful educational experiences that set the tone for students to be not only globally competitive, but locally committed.”

Izumi said Minakami’s leadership has helped the school build lasting community partnerships while improving student achievement.

“His leadership reflects a deep understanding that education is most powerful when it’s both relevant and rooted in place,” Izumi said. “These accomplishments are no coincidence; they are the direct result of not only the faculty and staff here at Kāneʻohe Elementary School, but of Mr. Minakami’s leadership as he leads with heart, vision and purpose.”

Moved by the surprise recognition, Minakami credited the honor to the collective efforts of his school community.

“I really am so appreciative. My heart is full,” Minakami told his faculty and staff. “This is all of us. It’s not me. It’s kākou. We can only go as far as what everyone puts in. And so mahalo to each of you. … Mahalo nui. Mahalo nui. Mahalo nui.”

Minakami, representing the Windward District, was one of seven district-level finalists for this year’s award. The other finalists, announced in March, were:

• Kendrick Kakazu, principal of Maj. Sheldon Wheeler Elementary School (Central District)
• Hannah Loyola, principal of Kohala Elementary School (Hawaiʻi District)
• Kelly Bart, principal of Princess Miriam K. Likelike Elementary School (Honolulu District)
• Ray Carvalho, principal of Waimea Canyon Middle School (Kauaʻi District)
• Shona Pineda, principal of Kilohana Elementary School (Maui District)
• Christine Udarbe, principal of Nānākuli High and Intermediate School (Leeward District)

Minakami was named Hawaiʻi’s 2026 National Distinguished Principal following the retirement of the previously announced state honoree.