Ka Papahana Kaiapuni offers a comprehensive K-12 education program in the Hawaiian language through the Hawaiʻi public education system. Whether students enter Mga paaralan ng Kaiapuni with English as their first language or with some proficiency in Hawaiian, Kaiapuni graduates will possess a unique set of skills to engage locally and globally for self, familial, and community self-determination.
Grounded in Hawaiian language, history, cultural understandings, and ways of being, the Kaiapuni educational experience fosters a learning environment where learning is designed to incorporate and build from existing student experiences and knowledge frameworks. Learning is guided and facilitated without isolating and alienating students from their “home” culture, or without the forced assimilation to “campus” culture. Instead, learning happens within the cultural context of the students, and makes the transition from content-learning to the application and demonstration of learning easier; especially when drawing from familiar cultural values and perspectives. This type of learning environment empowers students to develop and apply proficiency in Hawaiian language literacy, rooted in knowledge that deepens their connections to people, place, and purpose (i.e., ‘ike kupuna, ‘ike Hawaiʻi, ma ka hana ka ‘ike).
ʻŌlelo Nuʻukia
Vision
He ʻoia mau nō ka pono o ka lāhui kanakai ka naʻauao Hawaiʻi.
Ala Nuʻuika
Mission
Ka Papahana Kaiapuni mission is to:
(1) provide a culturally rich and dynamic learning environment;
(2) ensure excellence in the Hawaiian language, culture, history, and ways of knowing;
(3) empower students to self-determine success and stewardship in community and family
Nuʻukia Haumāna Kaiapuni
Vision of a Kaiapuni Graduate
- Demonstrate Hawaiian language proficiency in various settings.
- Apply knowledge and skills related to Hawaiian culture, understandings, and ways of being.
- Exemplify responsible, caring familial and community stewardship.
- Matriculate into roles and responsibilities beyond Ka Papahana Kaiapuni that sustain the individual student, their respective communities, and, by extension, the Kaiapuni vision, mission, and core priorities.
The Foundational & Administrative Framework for Kaiapuni Education (FAFKE)
The FAFKE provides a comprehensive guide for defining the Kaiapuni vision, mission and core priorities. Click the banner below to view the document (PDF).
Kaiapuni Strategic Implementation Plan (KSIP)
In April 2024, the Office of Hawaiian Education began developing the Kaiapuni Strategic Implementation Plan (KSIP) 2025–2029 to address the Department’s responsibility in supporting education through the medium of Hawaiian language.
Kaiapuni Priority Placement Request (KPPR)
Launching on Feb. 2, 2026. Click the banner below for more information. The Office of Hawaiian Education (OHE) facilitates the Kaiapuni Priority Placement Request (KPPR) process each year for families wishing to seek placement for their children in elementary Kula Kaiapuni (Hawaiian Language Immersion programs).
Hoihoi Paha e Lilo i Kumu Kaiapuni?
Are you interested in becoming a Kumu Kaiapuni?
Click the images below for more information.
Nā Kulekele Kaiapuni
Kaiapuni Education Policy Framework
Nā Papahana Aʻoākumu
Kaiapuni Teacher Preparation Programs
(More information is forthcoming)
Mōʻaukala o ka Papahana Kaiapuni
History of Kaiapuni Education in Hawaiʻi