Kamehameha Schools

In the ahupuaʻa of Kapālama, which lies in the moku of Kona here on Oʻahu, stands the home of the Warriors.
We are speaking of the Kamehameha Schools.
Adorned in the colors of blue and white, the Kamehameha School was founded by the will of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop.
As the last direct descendant to King Kamehameha I, Princess Pauahi chose to name the school in honor of her great-grandfather.
Located at what is now the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, the Kamehameha School for Boys was first established in 1887.
They send out invitations to all boys of Hawaiian descent over the age of 12 to take the admissions test, and 37 boys were chosen as its first students.
The boys program initially began as a three-year program.
But, in order to better prepare its students, it evolved into a six-year program.
But the will of Princess Pauahi states two schools, one for boys and one for girls, which together would become the Kamehameha Schools.
The school for girls was established seven years following the boys, officially being dedicated December of 1894 in the area right across the street from Farrington High School.
As Princess Pauahi passed away prior to the founding of her legacy due to breast cancer, it was her husband who played a fundamental role.
Charles Reed Bishop became the Princess’ first trustee and articulated her desires, building the first buildings and paying the first teachers.
It wasn’t until 1931 when the Kamehameha School for Girls relocated to a new campus after its first buildings were completed.
Up on the slopes of Kapālama, the school for boys followed suite in relocation in 1966, leading to start of coeducation.
Today, while the Kamehameha Schools now has three campuses and approximately thirty preschool sites statewide, only one original building still stands at its original location…Bishop Hall.
Did you know? Now you do!