Kumu ʻIke Hawaiʻi - Kuaihelani

Punahou School celebrates the richness of its traditions as it embraces the responsibility to provide a relevant educational experience in a rapidly changing world. Punahou places students at the center of the curriculum, with the aim of authentic learning in a sequence and pace that is coherent and purposeful to the individual child. A Punahou education seeks to provide multiple pathways toward growth and success for each student through a broad and meaningful program of studies and through rich experiences for exploration, discovery, and mastery. Working within a coherent curricular framework that promotes personalized, product-oriented, inquiry-based learning embedded in authentic, meaningful assessments, Punahou seeks to cultivate curious, confident, and self-directed students. We value the rich opportunities for teaching and learning that are inherent Hawaiian values and in the gift of “place” at Punahou. Our faculty attends to the social-emotional learning of our students via intentional opportunities to provide an environment and a range of learning experiences that educate our children for compassionate, moral, and ethical action at school, in our community, and in the world. Our teachers are agile learners themselves, demonstrating a growth mindset and a commitment to their continual professional development. Incoming teachers will join a dedicated and inspiring faculty whose ongoing reflection and renewal is supported by a schoolwide culture of collaboration and innovation.

Kuaihelani Learning Center for ʻIke Hawaiʻi serves as the campus center for the teaching and learning of Hawaiian knowledge. The mission of Kuaihelani is, “E ʻEu, E Kukupu, E ʻĪnana, a Kū Hou ka ʻIke o ka ʻĀina i ka Moku. Bestir, Grow, Come to Life, Until the Knowledge of this Land Returns to Rule.” To this end, Kuaihelani programming includes 1. Direct instruction for grades K – 12 that stirs an aloha for all things Hawaiʻi, 2. Capacity building among faculty and staff that grows our ability to ground education in place, and 3. Community education that gives life to the knowledge of Hawaiʻiʻs place and people beyond our walls. Punahou School is currently seeking a Kumu Aʻo ʻIke Hawaiʻi (Faculty of Hawaiian Knowledge) who will play an integral role on the Kuaihelani Learning Center team of Kumu ʻIke Hawaiʻi in delivering ʻIke Hawaiʻi education K-12 and beyond. Primary responsibilities will include teaching ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) in the high school, and supporting the broader, campus-wide, work of Kuaihelani Learning Center. Essential functions will include, but are not limited to:

• Providing K-12 language and culture instruction, primarily in high school.
• Supporting adult and community ʻike Hawaiʻi education. 
• Serving as a productive, supportive, and effective member of the Kuaihelani team in ways collectively determined to carry out the mission of Kuaihelani Learning Center for ʻIke Hawaiʻi.
• Work closely with the Academy  language teaching team to plan for, develop, and deliver an appropriate and effective ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi experience for Academy  students.
• Participate in the planning, teaching, preparation, and execution of May Day, Admissions, Advancement, and Orientation activities across campus.

Position Details:

• Work Year: 9 Months
• School Year: 2025-2026
• Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Schedule may vary based on operational needs
• Faculty Salary Range*:  $59,081 - $119,454 - Compensation is commensurate with qualifications

*Punahou School offers a comprehensive total rewards program that includes competitive pay and benefits. The pay rate, if displayed, is the minimum hourly rate for the position. Pay for selected candidates will be determined by various factors such as knowledge, skills, abilities, relevant training and experience, and internal equity.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Hawaiian Studies or related field and/or equivalent experience. 
• Three (3) years of experience with ʻIke Hawaiʻi education or cultural education setting – preferably with high school  students.
• ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi – Hawaiian Language fluency (at least an Intermediate level on the ACTFL scale or similar).
• ʻIke ʻOihana Hawaiʻi - Demonstrated experience with additional cultural practice(s) considered. Preferred competency in hula and/or mele. 
• Mōʻaukala Hawaiʻi – Basic Competency in Hawaiian History.
• Hana Noeʻau Hawaiʻi – Experience with Hawaiian Fine Arts

Salary : $59,081 - $119,454