Hana Pono Stories

Facilities team members ever steady and helpful, raise a brilliant blue 65th anniversary banner into place, smiling as it catches the breeze.

Every morning begins with upbeat music, smiling faces, and a warm welcome—a reflection of the joyful community Director of Auxiliary Programs Katy Nakayama and Summer School Coordinator Dante Oliva have cultivated.

A group of Grade 3–5 students traveled to the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, where they met with legislators, members of Governor Green's team, and education leaders to share their perspectives on how the bill could positively impact Hawaiʻi's keiki. Their efforts, which included written testimony, meetings with elected officials, and ongoing advocacy, contributed to the successful passage of HB 1891.

Thanks to the generosity of donors like you who believe deeply in expanding access to transformational education, LJA has increased funds available through its financial aid program, which supports families across every grade level, ensuring that an LJA education remains within reach for talented, mission-aligned students who might not otherwise have this opportunity due to financial limitations. 

Thanks to your generous support of the LJA Fund, our Mural Impact Academy is embracing cutting-edge technology that is transforming how students learn, design, and create. This year, the Academy introduced an Oculus augmented reality system – an exciting new tool made possible by donors like you!

Thanks to your incredible generosity, a transformational moment is here: the new Arts & Innovation Center is officially opening its doors. When students return from winter break on January 6, they will step into a space designed to elevate creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning for years to come.

Grade 3 had an unforgettable visit to Papahana Kuaola this week, where they explored the importance of wai in our ecosystem and culture.

Our campus pup is living hana pono, too! During a recent visit to Mrs. Marsden’s Grade 2 class, Lilikoi, LJA’s therapy dog, joined students for a special activity focused on calm and connection. 

LJA’s Model United Nations team kicked off the season at the ʻIolani workshops, joining students from schools across Hawaiʻi in a crash course on debate, diplomacy, and global issues.

On April 16, the Wang Auditorium came alive with Monuments to Democracy—an inspiring showcase of our 8th graders' interdisciplinary work exploring the question: What is Democracy? 

Hana Pono can be doing the best you can do and simply sharing your excellence with others.

LJA’s Design Lab buzzed with creativity and collaboration as Cub Scout Pack 311 gathered for an exciting Build Day last weekend.

LJA hosted Shanti Alliance's DEI Conference two weekends ago. They opened their activities with a visit to Kahanaiki. 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our LJA community,  the resurfaced courts have quickly become a favorite hub of activity on campus, not only for our tennis teams but also for pickleball matches, soccer tennis, basketball games, and everyday recess fun.

LJA students help by handing out fruit to participants...

Mahalo to HINow Daily for featuring LJA's Hana Pono Month...

Spreading hana pono to do some good in the 'hood...

Class of 2023 graduates receive heartfelt messages of support...

PK Pups practice hana pono as they care for their surroundings...

Students make it a point to clean up litter and debris at their favorite beaches...

Students demonstrate hana pono every day...

We salute our Facilities, Security, Grounds and Maintenance team...

Students take initiative to clean up the campus...

A hana pono at home story starts with an LJA family volunteering together...

This amazing crew works early morning to prep healthy and delicious meals...

LJA parent Dr. Mike Jaffe hosted a meeting for son Kade's Boy Scouts troop 223...

Kicking off Hana pono Month...

We’re celebrating the good works of our LJA community...

Another hana pono share from the weekend...

Secondary students talked fuel and physics over lunch with guest speaker Colonel Daniel Munter...

The LJA 'ohana demonstrated that we are a community full of lifelong learners with two workshops...

Grade 1 spent a morning with the team from PMDP...

Grade 1 students literally dug deeper...

Alumni parent Annie Cusick brought theater artists...