Ka Leo Alakaʻi O Waikīkī

We are thrilled to share that a beloved local staple is now a regular part of our school meals! As part of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education’s commitment to student wellness and local agriculture, fresh, locally sourced poi is being served in cafeterias statewide.

This initiative was recently featured on KHON2 and KITV Island News, highlighting the HIDOE’s first-ever statewide contract for poi with local vendors HPC Foods and Aloha ʻĀina Poi Company.

What’s on the menu?

• Breakfast: The new Kalo Yogurt Bowl Parfait—a hit with students that blends poi, yogurt, and fresh pineapple.

• Lunch: Fresh poi served alongside favorites like Kalua Pork and Cabbage.

Our students are already loving it! Waikīkī Elementary students recently shared that they enjoyed the "natural and fresh" taste, while others appreciated the connection to our local lands and farms. By incorporating poi into our regular rotation, we are not only providing nutritious, preservative-free meals but also supporting the state’s goal of increasing local food purchasing by 2030.

Keep an eye on the monthly meal calendar to see when poi will be served next!

https://www.khon2.com/local-news/poi-yogurt-hawaii-students/

https://hawaiipublicschools.org/2026-hawai%CA%BBi-public-schools-expand-local-menu-offerings-with-poi/

Our 4th-grade students have been busy becoming environmental stewards through a unique partnership with Hawaiʻi State Parks. This multi-classroom effort combines art, technology, and hands-on conservation to protect one of our rarest native species: the endangered Yellow-Faced Bee.

Art & Media with a Mission

• C10 & C6 recently completed a stunning mosaic of the Yellow-Faced Bee.

• C7 & C8 produced educational videos highlighting the importance of this native pollinator.

These student creations will soon be featured on official educational signage at the trailheads of Kaʻena Point and Makapuʻu Lighthouse. The State is currently finalized the permitting process for new kiosks that will house our students' work for all hikers and visitors to see!

Restoring the Kaiwi Coast

Beyond the classroom, our 4th graders headed out to the Kaiwi Coast for a day of habitat restoration. Students took the lead in propagating native plants and replanting them on-site, providing the essential habitat these bees need to thrive.

"It’s been a joy to watch our students connect their classroom learning to real-world conservation. They aren't just learning about the environment—they are actively healing it."

A special thank you to our fourth grade teachers, students, the State Parks team and Courtney Carpenter, our place-based coordinator for making these field trips possible.

Please join us for our last farm work day of the school year.

Saturday, 5/16/26, 10am-12pm

Special guest/activity - Genki Ala Wai, genki ball making

Potted plant sale and farm snacks

Sign up here -May Farm Work Day

Come find your fruits, vegetables, herbs, and potted plants at our Friday Farm Stand. Cash or Credit. Mahalo for supporting our schoolʻs farm!

May 4 - Kahala Mall CPK Night (See flyer)

May 6 - Volunteer Appreciation Event

May 12 - PTO Meeting 5pm over Zoom

May 16th, 2026 - Saturday Farm Work Days at Waikiki School, 10am-12:00pm

May 25 - No School, Memorial Day

May 28 - Last Day of School for students

The Hawaii State Department of Education (Department) and its schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, and religion. This requirement extends to all of the Department's programs and activities, including employment and admissions as applicable. Please direct inquires regarding the Department nondiscrimination policies and/or complaints of prohibited conduct to the Civil Rights Compliance Branch as follows:

Civil Rights Compliance Branch

Hawaii State Department of Education

P.O. Box 2360

Honolulu, Hawaii 96804

(808) 784-6325 or relay

CRCB@k12.hi.us

Beth Schimmelfenning, Director

Rhonda Wong, Compliance Administrator

Krysti Sukita, ADA/504

Anna Tsang, Title VI

Alphonso Braggs, Compliance

Blue Kaanehe, Title VII

Nicole Isa-Iijima, Title IX

Dana Takahara-Dias, Title IX - Athletics

The Department's non-discrimination policies and grievance procedures may be located at:

https://hawaiipublicschools.org/useful-links/policies/nondiscrimination-policy/

Email: ryan@waikikischool.org
Website: waikikischool.org
Location: 3710 Leahi Avenue, Honolulu, HI, USA
Phone: (808) 971-6900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaikikiSchool
Twitter: @WaikikiSchool