By the Hoʻokaʻa ʻIke Team
Kualapuʻu School is a vibrant hub of Hawaiian culture and educational innovation on the island of Molokaʻi. Over 90% of its student population are Native Hawaiian and nearly 80% of its faculty are from Molokaʻi.
Deeply reflecting its community roots, Kualapuʻu offers dual-track Kaiapuni (Hawaiian language immersion) and English programs, thus ensuring that haumāna (students) and staff engage in cultural practices and learning grounded in Hawaiian values.
Under the leadership of retiring Poʻo Kumu (Principal) Lydia Trinidad, Kualapuʻu has flourished as a community-centered institution. Her transformative legacy includes founding a general education preschool ahead of state offerings, and expanding daily instruction in ʻike Hawaiʻi, art, and physical education. Lydia skillfully leveraged charter school flexibility to prioritize both academic rigor and cultural identity.
We extend a heartfelt mahalo to Lydia for her decades of leadership. Her vision, grounded in aloha and excellence, has laid a strong foundation for the school’s future.
Lei making workshop for Kualapuʻu staff, parents, and students with Leimana Ritte-Camara. – Photos: Courtesy of Lydia Trinidad
Looking ahead, Kaʻala Faye Camara, will be continuing Lydia’s good work as Kualapuʻu’s incoming poʻo kumu. Kaʻala, a committed educator and leader, and a kupa ʻāina o Molokaʻi, brings deep local knowledge and passion that will continue to elevate Kualapuʻu’s impact as a Hawaiian-focused charter school.
Although stepping down as principal, Lydia will continue serving the community through the Hoʻokākoʻo Corporation, mentoring new administrators and growing educational leadership capacity on the island. She also looks forward to traveling and volunteering.
Kualapuʻu’s enduring legacy of cultural pride, educational excellence and resilience will continue to guide its path for generations.
And there is more good news to share from Molokaʻi! The Molokaʻi High School’s Robotics Team recently showcased their considerable talent on the world stage at the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas. Competing against top global teams, these students demonstrated engineering skill, teamwork, and unwavering island pride.
Their success reflects the growing strength of STEM education on Molokaʻi and the remarkable potential found in our close-knit, rural communities. We celebrate their achievement and congratulate the team for carrying the spirit of Molokaʻi to the world!
Kualapuʻu Conversion Charter School on Molokaʻi serves haumāna from preschool to grade six and offers both Hawaiian immersion and an English language strand. For more information go to: kualapuucharterschool.org.
