Category: Events

The commencement ceremony for ‘Iolani School’s Class of 2009 marked both the closing of a cherished chapter and the opening of a new journey in the lives of 237 graduates. Held on June 6 in the heart of campus, the event brought together family, friends, teachers, and supporters to witness this momentous occasion. A Day…

The spirit of the Snake Pit came alive again. Thirty-five years after painting a giant snake on the student center roof, the Class of 1975 returned to ‘Iolani for their 35th reunion. What started as a student cheering section for basketball star Jerry “Snake” Scanlan ’75 had become a legendary symbol of school pride. The…

Events • Research & Learning Even with journals, preprints, and video calls, research conferences remain one of the most practical ways scholars share ideas, test arguments, and build the relationships that shape what gets studied next. Reading time: ~7–9 minutesStudent-friendly, practical guideTime zone: your browser   More Than Just Meetings If you’ve never attended an…

August 7, 2009, at Pearl Country Club felt like the perfect day for a tradition that brings the ‘Iolani community together. Alumni, families, and friends arrived early, clubs in hand, ready to play—and ready to celebrate what makes this event special: camaraderie, community, and a shared love for ‘Iolani School. This year’s tournament raised $32,000…

The final faculty meeting of the school year carried a special energy. The room buzzed with chatter, laughter, and a touch of bittersweet nostalgia. There is always something unique about these moments. They pause to honor the people who quietly shape the heartbeat of ‘Iolani. Headmaster Dr. Val Iwashita recognized educators who are retiring or…

This past April 20 and 21, the 21st annual ‘Iolani Fair transported us across continents with the theme Global Getaway. The air was filled with laughter, music, and the smell of everything delicious. There were games for every age, rides that spun and swooped, craft tables, face painting, a general store, a silent auction, and…

I still remember walking through campus that summer. The air was filled with laughter, footsteps, and a sense that something special was happening. Summer at Iolani isn’t just about heat and long days—it’s about people, dedication, and moments that quietly shape the community. Honoring Leaders with Heart In May, HAIS invited us to Waialae Country…

Last December, I found myself sitting in the early-morning quiet of our classroom, coffee in hand, as a group of ‘Iolani students gathered at 5:45 a.m. to connect with a school in the Djabal Camp in Chad. Through a live video chat, they were about to speak directly with Darfuri refugees—students like themselves, yet facing…