One vivid memory is walking across the ‘Iolani campus on a Friday afternoon, even at the end of a busy school week. The energy is palpable: students chatting in small groups on the grass, playing games, quietly reading homework, and waiting for rides home at the Kamoku Street gate. Scenes like this repeat daily, yet each time, they feel alive, full of promise.
Walking past the front turnaround toward the Headmaster’s Office, the warmth of the campus strikes me. It’s a place that inspires learning and curiosity—a place you want to return to every day.
The Headmaster’s Journey
Dr. Val T. Iwashita ’67 has guided ‘Iolani School for 17 years with dedication and vision. Under his leadership, the school has remained a top private school in Hawai‘i, with students excelling academically, artistically, and athletically. His tenure has seen the campus transformed: from the 2003 Capital Campaign funding the Weinberg Building and Kozuki Stadium to acquiring 5.5 acres for future expansion. Arts programs, school spirit, and alumni participation flourished, reflecting his One Team philosophy.
Despite such accomplishments, Dr. Iwashita remains humble. “I can picture my friends the most from my student days,” he reflects. “The bonds we shared were powerful and lasting. Today, kids continue to form friendships that stay with them a lifetime.”
Balancing Leadership and Life
As June 2012 approaches, Dr. Iwashita steps down to spend more time with his wife Cynthia, children Chad ’94, Ann ’96, Jeffrey ’98, and grandchildren Devon and Nixon. He also looks forward to personal passions like golf, stand-up paddle surfing, and consulting. Yet even in transition, he ensures ongoing projects reflect his thoughtful vision, confident in the guidance of Dr. Timothy Cottrell, the incoming Head of School.
Dr. Iwashita greets me with a warm handshake and a full smile, embodying the spirit of an educator whose career is more than a job—it’s a calling. “Teaching is about stretching and challenging kids to think critically,” he says. “Those inspired by caring teachers experience life broadly; they see what others may miss.”
A Legacy of Spirit and Community
He reflects on his time as a student, parent, and headmaster, understanding the value of tradition and connection. “The spirit of the place is extraordinary. Kids do great work, and the environment supports growth, learning, and creativity.” Colleagues, alumni, and students remember his warmth, public speaking, and ability to bring people together.
From campus beautification to community partnerships, Dr. Iwashita’s influence extends beyond buildings and programs—it is felt in the ethos of the school. His greatest pride comes from the simple yet profound: walking the campus after school, seeing children engaged, and knowing the positive spirit nurtured here will last for generations.