Ka Waihona o ka Naauao - PCS

Ka Waihona o ka Naauao Public Charter School, located in Waianae, Hawaii, is an indigenous-serving educational institution that grounds its curriculum in Hawaiian culture, values, and language. Serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade, the school operates on the belief that traditional Hawaiian wisdom and modern academic rigor can coexist to foster student success. Its mission emphasizes the holistic development of the child, known as "naauao" (wisdom), while cultivating a strong sense of identity, responsibility, and connection to the local community.

The school’s pedagogical approach is deeply rooted in the "Place-Based Education" model, utilizing the natural environment and the history of the Wai'anae Coast as a living classroom. By integrating Hawaiian cultural practices into core academic subjects, Ka Waihona o ka Naauao aims to graduate students who are not only academically proficient but also community-minded stewards of their heritage. Through this blend of native cultural immersion and standard educational benchmarks, the school seeks to empower students to navigate both local and global landscapes with confidence and character.