Lāna‘i High & Elementary School Implements Schoolwide Piko

by Anthony Kaauamo

This school year, Lāna‘i High & Elementary School (LHES) introduced a schoolwide piko routine, gathering students, faculty, staff and ‘ohana to participate in the practice of Hawaiian values and culture. The piko, a traditional Hawaiian gathering that involves chanting, reflection and setting intentions for the day, takes place at the beginning and end of each week from 7:50 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., with elementary students continuing their own piko daily.

At LHES, piko has long been a part of middle school, where it was held once a week, but the practice did not continue into high school. In recent years, with the introduction of Kula Kaiapuni o Lāna‘i, daily piko was established at the elementary level. This year marks the first time that all students, from K-12, participate in the practice together. It is one of the only activities that unites the entire school, fostering a shared identity among students and staff.

“It’s really about bringing everyone together at the start and end of the week,” said a member of the Piko Planning Committee. “It helps us stay focused on doing our best.”

The Piko Committee is one of several teacher-led groups tasked with different initiatives to enhance school culture. Last October, the committee submitted a proposal to the LHES administration. The initiative aligns with Department of Education (DOE) Policy 105.7, which seeks to integrate Hawaiian values, language and history into the statewide education system. Central to this is the Nā Hopena A‘o (HĀ) framework, a DOE policy focused on fostering values like belonging, responsibility and aloha in both students
and staff.

At the start of these piko, students gather in front of the main office and library, facing the classrooms, while teachers and staff face Fraser Avenue. The ceremony begins with the conch shell being blown three times. Students lead with the chant Hanohano Lāna‘i, followed by Kū Kilakila ‘o Lāna‘i, while staff respond with He Mai, He Mai. Either the principal or vice-principals end the piko with the cue, “‘Oia!”

These specific chants are designed to reinforce Hawaiian values and foster a sense of community, respect and purpose. Hanohano Lāna‘i honors the island of Lāna‘i and its cultural significance, grounding students in their heritage. Kū Kilakila ‘o Lāna‘i celebrates the strength and beauty of Lāna‘i, reminding the school of their shared identity and pride. He Mai, He Mai, chanted by the staff, acknowledges the students’ readiness to learn, symbolizing mutual respect between students and teachers.

“It is one of the only activities that unites the entire school, fostering a shared identity among students and staff.”