History of Kilohana

Kilohana School nestles near the foothills of Ualapu'e, Moloka'i.  It began in another school built some time ago before Kilohana opened its doors in a section not too far from Ualapu'e called Kalua'aha.  The Kalua'aha School took its name from the area in which it was found.  It wasn't until 1935 that the school, which bore the name Kalua'aha for over a century, was done away with, and all students attending were transferred to what was the Ualapu'e Hospital, which was renamed Kilohana School.

 

It is said that Kilohana was named after a mountain at the back of the school, but the hill was actually known as "Kilohana". It rises above between the valleys of Wailau and Pelekunu. It may be that a lookout had been established on the hill back of the old hospital. Kilohana means "a lookout."

 

And yet, Kilohana, according to an article in one of the early 1900 issues of Hawaii's Young People, also means the working of the pattern in color on tapa.  In other words, when dyes were used and patterns made on tapa, this was called Kilohana.  The east end of Moloka'i was the tapa-making district of Moloka'i, and maybe it was this that gave the school its name, Kilohana.

 

Kilohana opened its doors as a school under the administration of Mr. Albert U. Inaba in 1935.  Much of the original building, upon conversion, still maintains visible construction of what it once was a hospital.  An aged and of noble design, the building, however, maintains its original form.

 

In 1976, a historical groundbreaking ceremony took place where an eight-classroom building now stands.  Blessed by Reverend Elmer Wilson and with dedication remarks by Principal Stephen Petro, the news classrooms opened in January 1977.

 

Kilohana School majestically sits under swaying keawe trees, housing students, faculty, and staff members today.  It is maintained with care and love throughout its halls and campus.  Surrounded by mountains and its sea, Kilohana School carries its legends of old, and we are proud to say Kilohana School has become one of the most famous registered Historical Sites in Hawaiian History.

 

Kilohana School always will be, now and forever more.

School Spirit

 

School Colors:

Red and Gold

 

School Mascot:

Ram

 

School Motto:

Hana like no na Keiki

"Working together for all children"