Lā Lunalilo

At Kawaiahaʻo Church School, we proudly celebrate Lā Lunalilo, the birthday of King William Charles Lunalilo, Hawaiʻi’s first elected monarch and a beloved aliʻi known for his humility, aloha, and dedication to his people.

Born on January 31, 1835, King Lunalilo was a member of the Kamehameha lineage, a devout Christian, and a faithful member of Kawaiahaʻo Church. He was affectionately called “Ke Aliʻi o nā Kānaka” – The People’s King – because of his deep compassion and commitment to serve all kānaka with fairness and love.

His legacy includes the founding of Lunalilo Home, which he established to care for elderly Native Hawaiians—a lasting symbol of his aloha and kuleana.

At Kawaiahaʻo Church School, we honor his life and values with a special observance each year, instilling in our haumāna the guiding principles of kuleana, aloha, and alakaʻi lawelawe (servant leadership).

In 2026, we will celebrate Lā Lunalilo on Friday, January 30, 2026, with school-wide cultural activities and learning experiences to honor and perpetuate his memory.

E ola mau ke aloha o Lunalilo.
May the aloha of Lunalilo live on forever.