Lahainaluna High School Founding Day: September 5th 1831

A bit of history when September 5th arrives:

On the 5th of September in 1831; 25 scholars (chiefly from Maui & Hawaii) and 1 instructor (Principal Rev Lorrin Andrews of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. ) began higher education on barren land above Lahaina provided by the Chieftess Kalākua Kaheiheimālie, later known as Hoapili Wahine. Five to six weeks later 42 scholars (from Oahu and Kauai delayed due to complications traveling) joined the above scholars making the total enrollment 67 scholars.

All the scholars were male ranging in age from 15 to 35 years old (David Malo 38 was the exception). Most were married, some with children. All of the scholars were accompanied by their wives, children and some with servants living on their own (boarding began in 1836). Each of the scholars had been recommended by their community (chiefs & missionaries) as having an elementary education and several had been teachers in their communities.

This first year the instruction was confined to reading and recitations from material read as well as oral instruction and manual labor. The year ended in May 1832 and no examinations were given. These men became the 1st graduating class in 1835.

-Leslie Hiraga (Lahainaluna High School PCNC and part of the school's archive committee) Mahalo to Leslie for giving us this insight of history. The school is 187 years old and 13 years away from the 200th anniversary.