Our Programs

Since 1983, ʻAha Pūnana Leo Child Care Centers have provided rich and stimulating learning honua (environments) for keiki (children). Through the school’s exclusive Hakalama literacy method keiki learn to speak ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language) within three to four months and often graduate with advanced reading and writing skills. Keiki also develop social, intellectual, leadership and perceptual motor skills through classroom lessons, field trips, cultural activities, performance opportunities and community service.

Priority application period for the 2024-2025 school year is November 1st through March 1st.

‘Aha Pūnana Leo officially launched the Aukukui Professional Development program in partnership with the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s Hawaiian Language College, Ka Haka ‘Ula o Ke‘elikōlani. After years of providing staff with training and professional development opportunities, ‘Aha Pūnana Leo expanded its flexible, online program to offer teachers across the state, an opportunity to receive HME teacher certifications and meet early childhood education requirements.

‘Aha Pūnana Leo has become a nationally recognized model for Native American language revitalization, and a resource for indigenous groups interested in reviving and perpetuating their traditional languages. Since launching its Neʻepapa outreach project in 2010, ‘Aha Pūnana Leo has welcomed indigenous groups from across the U.S. and other countries to assist them in developing language and cultural revitalization programs.