I am Kumu Waianuhea Paleka and I am thrilled and excited to be a part of the Kamehameha Schools Kula Ha’aha’a‘ohana. I am truly honored to be your keiki’s papa ‘ekahi kumu (grade 1 teacher) this school year. I am excited to get to know your keiki and your ‘ohana so let me tell you a little bit about myself and my ‘ohana.
I was born and raised on the friendly island of Moloka’i to John and Lorna Dudoit. I am the second child of four. I have an older sister, Dana and two younger brothers, Dean and Johnny. After graduating from high school in 1991, I moved here to Hilo to pursue my bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian Studies as well as my professional teaching certificate from the University of Hawaii-Hilo. I continued to further my education and earned my master’s degree in Education from Central Michigan University. I immediately embarked on my professional teaching career in 1996 as a teacher at Kula Kaiapuni o Keaukaha and at Ka ‘Umeke Ka’eo Public Charter School in Keaukaha. I am so excited to be embarking on this new journey of my career here at KS Hawaii. My steady supporter- the kuamo’o or hull of my wa’a is my husband Sonny Paleka who is also from Moloka’i. We have 4 children- La’iku(11), Kahili (8) and ‘Auli’i(5) all attend KS Hawaii and our Nakoa (3) will be entering preschool at E Makaala School. We enjoy being together, going home to Moloka’i for our ‘ohana camping trip every summer and just supporting each other in the many activities we are a part of. I enjoy paddling (when I get the chance to get to the ocean). I love hula. I enjoy reading and I love teaching!
I look forward to meeting all of you, and I look forward to getting to know you, your keiki and your ‘ohana. Like you, I too am here to be a wind, an ocean current, a bright star in the sky or one of nature’s creatures to help guide, support and move forward your keiki’s wa’a…..pupukahi i holomua! Together as one our keiki will progress!!
Me ka ‘oia’i’o no,
Kumu Wai
Welcome to the first grade ohana. We are thrilled to have you on board as the keiki sail through the first grade. Looking forward to sharing all the adventures along the way. The haumana are so lucky!!
Hello Charlene. it’s Mike (ref. Aug. ’98, Doe Bay, Seattle). Don’t be freaked out – yes it’s been a long time. Just have some questions for you about the Big Island. Planning to arrive in KK about a week from now. Maybe you can tell me what “ohana” means. Been corresponding like mad lately with west side businesses – a lot of them are replying with that island expression. I think it means “peace” ?? – Mike.
Hello Charlene – it’s Mike (ref. Aug.’98, Doe Bay, Seattle). Don’t be freaked out – I know it’s been a long time. Just have some questions about the Big Island. Planning to arrive in KK in about a week. Maybe you can tell me what “ohana” means. Been corresponding with west side businesses a lot lately. Many of them responding with that island expression. I think it means “peace” ?? – Mike.