News

Campus to Open October 13

Our Pandemic Response Team continues to observe a decline in the average daily number of new COVID-19 cases over a 7-day period. Currently, that number on Oʻahu stands at 75 (as of Oct. 5), a level that, taken together with a test positivity rate under 5%, allows us to safely reopen campus on Oct. 13. We greatly look forward to welcoming children back to Kapunahou.

Distance Learning for K – 12

As President Latham announced on Sept. 4, Punahou School will remain operating in a high alert level (red) that necessitates full-time distance learning for all grade levels K – 12 until at least October 5. We will continuously monitor pandemic conditions and provide updates to families on a weekly basis.

Sunny Donenfeld: Punahou VP Finance and Operations

Veteran Administrator Named VP Finance and Operations

Sunny Donenfeld, a veteran education, strategy and planning executive, recently began his role as the new vice president of finance and operations of Punahou School. He replaces John Field ’72, who retired this summer after more than 20 years in the role.

Betsy Hata to Retire as Director of Admission and Financial Aid

After more than four decades of distinguished service to Punahou, Betsy Hata will retire from the School at the end of the academic year.

Since 2004, Hata has served as Director of Admission and Financial Aid, skillfully guiding the entrance to Punahou for generations of students and enabling countless numbers of them to attend the School with financial aid.

“Betsy Hata has been a wonderful leader at Punahou, carefully directing a department that has provided a critical entry point to so many outstanding students over the years,” said President Mike Latham ’86.

Before her 17-year tenure as director, Hata served as the department’s associate director for six years. Prior to working in Admission full time, she spent 19 years as an elementary teacher and part-time Admission counselor at the School. Her time at Punahou began in 1979, after 12 years as a teacher at Kamehameha School and on the mainland.

“I have a great staff, and I tell them all the time, ‘thank you’ for allowing me to do this job with pleasure,” Hata said. “I love this School and its students. The fact that we can develop these wonderful people, who are trained for the 21^st century, makes me proud to have admitted them.”

During Hata’s time leading the Admission department, Punahou has always enjoyed steady and high enrollment. Financial aid also increased significantly, allowing for greater diversity and providing opportunities to students who might not otherwise have been able to attend. “Financial aid is something I really support,” Hata said. “And I loved making Punahou affordable for so many families.”

Celebrate the Class of 2020

We are so proud of our resilient Class of 2020 for handling the last few months with tremendous courage and grace.

Support our Students

If you are able, please consider helping Punahou families with financial hardship due to COVID-19 by giving to the PunsUnited Fund for emergency financial aid at Punahou. 100% of your gift will go directly to support students in need.

#PunsUnited Coverage

We're sharing stories about Puns around the world during the COVID-19 crisis.

Punahou Health Updates

Punahou is carefully monitoring the latest developments regarding coronavirus (COVID-19).

Team Up: Positive Parenting Leads to Successful Students

Welcome to Team Up, a new educational initiative for parents debuting at Punahou, with speaker sessions, workshops and other events.

John Field ’72 Announces Retirement as VP and Treasurer

After more than 20 years of dedicated service to Punahou, John Field ’72, Vice President and Treasurer, will be retiring from the School at the end of the academic year.

Team Up: Ku‘u Punahou Campaigns

Because of our generous community, more children now have access to a Punahou education; innovative learning spaces have been realized; and students continue to be inspired to lead lives of purpose. Together, we have raised more than $176 million to transform the future of education at Punahou.