“Ever wondered where Honolulu’s future takes shape?” It is right here at Kalani High School. Established in 1958, Kalani High School is a four-year public high school. It stands proudly on Kalanianaole Highway. Kalani is part of the Hawaii Department of Education. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits it.
Kalani serves diverse residential areas. These areas include Niu Valley and Aina Haina. It also serves Aina Koa and Maunalani Heights. Wai‘alae-Kāhala, Kāhala, and parts of Kaimukī also belong to the catchment area of the school.
The campus is well-equipped. It features nine main buildings and a physical education facility. There is also a cafeteria and gymnasium. Several portable buildings offer space for various activities. A large music department building enriches the campus. Students can also use a swimming pool, tennis, and basketball courts. A marching band practice field doubles as a soccer and football field. A dirt track surrounds it. In 2018, a Judo room and girls’ locker room were added.
Kalani High School’s current principal is Mr. Mitchell Otani. The school has a dedicated faculty of 83.00 FTE. They guide a student body of 1,414 students as of 2022-2023. The student-to-teacher ratio is 17.04. Kalani’s colors are red and white. Its mascot is the Falcon. Kaimuki High School and Kaiser High School are its rivals.
Once there was a decline in major athletics, which was made worse by the opening of the Kaiser High School district in 1971. The 1970 baseball team became State Champion. Lenn Sakata was one of its players. He later played for the Milwaukee Brewers and NY Yankees.
But Kalani excelled in smaller sports. The Boys Division 1 Cross Country team won four consecutive OIA championships. They also achieved three consecutive State championships from 1971 to 1973 under George Butterfield. The school saw multiple State Championships for Tennis and Bowling for boys and girls from 1973 to 1994.
Kalani currently holds the OIA Eastern division title in girls varsity soccer. The boys varsity soccer team also boasts this title. In 2005-2006, the girls varsity basketball team won the State Division II Championship. In 2007-2008, they won the OIA championship. The girls volleyball team claimed the OIA Championship in 2003. The men’s soccer team is a regular contender for the state title.
The school offers many other athletic programs. Sports include Air Riflery, Bowling, Cheer, and Cross Country in the Fall. Football, Soft Tennis, and Girls Volleyball are also offered. Junior Varsity Softball completes the Fall semester. Winter brings Junior Varsity Baseball and Boys Basketball. Girls Basketball, Paddling, and Boys and Girls Soccer are also offered. Swimming, Junior Varsity Girls Tennis, and Wrestling round out the Winter sports. Varsity Baseball, Golf, and Judo are available in the Spring. Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Boys Volleyball, and Girls Water Polo conclude the athletic year.
Academically, Kalani High School is “in good standing, unconditional”. This is according to the No Child Left Behind assessment tests. Kalani’s curriculum is based on the Hawaii Content and Performance Standards. Schoolwide General Learner Outcomes (GLOs) guide student learning. These include being a Self-Directed Learner and a Community Contributor. Students also develop into Complex Thinkers and Problem-Solvers. They become Quality Producers and Effective Communicators. They are also Effective and Ethical Users of Technology.
Kalani High School is home to FIRST Team 3008 Magma Robotics. Started in 2008, the team participates in various challenges. The robotics team also produces MagmaCrafts. These fun laser-cut puzzles are made for all ages.
Kalani High School groups freshmen into Small Learning Communities (SLCs). SLCs include teachers from various departments. The school also focuses on creating academic rigor and relevance. Personalization and professional learning communities are fostered. School spirit is important in the 9th-grade houses. Students build identities as members of a house and the Kalani High School community.
As we conclude our visit to Kalani High School, remember its alma mater. “Onward ’tis the faith that leads us towards the goals that stand before us, forward then, Kalani High all praise to thee”. These words encapsulate the spirit of Kalani High.