Punahou’s Transformative Learning Commons Honors Mary Kawena Pukui’s Legacy

Opening in 2026, the Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons at Punahou School will set a new standard for how culture, innovation and sustainability shape learning in Hawai‘i. 

The building will include spacious, covered outdoor areas on all sides, and generous lānais for studying, collaboration, and socializing.

Named in honor of esteemed Hawaiian educator, scholar, composer and author Mary Kawena Pukui (1895 – 1986), the facility embodies her lifelong dedication to knowledge, language and community. Pukui, who taught at Punahou in the 1930s, went on to publish more than 50 works, including the landmark Hawaiian-English Dictionary, and was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her legacy continues to guide Hawai‘i’s leaders in education, business and culture. For today’s students, Mary Kawena Pukui stands as a powerful role model – inspiring them to honor tradition and understand their roots, while embracing lifelong learning, innovation and the responsibility to carry knowledge forward for future generations. 

Punahou’s existing Cooke Library Collection of books and resources will be housed in a bright and modern open space to maximize natural light and inspire creativity and connection.

The Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons will serve as a catalyst for collaboration and discovery, purposefully placed at the center of campus as an integral part of the learning experience for every high school student. Flexible classroom environments, state-of-the-art technology and engineering labs, culinary and sustainability studios, and immersive VR and AI spaces will prepare students not only for academic success, but for the complex challenges of tomorrow. The design itself is a lesson in sustainability, with goals for LEED Gold certification, photovoltaic energy and bioswale landscaping that connect innovation with environmental stewardship. 

The Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons transforms Punahou’s existing Cooke Library into a dynamic, reimagined space creating a seamless connection between the Junior School and the Academy campus.

“Mary Kawena Pukui’s legacy continues to inspire us to honor Hawai‘i’s heritage while embracing the possibilities of the future,” says School President Michael E. Latham, Ph.D. ’86. “The Learning Commons that bears her name will be a place where learning and collaboration spark new ideas, meaningful connections and lasting growth.” 

In honoring Mary Kawena Pukui, Punahou affirms its commitment to preparing future leaders, guided by the enduring values of culture, community and innovation. 

To learn more, visit learningcommons.punahou.edu