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Ka Leo O Kalani
The student news site of Kalani High School

Ka Leo O Kalani
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Exploring Kaimuki

Elijah Le Blanc
February 3, 2026

Kaimuki has a rich history of small businesses and urban development. With a wide variety of small businesses that specialize in food, clothing, and personal care, Kaimuki is the perfect place for a little “me time.” The name “Kaimuki” translates to “The Ti Oven” in Olelo Hawai’i, after the legend of the Menehune who were known for cooking ti leaves underground, according to the Historic Hawaii Foundation.

 

Kaimuki
Elijah Le Blanc
The Red Pineapple gift shop is shown with a mural, welcoming shoppers both local and tourist to the neighborhood.
More to Discover
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Thursday, Feb. 12, Aniela Germain (11), Emma Wong (11), Asher Barket (11), Taraji White (9), Logan Fernandez (11), Lyndon Okoji (9), Jayden Ringpis (11), and Sakura Enami (11) dominate twin day by wearing colorful and fun patterned ties.
Valentine Spirit Week
Kai Wolfe (11) patiently stands for Mrs. Akasaki to count his payment after waiting in line for the Kalani Junior Prom’s bid sales. Members of the class of 2027 student council, Lainee Ono 11 ( right) and Destiny Nguyen ( left) work diligently to steadily get through the line on Friday, Jan. 30. Junior prom, with the theme of Claire De Lune À Paris: Moonlight in Paris will take place Monday, March 16.
Students line up for Junior Prom bid sales
Preparing for the upcoming Freshman and Sophomore Banquet, Mia Doma (10) — the Class of 2028 president —takes rapid directions from other student body members, posting students’ bid numbers under their preferred table assignments at Kalani High School’s library during lunch on Jan. 29, the second day of seating enrollment. Due to the registration for the banquet being first come, first serve, the participating students hurriedly gather in the designated lines to snag their desired seats for the event. This provides an opportunity for freshman and sophomores alike to collaborate for the gala's organization and overall success.
Prepping for the Freshmen/Sophomore Banquet
Kalani High hosts its Senior Day at Ice Palace, Jan 29.
Seniors keep it cool at Ice Palace
Get the latest news and information from the Kalani Blood Drive to help you make your decision about donating blood. It's normal to feel nervous, but the reward of helping others is far greater than the risk, and the initial injection is often less painful than expected. Your donation is vital, especially with a big blood shortage nationwide and on the island, helping people with trauma, blood disorders, or certain cancers. If you're 16 or over and meet the minimum 110 lbs weight requirement for those 18+, you may be eligible to save a life. If you missed the drive on Nov. 24, contact the Blood Bank of Hawaii for more information.
Kalani's student-run blood drive saves lives
Ms. Isabella Berenzi, a ceramics teacher at Kalani, shares what she is thankful for this year.
What is Kalani thankful for?
About the Contributor
Elijah Le Blanc
Elijah Le Blanc, Editor
Eli is a senior NW2 reporter/editor, and plays guitar and bass. Eli often dives deep into human interest articles, having a deep passion for the stories that each and every human being has to offer. Whether it’s editorial articles about corrupt politicians, getting peoples’ hot takes on controversial topics, or even just recording someone’s story and their message, Eli’s philosophy is that everyone deserves a chance to have their voice be heard. An avid fan of 2000s era deathcore, bands like Carnifex, Suicide Silence, and Impending Doom are only a few of Eli’s favorites. If Eli isn’t at school or work, they’re probably at home, just doom scrolling or recording music. If you’re lucky, you can find them at local shows, or out spending way too much money on Taco Bell and Monster Energy.