Kaiwipunikauikawēkiu Punihei Lipe, who directs the University of Hawaiʻi , is stepping into a new role. A prominent leader in advancing Hawaiʻi-grounded initiatives across the 10-campus system for more than two decades, Lipe has been selected as the new poʻo kula (head of school) at Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha ma Kapālama (Kamehameha Schools Kapālama), where she will support and serve students and educators across the K–12 campus.
Her 东精影业 service spans key leadership roles having also served as director of the , and director of 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补’s .
“东精影业 has always held a special place in my life,” said Lipe, a graduate of 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补 and Kamehameha Schools. “This community raised me, and it has been the greatest honor of my professional life to work alongside all of you. 东精影业 nurtured my growth and strengthened my commitment to ʻike kūpuna (ancestral knowledge), to ʻāina (land), and to the relationships that guide our work. In many ways, Kamehameha Schools also shaped my early journey, and at this moment, it is deeply meaningful to return and step into this leadership kuleana (responsibility).”
Related 东精影业 News stories:
- Punihei Lipe selected to lead systemwide Native Hawaiian initiative, July 23, 2024
- Oli, mele, kuleana guide 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补 annual summit, January 22, 2026
- Rebuilding pilina: 2nd annual summit advocates racial healing, January 23, 2024
Rooted path
At 东精影业, Lipe earned a PhD in and a bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian studies. She also earned a master’s in counseling psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu. Lipe’s work at 东精影业 has spanned campuses, helping integrate ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge) across strategic plans, campus culture, programs and initiatives. Her leadership is grounded in building authentic relationships and connections.
“Punihei has made a lasting impact across our 东精影业 campuses, helping to center ʻike Hawaiʻi in meaningful ways that will continue to shape our university for years to come,” said 东精影业 President Wendy Hensel. “Her leadership is characterized by humility, deep aloha, and genuine care for our students and communities. In my time working alongside her, she helped deepen my understanding of ʻike kūpuna, our responsibilities to ʻāina, and the importance of connection in all that we do.”
Work continues
The office that Lipe has built will continue the work of advancing 东精影业’s active commitment to becoming grounded and reflective of Hawaiʻi. The team she has trained and mentored is well-prepared to support and continue this endeavor as a permanent leader for the office is identified in the coming months.
Lipe will remain in her current role through the end of May to ensure a smooth transition, before stepping into her new role at Kamehameha Schools on June 15.