EVENTS & TRADITIONS

At Hale Keiki School, our special events and traditions bring our community together to celebrate learning, culture, and school spirit throughout the year. From beloved campus celebrations and family gatherings to service projects and seasonal events, these memorable experiences help create lasting friendships, strengthen connections, and build lifelong memories for our students and families.

AUGUST

Back-to-School Ice Cream Social

Our Back-to-School Ice Cream Social brings Hale Keiki School families together to celebrate the start of a new school year. Students, parents, and staff enjoy sweet treats, make new connections, reconnect with friends, and build the strong sense of community that makes HKS feel like home.

SEPTEMBER

Open House Night

Open House Night is a wonderful opportunity for Hale Keiki School families to visit classrooms, celebrate their child’s hard work, and see the learning and growth that has taken place in the first 6 weeks of school. Families come together over a class potluck, fostering connections, strengthening our school community, and sharing in the joy of each student’s success.

OCTOBER

HKS Fall Festival

The Hale Keiki School Fall Festival is one of our favorite annual traditions and an important school fundraiser that brings together students, families, alumni, and friends for a day of fun and community. Filled with games, activities, food, entertainment, and family-friendly excitement, the Fall Festival helps support our school programs while creating lasting memories and strengthening the HKS ohana.

NOVEMBER

Thanksgiving Feast

The Hale Keiki School Thanksgiving Feast is a cherished tradition that brings our school community together in celebration and gratitude. The day begins with the 3rd Grade HKS Parade, where students proudly showcase their creativity by designing and displaying their own festive floats. Families and students then enjoy a special highlight of the season, our beloved first-grade performance of The Meal Must Go On, a Hale Keiki tradition that has delighted audiences for more than 20 years. Following the performance, all classes gather in the courtyard to share a delicious Thanksgiving snack, creating a memorable day filled with community, creativity, and thankfulness.

DECEMBER

HKS Holiday Program

The annual HKS Holiday Program is a beloved tradition that brings our school community together to celebrate the joy of the season. The PTO hosts a fabulous breakfast potluck and coffee before the performances begin. Families gather to enjoy special performances as each class takes the stage to sing a holiday song, showcasing their hard work, creativity, and school spirit. This festive event creates lasting memories and highlights the warmth and togetherness of the Hale Keiki School ohana.

JANUARY

100th Day of School

The 100th Day of School is a beloved Hale Keiki School tradition filled with fun, creativity, and community spirit. Students celebrate this special milestone by dressing up as if they are 100 years old or bringing collections of 100 items to share with their classmates. The day also includes a festive school-wide parade and a meaningful service project, as our HKS community collects donations for the Fisher House to support military families. It's a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate learning, give back to others, and enjoy a memorable day together.

FEBRUARY

HKS Annual Auction

The HKS Annual Auction is one of our premier fundraising events, bringing together families, alumni, and friends for a fun and memorable evening in support of Hale Keiki School. Proceeds from the auction help fund financial aid opportunities and enrich student programs that benefit our school community. The evening features a delicious dinner, an exciting silent auction, and unique, one-of-a-kind class art projects created by our students that are available for bidding. With childcare provided, parents can enjoy a special night out while supporting the mission and future of HKS.

MARCH

Heart of a Hero & Volunteer Appreciation

The HKS Heart of a Hero celebration is a special Hale Keiki School tradition that honors the spirit of service, leadership, and community. Each year, our Young Leaders Club selects a deserving community member to recognize for their positive impact and dedication to others. The event also serves as an opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation to the many volunteers who support HKS throughout the year. Families, staff, and honored guests gather to enjoy a delicious lunch while celebrating those whose generosity and service help make our school and community stronger.

APRIL

Purple Up Day

Hale Keiki School proudly celebrates Purple Up! Day as a way to honor and recognize the strength, sacrifice, and resilience of our military children. Students, families, and staff wear purple to show support for our military-connected students and to celebrate the important role they play in our school community. As a school with deep ties to military families, Purple Up! Day is a meaningful opportunity to express gratitude, build connections, and show our appreciation for those who serve and the loved ones who support them.

MAY

Lei Day celebration

The HKS Lei Day Celebration is a cherished Hale Keiki School tradition that honors the beauty, culture, and spirit of Hawaiʻi. Students share in the celebration through music, hula, cultural activities, and the giving and receiving of lei, while learning about the values of aloha, respect, and appreciation for Hawaiian traditions. This special event brings our school community together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage that makes Hawaiʻi such a unique and wonderful place to call home.

END OF THE YEAR

Spirit Week & Celebrations

Hale Keiki School's End-of-Year Spirit Week is a joyful tradition filled with fun, laughter, and school pride as students celebrate another successful year of learning and growth. Throughout the week, students enjoy themed dress-up days, special activities, and memorable moments with friends and teachers. The festivities culminate with a fun-filled celebration sponsored by our PTO, bringing the entire HKS community together for one last hooray before summer. It is also a special time to honor our 6th-grade students as they prepare to embark on new adventures at their next schools, celebrating their accomplishments and the lasting impact they have made on our HKS ohana.