The Hikina Rising Podcast

Ep. 14 Navigating the Pandemic as KSM Mākua

On this episode of Hikina Rising, we take a look at some of the challenges that mākua faced during our transition in and out of distance learning at Kamehameha Schools Maui. Host Kanani Franco sits down and talks with Moani Kekahuna and Chauna Rickard on wearing many "hats" including mom, spouse and kumu at KS Maui.

Episode 13 - Alumni in the Armed Forces

In the return of the Hikina Rising podcast series, host Kevin O’Brien continues his three part series of Alumni in the military with his second episode. This podcast explores the journeys of alumna Jake Bernardino c/o ’07, Rockne Matsuda c/o ’10 and Kayla Fernandez c/o ’20, and their decisions to enlist directly, basically right out of high school, into their chosen branches of the US Military. Each alum discusses their thought process, their fears, their parents reactions, and how they ultimately feel about their decision today. They offer some excellent advice for our current students considering such a path, and their families.

Ep. 12 Kula Kaiapuni to Kamehameha Maui...and Back.

February is Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and in this episode, we are joined by three Kamehameha Maui alumnae, Kulia Johnson (ʻ11), Kahaʻi Harders (Johnson) (‘07), and Kaleialoha Kaniaupio-Crozier (ʻ11) who are all current kumu Kula Kaiapuni ma Pāʻia. Along with our guest host, Ekela Kaniaupio-Crozier, they discuss the role Kula Kaiapuni played in their journey to Kamehameha Maui and beyond, and what ultimately led them back to the place where it all began.

Ep. 11 KS Maui Alumni in the Military (Part 1 of 3)

This is the first episode in a three part series on Kamehameha Maui alumni in the military. Hosted by Kevin O'Brien, part one huddles around a discussion with 2013 alumna of KS Maui Riley Slavich (Shiraishi) and her husband Zach Slavich. Riley shares her decision to pursue the National Guard while in college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.  

Ep. 10 Ka 'Ālapa - Athletics

On our third athletics focused alumni episode, Mr Kevin O'Brien and Mr Kaholo Rickard sit down and talk with two alums; Cade Harris (c/o 2017) and Kymani Fernandez-Roy (c/o 2018) about their very recent journeys out of KS Maui and into college and collegiate athletics. Also sitting in are two current KS Maui seniors and aspiring collegiate prospects Logan Spencer (c/o 2020) and Kealia Sjostrand (c/o 2020). 

Ep. 9 Nā Poʻo Kumu - Welcome back to a new school year!

A new season for Hikina Rising starts with episode 9! Hosting this episode is senior ASK President Bronson Espania. He is joined by Kamehameha Schools Maui high school poʻo kumu Jay-R Kaʻawa and poʻo kumu Lance Cagasan. We get to know them a little better, what they enjoy doing outside of school, as well as listen to their expectations and goals for the high school for this school year and beyond. Enjoy!

Ep. 8 Ke Poʻo Kula - From the Office of the Headmaster

For our end-of-the-year finale episode, a one-on-one interview with the Kamehameha Schools Maui Head of School, Dr. Scott Parker. With ʻEleu Novikoff (class of ʻ06) as host, Dr. Parker discusses his journey from PE teacher to Headmaster as well as his vision and direction for KS Maui.

Ep. 7 Ka Maka Kilo - Community Spotlight with Musical Duo Kahālāwai

For our first Ka Maka Kilo Community Spotlight episode, we welcome the gentlemen of Kahālāwai; musicians Dana Piʻilani Arias and Joshua Pilialoha Kahula. Josh and Piʻilani shared with us the manaʻo behind their brand new project and partnership. Hearing the stories of their humble beginnings and hours in and out of the studio working on music, it reminds us to holomua and stay focused on your goals, and ultimately making your passion into your profession.

Ep. 6 Meet the Song Leaders

Listen in and meet the Kamehameha Schools Maui song leaders for the 2019 ʻAha Mele. Hosted by former song leader from the class of 2014, Madison Vaught, we take a look at ʻAha Mele through the conductor's eyes. With ʻIkaika Mendez (c/o 2019), Kaylee Zimmermann (c/o 2019), Tosh Tanaka (c/o 2019), Mia Symonds (c/o 2020), Malina Mossman (c/o 2021), and Kawena Espania (c/o 2022), we'll gain some perspective on what it takes to be a conductor and lead a class through the ups and downs of ʻAha Mele.

Ep. 5 Ka ʻĀlapa - Athletics - Empowering the Student Athlete

On this episode we invited KS Maui head girls volleyball coach, 5th grade kumu, and KS Kapālama alumna Alex Akana on to talk story with us. Along side her, we also talk with current KS Maui student athlete Sofia Stupplebeen. We have a conversation between coach and player. Hear about the adversity a former Division 1 player went through to her success in college while her player listens in on the conversation and asks questions about the athletic mindset.