Lokelani Intermediate School

Lokelani Intermediate School is a public educational institution serving students in grades seven and eight in the community of Kihei on the island of Maui. Part of the statewide Hawaii Department ofEducation, the school was established in the early 1970s to accommodate the growing population in South Maui. It operates within the Baldwin-Kekaulike-Maui Complex Area and is named for the lokelani rose, which is the official flower of Maui.

History

The school was founded in 1972, during a period of significant residential development in the Kihei area, which increased demand for local educational facilities. Its establishment was overseen by the Hawaii Department of Education as part of a broader initiative to expand the public school system across Maui. The choice of the name "Lokelani" reflects a deep connection to Hawaiian culture and the natural environment of the island. Over the decades, the school has undergone several renovation and expansion projects to update its facilities and accommodate fluctuating enrollment numbers tied to the growth patterns of South Maui.

Academics

The academic program follows the curriculum frameworks set by the Hawaii Department of Education and the Common Core State Standards Initiative. Core subjects include mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies, with a particular emphasis on integrating studies of Hawaiian history and culture. The school offers exploratory courses and electives in areas such as visual arts, performing arts, and career and technical education. Student performance is assessed through the statewide Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium tests, and the school provides targeted support programs, including those for English language learners and special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Campus

The campus is situated on a parcel of land in central Kihei, featuring a collection of single-story buildings designed in an open-air style common to schools in Hawaii. Facilities include standard classrooms, a library media center, a cafeteria, and dedicated spaces for art and music instruction. Outdoor amenities consist of athletic fields, basketball courts, and covered play areas. The architecture and landscaping often incorporate elements inspired by the local environment and Hawaiian culture, with the lokelani rose featured in campus gardens.

Student life

Student life includes participation in various extracurricular activities and organizations, such as student council, yearbook, and a National Junior Honor Society chapter. The school fields competitive athletic teams, known as the Lokelani Lions, in interscholastic sports like volleyball, basketball, and cross country running through the Maui Interscholastic League. Annual events and traditions often celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of the student body and the community, including performances and festivals that highlight Polynesian and local customs. Many students also engage in community service projects throughout Maui County.

Notable alumni

Alumni of the school have gone on to prominence in various fields, particularly within the state of Hawaii. This includes professionals in local politics, business, and the arts, as well as athletes who have competed at the collegiate and professional levels. While specific names of distinguished former students are a part of the school's local legacy, their achievements are often celebrated in connection with their subsequent education at high schools like Maui High School or Baldwin High School and universities such as the University of Hawaii.

Category:Educational institutions established in 1972 Category:Public middle schools in Hawaii Category:Buildings and structures in Maui County, Hawaii