Alumni

Lifelong Connections

Holy Nativity School welcomes you back to your little school in the valley! Welcome back to the vibrant life inside our wrought iron gates. For over seven decades, our little school in the valley has served the community of East Honolulu and woven itself into the history and the fabric of so many neighborhood families.

This year, we celebrate 75 years as your neighborhood school, and we'll dig into the archives and celebrate the special place “where rainbows seem to touch the ground.”

Reconnect with Us

- Alumni mom and son

Alumnus and Current Parent

Our Ohana matters at HNS. HNS provided me with the core foundation for future successes in my life. Now, I see that our son's education is centered with such care and attention at HNS - every person that works at the school knows him by name. There is a commitment by the administration, faculty and staff to nurture his success.
Young Alumnus, current Kamehameha Schools student

HNS gave me opportunities to explore - my favorite memory of HNS was Mini Society Day in third grade. I worked hard to create my bakery business, and I enjoyed the entire process of developing a business - from my first idea all the way to a working bakery. HNS helped me learn and grow through fun activities like Mini Society.
Alumnus Parent and Current Faculty

Both my sons attended HNS, and I saw them blossom in this loving, safe Christian environment. They have grown into wonderful men, whose interests and talents were awakened at HNS.
Alumnus and Current Parent

Our older son is making a healthy adjustment to Punahou academics, and we see such growth in him. He is more focused, responsible, and comfortable in completing his assignments on his own, and his grades reflect that. We are pleased with his progress and are grateful for the foundation laid at HNS.

Our History

Holy Nativity School's history has been steeped in the Hawaiian values of ʻohana and aloha since 1949. The founders of our school designed an intimate setting, where each child could reach their potential and be nurtured in a Christian environment. The design of one class per grade was created to give every student the tools necessary to succeed academically, socially, and spiritually. Some of the most influential leaders in Hawaii started their journey at Holy Nativity School. Today, the “little school in the valley” of still reflects the vision and the mission of our founders.

Your Neighborhood School for 75 Years

1949: The Beginning

Built on land from the Hind-Clarke Dairy, Holy Nativity Day School was started as a mission of the Church of the Holy Nativity to meet growing need of East Honolulu families for a neighborhood school.
1950: 1st Lei Day

The first Lei Day began as a way for students to learn about Hawaiian music, dance, and history.
1960: Expanded to 6th

With the final addition of the 6th grade, the Holy Nativity Day School expanded to become a full day school, rooted in the Episcopal tradition.
1973: 1st Pa'ina

This PTO event started as a dinner and auction to help enhance facilities.
1976: School Song

HNS faculty member Pualani Bekeart wrote and composed the iconic school song we still sing at weekly Flag gatherings.
1981: WASC Accrediation

Holy Nativity School was the 1st independent elementary school in Hawai'i to receive accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
1990: Lani Osco Retires

Beloved educator Lani Osco retired after 40 years of teaching at HNS.
1993: Keiki Co-op Added

Started as a grassroots, part-time toddler program by HNS parents, our keiki co-op has grown into a fully licensed and accredited Keiki 3s program.
1999: 50th Anniversary

Our little school in the valley reached a major milestone with celebrations including a special Sunday service, led by Bishop Richard Chang, at the Holy Nativity Church.
2013: Makai Playground Rebuild

Our student designed, eco-friendly playground rebuild was created with all the Best of HNS - a creative and inspiring vision from our students, ongoing commitment from our faculty, staff, and community.
2022: 10th Annual Pumpkin Festival

Created as a fun way to bring East Honolulu families together and showcase our campus and school community, our Great Pumpkin Festival looks forward to its 11th year in. 2023!