Our School History: From Waters of Life to Nā Wai Ola

Nā Wai Ola Public Charter School carries a legacy built upon resilience, innovation, cultural connection, and a deep commitment to the children and families of Puna. Our journey reflects more than two decades of providing meaningful public education while continuously evolving to meet the needs of our haumāna, ʻohana, and community.

The Beginning: Waters of Life New Century Public Charter School

In July 2000, Waters of Life New Century Public Charter School received its charter from the State of Hawaiʻi, becoming one of the earliest public charter schools established in Hawaiʻi. The school opened its doors in 2000 in the Puna district, Hawaiʻi, with a vision to provide an innovative public education model that was responsive to the unique needs, strengths, and experiences of students and families in rural Puna.

From the beginning, Waters of Life was committed to creating a learning environment where students were known, valued, and supported. The school served a diverse community of learners and families, including students from rural areas, multigenerational households, and communities with unique educational needs and experiences.

The name Waters of Life reflected a foundational belief that education has the power to nurture, sustain, and transform lives. Like water flowing through the ʻāina, knowledge and opportunity nourish individuals, families, and communities. This belief continues to guide Nā Wai Ola Public Charter School today.

A Cultural Evolution: Becoming Nā Wai Ola

As the school community matured, so did our educational philosophy and understanding of how students learn best. Through reflection, collaboration, and a deeper connection to Hawaiʻi’s indigenous knowledge systems, the school began an intentional journey toward a more culturally grounded educational model.

In 2013, the school officially changed its name to Nā Wai Ola New Century Public Charter School, representing a renewed commitment to ʻike Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian values, and an educational approach grounded in identity, place, relationships, and purpose.

The transition reflected more than a change in name. It represented the continued evolution of our curriculum, practices, and school culture to honor Hawaiian ways of knowing, being, and doing. The school strengthened the integration of agricultural science, cultural practices, and Hawaiian values throughout the educational experience.

The Development of the Nā Wai Ola Educational Model

Over time, Nā Wai Ola continued to refine its educational philosophy and in 2026 developed its own Hawaiian Culture-Based Project-Based Learning (HCB-PBL) model. This model brings together rigorous academics, authentic inquiry, cultural knowledge, and community engagement to create meaningful learning experiences for every haumāna.

Grounded in the traditional Hawaiian Ahupuaʻa system, our educational framework connects learning to the interconnected landscapes of Uka, Kula, and Kai. Through place-based and project-based experiences, students explore sustainability, diverse agricultural practices, natural resource stewardship, community responsibility, and the reciprocal relationship between people and ʻāina.

Students learn through authentic projects, field investigations, service learning, cultural experiences, and partnerships with kūpuna, cultural practitioners, ʻoihana (industry partners), community organizations, and local experts. Learning extends beyond the classroom as students apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges and opportunities.

Nā Wai Ola Today and the Future Ahead

Today, Nā Wai Ola Public Charter School honors its legacy while continuing to grow and evolve. As we expand into a full K–12 public charter school, we remain committed to providing a culturally grounded, academically rigorous, and life skills relevant education that prepares students for college, career, entrepreneurship, family responsibility, and community leadership.

Our educational program integrates ʻike Hawaiʻi through ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, ʻike kūpuna, moʻolelo, and cultural practices, aloha ʻāina through stewardship, community contribution, and resource preservation, and mahi ʻai through ʻāina-based learning focused on Ahupuaʻa living in today’s world, throughout the curriculum. Through experiences such as Lā ʻOhana, Hōʻike (Exhibitions of Learning), Makahiki, and community-based learning opportunities, students strengthen their relationships with their ʻohana, community, and ʻāina, as well as their understanding of their kuleana to Hawaiʻi.

From our beginnings as Waters of Life to our continued growth as Nā Wai Ola, our purpose remains steadfast: to nurture students who are culturally grounded, academically prepared, and resilient lifelong learners.

We admire the foundation laid by those who came before us while continuing to build a future where our haumāna lead with ʻike, aloha, kuleana, and pono.

Nā Wai Ola Public Charter School continues to flow forward—honoring our past, strengthening our present, and preparing our haumāna to serve and lead the future of Hawaiʻi.