Our Tradition of Giving A Guide to Everyday Impact
Punahou’s Tradition of Giving
Giving is woven into the very foundation of Punahou, dating back to 1795 when the lands of Kapunahou were generously gifted by Hawaiian ali‘i to missionary founder, Hiram Bingham. This spirit of philanthropy continues to guide our community, shaping generations through a legacy of generosity and shared purpose.
About Punahou
3,777 Students
1,748 Grades 9 – 12
1,022 Grades 6 – 8
1,007 Grades K – 5
Over 900 faculty and staff
28, 860 alumni on record
6, 140 current parents/guardians
21, 140 parents of alumni
76-acre, 64-building campus
Punahou’s Operating Budget
RevenueExpenses
Supports access, equity, and opportunity for students of all backgrounds.
our commitment to
Includes auxiliary services and other revenue that helps sustain the school.
Encompasses campus maintenance, technology, arts, and athletics – all that enriches the student experience.
The Philanthropy Piece of the Pie
Philanthropy = Punahou’s Endowment + Donor Gifts
Reflects the power of giving to enrich programs, open doors, and inspire innovation.
As of June 30, 2024, Punahou’s endowment had a market value of $389M which generated $13.6M to support the school in the 2024 – 2025 school year.
Annually Punahou receives over 10,000 outright gifts totaling approximately $19M.
Who Inspires Support?
Our Donor Community
Alumni
Representing 12 decades, 85 classes, 49 states and 24 countries.
Faculty and Staff
Over 400 employees support Punahou with a gift annually!
Friends of Punahou
Parents and Guardians
1 out of 2 families make a gift each year!
Grandparents
A Legacy of Giving
Thoughtful, Consistent Giving from our Donor Community Sets an Example for Student Gratitude Fosters Future Alumni Engagement and Support Which Grows the Strength of Our Community
Beyond Punahou:
A network of 28,860 alumni around the world!
8 Punahou Alumni Association Regional Chapters – Hawai‘i, Pacific Northwest, Northern California, Southern California, New England, New York, Mid-Atlantic and Japan
Ka ‘Ohana Punahou – Punahou’s alumni online networking platform
Alumni Reunion – a week of festivities held annually, with milestone class celebrations every five years.
Alumni Events – Dinner in the Buff ’n Blue, the Alumni Association Golf Tournament, and many more
Other Programs – Punahou Book Club, Alumni Keiki Experience, Alumni Travel Program
Types of Gifts
Annual Gifts from our entire donor community help fund
Punahou’s day-to-day operations and top priorities. These gifts can be made by cash, check, credit card, or stock as one-time donations every year or set up as recurring contributions.
They typically support the following current-use funds:
Punahou Fund (current critical needs)
PunsUnited Fund (student financial aid)
Alumni Class Funds
(Endowed funds for current critical needs and/or student financial aid)
Major and Leadership Gifts and pledges are significant contributions designated for capital projects or named endowed funds, creating lasting impact and supporting long-term priorities.
Planned Gifts are future contributions – such as bequests or life income gifts – designed as part of a donor’s financial or estate planning to support the school’s mission for generations to come.
How to Give
Visit punahou.edu/giving/give-now anytime to make a gift!
April 9, 2026
It’s a one-day buff ’n blue celebration focused on community participation in giving through fun challenges, matching gifts, class competitions and more.
Look out for one of our mailers or emails encouraging support. Scan the QR Code to give online or submit your gift with the included remit card.
What Does Your Gift to The Punahou Fund Support?
Outdoor Education
Entrepreneurship
Service Projects
Off-Campus Experiences and Travel
Learning Support
Social, Emotional, Ethical Learning
Faculty Professional Development
Campus Safety and Security
Music, Dance and Theatre
Design Technology and Engineering ‘Ike Hawaii
Sustainability
Cultural Experiences
Financial Aid benefits 23% of
Robotics
140+ Teams and 22 Sports
Facility Enhancements
Classroom Resources
Visual Arts
Over 100 Student Clubs An Expansive Alumni Network
Mentorship Opportunities
Faculty Research Projects
FAQS
Why does Punahou need support beyond tuition? Like most independent schools, tuition alone does not cover the entire cost of operations. Gifts from our community along with tuition and fees provide a complete Punahou Experience.
Why is participation important? Strong participation reflects a vibrant, engaged community that believes in and supports our school’s mission.
Do small gifts really make a difference? Yes they do! Many gifts each year (over 10,000) from a wide range of donors add up (approximately $19M).
Why should I give every year? Consistent annual giving helps sustain academic programs, financial aid, extracurricular activities and campus improvements.
For more information:
This piece is part of Punahou’s “Our Tradition of Giving” series, created to help families, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends understand how their support sustains and shapes our School. For more, visit punahou.edu/giving.