Jaime Evalani Palakiko
- Island: Maui
- District: Maui
- Class: High School, Hawaiian Language and Hula
- Years of Teaching: 4
- Field/Office: Lahainaluna High School
- Complex Area: Hāna-Lahainaluna-Lānaʻi-Molokai
- Home Town: Lahaina Maui
What do you think is the Hawaii Department of Education’s greatest strength?
The greatest strengths of the Hawaii Dept of Education are the aloha and dedication of our teachers who show up day after day for our students, school and community. Without them, we would have nothing.
What do you think is the greatest strength about the complex area that you work in? What is your complex area known for?
The greatest strength in the Canoe Complex is the sense of resilience and perseverance. Despite all the challenges we face as a community, we still support and uplift each other, especially for our students.
What makes your particular school or office special or distinctive?
We are Lahainaluna. We are strong, resilient, and support each other with a passion that is hard to put into words. After the fires throughout the past 10 years, we have found a renewed sense of ALOHA for each other that will help us return the glory of Lahaina.
What are two main challenges you face or teachers in general face as a educator in Hawaii?
Being able to AFFORD to live in Hawai’i on teacher’s wage is always challenging. If you add the lack of AFFORDABLE HOUSING, conditions make it hard for us to retain highly qualified teachers.
What are the qualities that make a Hawaii State Department of Education teacher successful?
Without a doubt, genuine ALOHA is the quality most needed to be a successful teacher. If you have this kind of ALOHA, you will be compassionate to student and staff needs and struggles. You will be giving of your time and energy for others. You will serve others while still caring for yourself. Not everyone is built to be a teacher, but everyone needs a teacher.
What words would you use to describe your students?
Unique, kind, loving, compassionate, sometimes kolohe but always respectful. The list goes on and on.
What is unique and/or special about the school you work at? What do you enjoy most about teaching there?
It is said, “Once a LUNA, always a LUNA”. It is hard to put into words the mana and traditions that surrounds this school and this community. Once you set foot on this campus, a spark and connection is created that you can not deny. I am so fortunate to be able to teach in this place I call home. I will always be a LUNA.
What are some fun activities that individuals enjoy doing outside school hours within the COMPLEX AREA that you represent?
Sports and Club… we love to support our students in their athletic and extracurricular endeavors. Needless to say, it also reminds us adults of our glory years as well. We love to show up and our kids love to see us in the stands. From hula performances to football, if it has Lahainaluna attached to it, we’ll be there.
What are some fun activities that individuals enjoy doing outside school hours on the ISLAND that you work at?
Everything… Maui is lush, beautiful, and filled with so much history and life. From beach outings to hiking in the mountains and everything in between, there is something to do and enjoy on Maui. That’s what makes Maui No Ka ‘Oi!
What do you enjoy most about the students you teach in Hawaii?
I enjoy their company, their youthful innocence and curiosity. When they are eager to learn, the sky’s the limit. It is my job to get them there. I also enjoy the mutual respect that we have for eachother. We are ‘ohana!
What do YOU enjoy doing in your free time while in Hawaii?
Everything. I love to go to the beach, be in nature, garden, family time, go holoholo, cook, and sleep. This is my “self care” ritual … to enjoy the beauty and life that I am surrounded by everyday.
What’s YOUR favorite local food on your island? How would you describe the food?
I love Hawaiian food, but I also enjoy Mexican, Italian, Island Local Foods, etc. I love all flavors the world has to offer.
What’s your favorite place to eat on your island? What kind of food is it?
My favorite place to eat is in my kitchen. I love to cook. I like to try different recipes as often as I can. What I love the most about it, is spending time talking to my ‘ohana. When I have to eat out, I like to hit the local food trucks because I know I’m supporting local and they cook from the heart.
What are some housing tips that you could recommend for teachers relocating to Hawaii?
Save lots of money to relocate. It is not cheap here, but the pay back is the beauty of Hawai’i. It is worth it.
What advice would you give to a new teacher who wants to work in your complex for the Hawaii DOE in general?
Find a school that best fits who you are and what you have to offer. If you find such a school, it will be easy to adjust. Check out school Facebook pages and Websites to see what exciting things are happening on campus. That would give you a better picture of what to expect.