Leah Aiwohi
- Island: Kauai
- District: Kauai
- Class: CTE Coordinator and Teacher (Creative Media, Information Technology, AP Computer Science Principles, STEM Capstone, ITDT)
- Years of Teaching: 35
- Field/Office: Kauai High School
- Complex Area: Kapaʻa-Kauaʻi-Waimea
- Home Town: Lihue, Hawaii
What do you think is the Hawaii State Department of Education’s greatest strength?
I believe the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education’s greatest strength is its unique sense of community that is rooted in our shared culture, diverse perspectives, and the belief that every child’s success is a collective responsibility. In Hawaiʻi, education is not just about academics; it’s about nurturing relationships, honoring identity, and preparing students to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
What do you think is the greatest strength about the complex are that you work in? What is your complex area area known for?
The greatest strength of our complex area is the strong sense of ʻohana that connects our schools, families, and community partners. We know our students by name, face, and story, and we work together to ensure they have the academic, cultural, and social-emotional support they need to thrive. Our complex is known for its resilience, deep community ties, and commitment to honoring our local culture while preparing students for success in a global society.
What makes your particular school or office special or distinctive?
What makes our school special is the way we blend high expectations with deep care. We are committed to academic excellence, but we also make sure every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Our programs reflect both innovation and place-based learning that integrates technology, cultural knowledge, and real-world problem-solving so students can see the relevance of their education to their lives and communities.
What are two main challenges you face or teachers in general face as a educator in Hawaii?
Two major challenges I see as an educator in Hawaiʻi are ones I experience firsthand in our rural community. The high cost of living makes it difficult to recruit and retain teachers, and too often, we lose talented educators who can’t sustain a career here long-term. Another challenge is ensuring students in our more remote areas have the same access to programs, technology, and opportunities as those in larger, urban schools. These challenges are real, but they also push us to be creative, collaborative, and deeply committed to finding solutions for our students.
What are the qualities that make a Hawaii State Department of Education teacher successful?
A successful Hawaiʻi State Department of Education teacher is grounded in cultural respect, relationship-building, and adaptability. They understand that teaching here means honoring the diverse identities, languages, and traditions of our students while holding high expectations for learning. They are flexible in meeting challenges, resourceful in finding solutions, and committed to continuous growth. Above all, they lead with empathy, seeing each student’s potential and working tirelessly to help them reach it.
What words would you use to describe your students?
My students are resilient, creative, and deeply rooted in their community. They are curious problem-solvers who approach challenges with aloha, a strong sense of kuleana, and the collaborative spirit of ʻohana.
What is unique and/or special about the school you work at? What do you enjoy most about teaching there?
What’s unique about our school is the way we blend innovation with cultural relevance. Students can explore STEM, media, and computer science for example, through hands-on projects while also connecting their learning to our local community and heritage. I enjoy teaching here because I get to see students discover their strengths, take creative risks, and realize that their voices and ideas can make a real impact, both here in Hawaiʻi and beyond.
What are some fun activities that individuals enjoy doing outside school hours within the COMPLEX AREA that you represent?
In our complex area, life outside school is filled with the rhythms of the ocean and the spirit of community. Afternoons might be spent surfing at a favorite break, casting nets from the shoreline, or hiking trails that open to breathtaking views. Evenings often bring neighbors together for cultural festivals, school events, or backyard gatherings filled with music, hula, and local food. Here, we don’t just live in our community, we celebrate it.
What are some fun activities that individuals enjoy doing outside school hours on the ISLAND that you work at?
On our island, life outside school is intertwined with the ocean, the land, and our community. Students might spend their afternoons surfing, paddling, or fishing with family, or hiking trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and sweeping views. Weekends often bring cultural festivals, hula performances, and community events where generations gather. These experiences don’t just bring joy, they deepen students’ connection to place, culture, and each other, shaping who they are both inside and outside the classroom.
What do you enjoy most about the students you teach in Hawaii?
What I enjoy most about my students in Hawaiʻi is the way they bring their whole selves into the classroom, their creativity, resilience, cultural pride, and genuine care for one another. They approach learning with curiosity and a strong sense of place, blending innovation with traditions that have been passed down for generations. Every day, they remind me that education here is as much about relationships and community as it is about academics.
What do YOU enjoy doing in your free time while in Hawaii?
In my free time, I love spending time with my family and getting creative whether that’s through photography, video projects, crafting, or trying out new ideas for my classroom. I also enjoy quiet moments with a good book and a good cup of tea, which every teacher knows is an essential survival tool.
What’s YOUR favorite local food on your island? How would you describe the food?
My favorite local food on the island is vingha d’alhos, a flavorful dish that reflects our community’s rich Portuguese heritage. It’s made by marinating pork in a blend of vinegar, garlic, and spices, then slow-cooking it until it’s tender and tangy. It’s the kind of food that’s not just delicious, it’s tied to family gatherings, holiday traditions, and the stories that bring people together.
What’s your favorite place to eat on your island? What kind of food is it?
My favorite place to eat on the island is Hamura Saimin, a beloved local spot known for its comforting bowls of egg noodles in a savory, made-from-scratch broth. It’s more than just a meal, it’s part of the island’s history, a place where generations have gathered to share food, conversation, and community.
What are some housing tips that you could recommend for teachers relocating to Hawaii?
For teachers relocating to Hawaiʻi, my first tip is to connect with local colleagues early, they can share neighborhood insights, rental leads, and community connections you won’t find online. Be prepared for a competitive housing market, and consider temporary housing at first so you can explore different areas before committing long-term. Look into shared housing or ʻohana units to help with costs, and always factor in commuting times, since traffic patterns can be different than expected. Finally, embrace the idea that your home is also your place in the community, choose somewhere that feels welcoming, not just convenient.
What advice would you give to a new teacher who wants to work in your complex for the Hawaii DOE in general?
My advice to a new teacher joining our complex or the Hawaiʻi DOE in general is to lead with relationships. Take time to know your students, their families, and the community you serve. Be open to learning about the local culture and values, and integrate them into your teaching. Stay flexible, because resources and circumstances can change quickly, and lean on your colleagues, they’re your best source of support and wisdom. Most importantly, remember that teaching here is about more than academics it’s about nurturing connections and helping students grow into confident, caring members of our community.