In this episode of the Above the Sides,  Kaui Tanaka, Principal of Maunawili Elementary School shares her path from growing up on Oʻahu and “playing school” as a child to building a joyful career in education. She talks about how the Foundations of Aloha program influences the way she approaches communication and finding solutions in her work. Through stories from her career and reflections on teachings of the late Pono Shim, she discusses how the values of aloha show up at school. Kaui also reflects on what it means to work with Hawaii’s keiki and the role schools play in shaping both learning and character. The conversation explores how simple practices like listening, patience and respect can shape stronger relationships in our Hawaii schools and communities. Mahalo for tuning in!

Episode Highlights

01:47 Growing Up on Oahu

02:22 Called to Teach

03:52 Journey to Maunawili Elementary School

06:17 Joy of Working with Keiki

07:58 Discovering Foundations of Aloha

09:51 Healing a Work Relationship

13:07 Aloha in Practice

14:13 Aloha Fridays and Student Legacy

16:50 Everyday Aloha Moments

19:33 Meeting Foundations Team

21:21 Presence

23:18 A Cup and Half of Flour

26:34 Why Teaching Fulfills

29:01 Gratitude and Practice

31:52 Saying Yes in 2026

Learn more about Education Incubatorʻs Foundations of Aloha program: https://eduincubator.org/our-work/

Welcome to the Above the Sides podcast! Join us on our journey to uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha. The inspiration for this podcast is the late Pono Shim, former President and CEO of the Oʻahu Economic Development Board. His stories capture the essence of what it means to live aloha. He made it known that aloha is a lifestyle. It is not a solution to problems, a marketing brand or to be used as an advantage over anyone else. Aloha is to be honored and practiced.

The name of this podcast is in reverence of Hawaiʻi's Queen Liliʻuokalani, who wrote: "To gain the kingdom of heaven is to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable – that is Aloha. All things in this world are two; in heaven there is but One.” Through these episodes, we seek to find that singular perspective, the one that is "above the sides" as we strive for universal peace.

We welcome you to pause with us as we share the stories and voices of Hawai’i business leaders, educators and community members who have chosen to be lifelong students of aloha. Mahalo nui loa for listening.