Locally owned and licensed by Hawaiʻi DHS — nurturing keiki with aloha in Haleʻiwa, serving families across Oʻahu’s North Shore.
About Us
Our story begins with a simple practice: to live in pono — in balance and harmony with self, others, and Spirit. This practice shapes our values, our rhythm, and the way we welcome families into our community.
Here you’ll find our philosophy, daily life, and the teachers and friends who make Ka Hana Pono a joyful and grounded ʻohana for keiki and families.
Welcome to Ka Hana Pono
Jason BISON FRIEDMANN "UNCLE BISON"
DIRECTOR & LEAD TEACHER
ARTIST, SINGER, SONGWRITER
Aloha! At Ka Hana Pono, we believe that the primary needs of every child are love, respect, and a great deal of attention . Our name means “the work (the practice), of living in pono”—balance, harmony, and right relationship with self, others, and Spirit . For us, this is more than a philosophy; it is a daily practice of nurturing children in alignment with nature, community, and the Spirit of Aloha.
Children at Ka Hana Pono thrive through pā‘ani me aloha—play with love. We honor play
as food for the body, mind, and spirit, and the most natural way for children to learn, grow, and flourish.
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Our daily rhythm is both structured and free-flowing, giving children a sense of security while allowing them to explore with curiosity. Each day includes circle time, gardening, storytelling, music, and outdoor play. Keiki rest under the shade of monkeypod trees, dig their hands into the earth, dance, sing, and discover their strengths.
With small class sizes—12 children in our 3–5 classroom and 6 children in our 2-year-old classroom —each child is seen and supported as an individual, while also learning teamwork, empathy, and responsibility.
DIANA MURPHY "AUNTY DIANA"
Honoring Their Contribution...
We are grateful for the many kumu who have nurtured our keiki through the years. Their presence remains part of our story and community.
AUNTY MARILYN
AUNTY BECKY
AUNTY AUDRA
AUNTY MARIKO
ANGELICA PAULO "AUNTY GEL"
founder & executive director
licensed marriage & family therapist
Roots of empathy, senior mentor
Living with Aloha & Pono
🌱 Play, with Love
Play is the heart of childhood and the foundation of learning. Through joyful exploration—whether in the garden, in circle time, or in creative arts—children develop curiosity, resilience, and wonder.
🌺 Living in Pono
We guide keiki to live in balance, honoring themselves, caring for one another, and respecting the ʻāina. Like paddling a canoe, pono is not a fixed state, but a practice of continually returning to alignment .
🎶 Creativity & Expression
Music, movement, storytelling, and art are woven into our daily rhythm. These experiences support imagination, emotional literacy, and confidence while cultivating joy.
🤝 Community & ʻOhana
We see parents as partners. Families, teachers, and children walk together, creating a community of belonging where relationships are honored with aloha.
since 2009
Our Place
Ka Hana Pono is located on the North Shore of Oahu, at the historic Waialua Community Association in Haleʻiwa town. Our classrooms open out to grassy fields, shaded playgrounds, and school gardens that the children themselves tend. Here, keiki spend more time outdoors than in nearly any other preschool model, building early habits of wellness, curiosity, and environmental care. We are deeply grateful for this ʻāina that holds our learning. It is not only our setting, but our teacher.
Join Our ʻOhana
We are honored to walk beside your ʻohana as your child grows. At Ka Hana Pono, childhood is not rushed—it is honored, nurtured, and celebrated in balance with nature and aloha.
We invite you to:
- review the Parent Handbook,
- and then complete an Application if you are interested in enrollment for your child.
- Schedule a tour, visit our classrooms, and experience how Ka Hana Pono can be a joyful home away from home for your keiki.
Honoring Their Contribution...
ORIANA MCCALLUM
"AUNTY O"
AUNTY KIVA
