Hilarie Alomar
KS post-high scholarship recipient, Kamehameha Schools staff member
Hilarie Alomar first experienced Pauahi’s legacy when she came to O‘ahu from Hilo for the Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i Explorations program. She said being immersed in Hawaiian culture for the weeklong boarding experience helped her gain a sense of pride in being Hawaiian.
But it wasn’t until she was struggling in college, when she was attending UH Mānoa on a Kamehameha Schools scholarship, that she truly appreciated all that the Princess had provided to her.
“Transitioning to life in Honolulu was a challenge, and if not for the support and encouragement of Kamehameha post-high counselors like Guy Nishimura, I would have given up. He basically told me that I have a kuleana to myself, my family, and my people to finish,” said Hilarie, now a senior planning and development manager with Kamehameha’s Commercial Real Estate Division.
Hilarie said she gives with Pauahi because she wants other Native Hawaiians to receive a post-high education as well.
