{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kahakai Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":47.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10439517,"projectId":10113206,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support of our students. The prizes and snacks have had a tremendous impact on our keiki from providing motivation to ensuring they have basic needs met such as food in their tummies throughout the school day. Your support of our local students is greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping to meet their needs and helping them stay full, focused, and regulated throughout their day which has a tremendous impact on their learning and total overall wellness and mental health. \r\n\r\nThank you!","fullyFundedDate":1778061136718,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-fuel-our-students/10113206/","projectTitle":"Help me fuel our students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Maya","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10439517"},{"teacherId":9705698,"projectId":10103027,"letterContent":"Receiving the robotics kit has brought so much excitement to our students! They were thrilled to finally have the materials they needed to build, experiment, and bring their ideas to life. As a new robotics team, my students are learning how to work together, solve problems, test their designs, and learn from mistakes.\r\n\r\nWe are using the kit to practice building and programming our robot as we prepare for our FIRST LEGO League season. Students are becoming more confident as they explore the LEGO SPIKE app and discover how their ideas can turn into a working robot.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue improving our robot, preparing for the Robot Game, and developing our Innovation Project. This experience is helping my students see themselves as problem-solvers, creators, and young innovators.","fullyFundedDate":1773681102138,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-future-innovators-through-rob/10103027/","projectTitle":"Empowering Future Innovators Through Robotics","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. TEJANO","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9705698_orig.png?crop=1254,1254,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1789634067616","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9705698"},{"teacherId":10579998,"projectId":10456317,"letterContent":"I am so excited to share an update on how your generous support is transforming my classroom every single day.\r\n When my students first saw the new materials arrive, they were absolutely thrilled and so happy! Their faces lit up knowing these resources were just for them.\r\n I am using these new resources to keep our energy up throughout the day. Specifically, my students who previously came to school without a snack now have reliable access to food. They are eating snack all the time, and the difference in their moods and energy levels is remarkable—they are much happier, more focused, and ready to learn.\r\n Building on this positive momentum, my next steps involve integrating our daily routine into a broader classroom lesson on health, wellness, and caring for our community, helping students understand the importance of nutrition and supporting one another.\r\nThank you again for investing in my students and making such a meaningful difference in their daily lives!","fullyFundedDate":1787799282455,"projectUrl":"project/help-a-first-year-teacher-fill-her-class/10456317/","projectTitle":"Help a First Year Teacher Fill Her Class!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Camara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10579998"},{"teacherId":10439603,"projectId":10113494,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding my project, \"Bites for Brighter Days.\" The moment the boxes arrived, my counseling office was instantly transformed. As a school counselor, my primary goal is to build a safe, warm, and inviting space where students feel comfortable opening up and seeking support. Having these snacks on hand has been a complete game-changer—it breaks down initial walls, turns hesitation into comfort, and invites kids into a space where they know they are always welcome.\r\n\r\nBeyond making my office a popular destination, your kindness directly addresses a critical need in our school community. Many of our students navigate the reality of poverty and come to school without reliable access to snacks or meals. Hunger is a massive barrier to both emotional regulation and academic success. Being able to offer a child a snack when they are hungry gives them the physical nourishment they need to focus, while also letting them know that their well-being is valued and cared for.\r\n\r\nThere is truly nothing like food to bring people together. Sitting down over a simple snack opens up natural conversations that might otherwise never happen, helping me build strong, trusting relationships with students who need support the most. You didn't just donate snacks—you provided comfort, relief, and connection to children who truly need it every single day. Thank you for making these brighter days possible.","fullyFundedDate":1778061134343,"projectUrl":"project/bites-for-brighter-days/10113494/","projectTitle":"Bites for Brighter Days","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vaughan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10439603"},{"teacherId":8363136,"projectId":10114873,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity. Your support has brought essential learning tools and excitement into our classroom this school year.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the boxes arrive, the room filled with immediate gasps and cheers. They eagerly gathered around to see what was inside. Seeing brand-new pens, pencils, and colorful air clay made them feel deeply valued and supported by community members like you. The incentive prizes sparked an instant buzz of motivation across the entire room.\r\nWe are already putting these resources to great use daily. The pencils and pens ensure that every single student starts their assignments with confidence, never needing to worry about missing basic supplies. Recently, we used the air clay for a hands-on modeling project where students sculpted figures to represent key concepts from our lessons. One of the most memorable moments was watching a student who usually struggles to stay focused become completely absorbed in shaping their clay model, proudly demonstrating their understanding to the rest of the class.\r\nThe momentum from your gift continues to drive our daily learning. Our next step is to use these creative materials to wrap up our current unit with student-led presentations. The incentive prizes will be awarded to celebrate their hard work, growth, and teamwork throughout this project. Your contribution did more than just buy supplies; it created a vibrant, motivated environment where my students are excited to learn every day.Thank you for being such an impactful part of our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1778061133193,"projectUrl":"project/bring-our-learning-to-life/10114873/","projectTitle":"Bring Our Learning to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wikum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8363136"},{"teacherId":3305187,"projectId":10105774,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations. With the books we were able to purchase, we were able to update our student library with new and exciting titles. Students were able to choose a book based on their preferences which allowed for more engagement in nightly reading. This caused so much reading growth in our class this year! As a class we were able to increase our lexiles by an average of 1.5 years! \r\nBesides the amazing books, the snacks that were purchased because of your donation helped our classroom tremendously. Students were able to choose a snack daily and it helped students to focus since their tummies were full. Again, thank you for everything!","fullyFundedDate":1771610283393,"projectUrl":"project/reigniting-learning-for-quarter-4/10105774/","projectTitle":"Reigniting Learning for Quarter 4","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeGuair","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3305187_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628071796192","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3305187"},{"teacherId":9814301,"projectId":10110134,"letterContent":"The Gardening Program at Kahakai Elementary School has made a significant positive impact on students by providing meaningful hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom lessons to the real world. Through planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting, students actively engage in learning while developing important life skills.\r\n\r\nThe garden serves as an outdoor classroom where students apply concepts from science, mathematics, and language arts. Students observe plant life cycles, investigate ecosystems, collect data on plant growth, and record their findings. These activities help make learning more engaging, relevant, and memorable.\r\n\r\nThe program has also increased students' awareness of environmental stewardship. By caring for plants and learning about sustainable gardening practices, students gain a greater appreciation for nature and understand the importance of protecting the environment. They develop responsibility, patience, and a sense of ownership as they contribute to maintaining the garden.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the gardening program promotes healthy living by introducing students to fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Students learn where food comes from and the importance of making nutritious food choices. Many become more interested in trying healthy foods and developing positive eating habits.\r\n\r\nThe program also supports students' social and emotional growth. Working together in the garden encourages teamwork, cooperation, communication, and problem-solving. Students learn to share responsibilities, support one another, and take pride in their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nOverall, the Gardening Program at Kahakai Elementary School has enriched student learning, fostered environmental responsibility, encouraged healthy lifestyles, and strengthened collaboration among students. It continues to be a valuable educational resource that nurtures academic achievement, personal growth, and a stronger connection to the natural world.","fullyFundedDate":1771790631944,"projectUrl":"project/sowing-seeds-of-resilience-the-garden-r/10110134/","projectTitle":"Sowing Seeds of Resilience: the Garden Resurrection Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Advincula","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9814301_orig.jpg?crop=2556,2556,x0,y136&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729748684415","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9814301"},{"teacherId":2109517,"projectId":10103782,"letterContent":"The Fueling Futures project has provided a foundational layer of support for my fourth-grade students by addressing their most basic needs first. By establishing our classroom \"Fuel Station,\" your generosity ensures that students facing food insecurity or long gaps between meals no longer have to struggle with the fatigue and frustration caused by hunger. When these physical distractions are removed, my students gain the mental bandwidth necessary to self-regulate and maintain focus during our most demanding reading passages and math lessons. It is incredible to see how a simple snack can transform a student's ability to engage with complex ideas.\r\n\r\nIn addition to physical nourishment, this project introduces high-interest sensory and academic tools that turn \"small wins into big victories.\" The inclusion of items like STEM Kits, electronic math games, and classic favorites like Mastermind and UNO provides the tangible motivation our unique learners often require. These resources act as powerful incentives for attendance and participation, helping us bridge the gap between academic challenges and student joy through play-based learning and interactive rewards.\r\n\r\nBeyond the classroom walls, your donation fosters social-emotional growth and physical well-being through inclusive outdoor activities. With equipment like the croquet set and soft bat and ball sets, my students now have the opportunity to practice motor skills and social cooperation in a structured, fun environment. Ultimately, this comprehensive support system—ranging from healthy snacks to science kits—ensures that every child in my diverse classroom feels seen, supported, and fully equipped to succeed. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1771733384487,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-futures/10103782/","projectTitle":"Fueling Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2109517_orig.jpg?crop=570,570,x42,y36&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596786791253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2109517"},{"teacherId":7840679,"projectId":10067924,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding this donors choose project to provide my students with personal pencil boxes, water bottles, erasable pens, pencils, and slime as fun student incentives.\r\n\r\nMy students love earning class money and buying items at my store every month. They work hard to complete their assignments and strive to do their best on tests, knowing that there are rewards to earn for putting in their best effort.\r\n\r\nExciting news recently to share with you is my class' recent math scores for spring testing at the end of the school year...90% of my students showed growth in their math scores by moving up one grade level or more! In August I had only 2 students that tested at an early 3rd grade level in math. 10 were at 2nd grade level, and 9 students tested at 1st grade or kindergarten. In April I now have 7 students that tested at early 3rd to mid 3rd grade. 12 students at 2nd grade level and only 2 students tested at a 1st grade level. I am so proud of my students for doing their best on their Spring testing! They worked so hard and I know that providing them with these incentives every month helped boost their motivation and confidence!","fullyFundedDate":1770175005391,"projectUrl":"project/student-incentives-for-showing-grit-and/10067924/","projectTitle":"Student Incentives for Showing Grit and Perserverance!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hull","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7840679_orig.jpg?crop=1041,1041,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1620089789441","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7840679"},{"teacherId":4483605,"projectId":8219770,"letterContent":"Your support has opened up new ways for my students to learn, think, and collaborate. Using Legos in the classroom has allowed students to explore STEM concepts in a hands-on, engaging way. Instead of just hearing about ideas like structure, balance, and spatial reasoning, they are actively building and testing them. This has strengthened problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and perseverance, as students work through challenges and adjust their designs.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, I've seen a big impact on how students interact with one another. Lego activities naturally encourage teamwork, communication, and creativity. Students are sharing ideas, taking on roles, and learning how to work through disagreements in a productive way. It has also provided a positive outlet for focus and creativity, helping students reset and re-engage. This project has helped create a classroom environment where students are thinking deeply, working together, and enjoying the learning process. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1708194801196,"projectUrl":"project/lots-of-learning-with-legos/8219770/","projectTitle":"Lots of Learning with Legos","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4483605_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y555&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628009479146","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4483605"},{"teacherId":4483605,"projectId":8032322,"letterContent":"Your support has made a meaningful difference in my students' daily learning experience. Having consistent access to basic school supplies like notebooks and pencils has allowed students to fully engage in lessons without interruption. They are better able to take notes, organize their thinking, and complete assignments with confidence. This has been especially important for students who previously came to class unprepared, as they now have the tools they need to participate and succeed.\r\n\r\nThese materials have also helped build important habits around responsibility and organization. Students are taking more ownership of their work and developing routines that support their learning. As a result, our classroom runs more smoothly, with fewer disruptions and more time focused on instruction. This project has helped create a stable, supportive environment where all students have what they need to learn and grow. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1700285476567,"projectUrl":"project/da-basics/8032322/","projectTitle":"Da Basics!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4483605_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y555&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628009479146","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4483605"},{"teacherId":4483605,"projectId":7215000,"letterContent":"Your support has made an immediate difference in both focus and engagement in my classroom. Fifth graders have a lot of energy, and the wiggle seats have given students a positive, productive way to manage that energy without disrupting their learning. Instead of struggling to sit still, they are able to move in a controlled way and stay locked in on the task. This has been especially helpful for students who previously had difficulty staying seated or maintaining attention for extended periods of time.\r\n\r\nThe addition of basic supplies like pencils and erasers has also had a bigger impact than you might expect. Students now come to class ready to work without the stress of not having materials, which keeps lessons running smoothly and minimizes lost time. Combined with improved organization, students are more focused, more confident, and more willing to put in their best effort. This project has helped create a classroom environment where students can manage their energy, stay prepared, and fully engage in their learning. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1677986017706,"projectUrl":"project/seats-and-supplies/7215000/","projectTitle":"Seats and Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4483605_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y555&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628009479146","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4483605"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_49905","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":494,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":56,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":34,"percentMultiracialImputed":17,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":52.1,"schoolId":49905,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kahakai Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kahakai Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/kahakai-elementary-school/49905"}
Join the 188 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Kahakai Elementary School is
a town public school
in Kailua Kona, Hawaii that is part of Hawaii School District.
It serves 494 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.8:1.
Its teachers have had 228 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 5
494 Students
42 Teachers
76-147 Royal Poinciana DrContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
34%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Kahakai Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Oct 4, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Kahakai Elementary School
$162,126
raised using DonorsChoose
228
projects
funded
55
teachers
funded
188
donors
64
projects
for
basic supplies
16
projects for
technology
26
projects for
books
14
projects
for
art supplies
Kahakai Elementary School has received support from
98 individuals from Hawaii and
90 individuals out-of-state.