BRIEF HISTORY OF KAINALU
Kainalu Elementary first welcomed its students in 1954. Kainalu is named after Harold Kainalu Long Castle who's middle name means "Ocean Wave."
Harold K.L. Castle was the largest landholder in Kailua. The 10 acre land parcel that he donated for the Kainalu campus was, during the late 1930's through the mid 1940's, a thoroughbred horse racing track. Amongst the watermelon patches, the race track was adjoined to the horse stables which is now the location of Kainalu School.
Kainalu School was the 2nd elementary school in Kailua, built after Kailua Elementary School. Kainalu enrollment reached a peak in 1960 with 1250 students. After graduating from Kainalu, students had the option of attending Kalaheo Hillside Intermediate and High School or Kailua Intermediate School and Kailua High School.
Other interesting timelines include:
1956 - The opening of Kalaheo Intermediate and High was delayed, whereby 10 portables were brought on campus to serve Kainalu's outgoing 7th graders.
1978 - Kainalu is first in state to begin the Special Friends Project.
1988 - School colors and mascot were voted on. The dolphin won over the mustang and shark, and the colors continue to be blue and green.
1998 - Kainalu was the first school in the complex to go year-round.
