Always a Voice for Students

Imua ʻIolani
Leiyah S.’29 and Matix D.’29 are inside Upper Gym standing side by side with basketballs in hand, portraying the story of WNBA and NBA players’ doing the same job. Despite this, WNBA and NBA players have a major pay gap with some arguing they should get paid the same or less than NBA players.
Students Weigh In On 6 Controversial Topics
A Student Guide to War in Iran: Why is the US Involved?
A Student Guide to War in Iran: Why is the US Involved?
The partial government shutdown resulted in the controversial deployment of ICE to airport security on March 23. Illustration by Yuma R. ‘26
DHS Shutdown Raises Questions About ICE’s New Role in Airports
Members of Hālau 'Iolani pay tribute to 'Iolani founders, King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma, at the Founders Day ceremony in February.
Defending a Promise: ‘Iolani Students Speak Out on Kamehameha Diversity Lawsuit
Meta and Youtube are being sued for liability, a large turning point for the rest of social media history. In a teen’s life, the presence and grasp of social media and the pressures that come with it control many aspects of life. 6 out of 10 teens are on their phones more than regularly with some young adults even saying they are on social media constantly.
Knowing Harm: The Lawsuit That Alleges Meta Knew About Potential Dangers in Their Platforms
Trusten L. ’29 uses ChatGPT to help understand his Biology homework on February 17, showing how students can quickly customize AI to help them understand academic material. This use of AI highlights how ‘Iolani students can use AI responsibly and to benefit their learning.
Power of AI at our Fingertips: How do ‘Iolani students use AI?
Mrs. Jennifer Lallier ’95 and Mrs. Ernette Au represent two different generations that deal with changing social norms in many ways, whether it's accepting these new norms or rejecting them. How would these older generations know if it’s the right thing to accept if it's not ordinary for them?
From Boomers to Gen Alpha: How Generations Are Dealing With Changing Social Norms
This past year's Keables Chair posters that were displayed across campus encouraged students to learn from nationally renowned speakers, one of whom was Jodi Kantor. The Keables program was recently expanded due to a collaboration with the University of Hawai’i. Jodi Kantor was one of the very first to be a part of the ongoing collaboration with UH. This is a positive step for the program as its committee hopes to expand further beyond just the ‘Iolani community.
The Growth of Iolani’s Keables Chair Program
Kaito M. ‘26 passes on ibuprofen and jumping spikes to his underclassman Ryder K. ‘27.
Class of 2026 Senior Bequeathments
Leiyah S.’29 and Matix D.’29 are inside Upper Gym standing side by side with basketballs in hand, portraying the story of WNBA and NBA players’ doing the same job. Despite this, WNBA and NBA players have a major pay gap with some arguing they should get paid the same or less than NBA players.
Equal Game? Almost Half of ‘Iolani Students Believe WNBA and NBA Players Should Get Paid Equally
Since 1971, the voting age has been 18-years-old, but now organizations like Vote16USA have posed the idea of lowering the voting age to 16-years-old.
Too Young to Vote? ‘Iolani students against lowering the voting age
Ms. Yuki Basso looks into a few celebrities' allegations debating if it's still ethical to support them or not.
Cancel Culture: ‘Iolani Student Views Divided
Many of us use AI or are told how we should be using AI daily, but that doesn’t always come with the understanding of how these chatbots are made or the true impacts they have on communities around the world.
The Cost of Convenience: Examining AI’s Global Effects
By the end of 2026 there will have been more than 20 sequel films released mostly by Hollywood and major film studios.
Sequels in Hollywood: Tensions Between Profit and Originality
Political violence in America has only been increasing in recent years, with party divides Illustration by Maris K. ’26
A Student’s Commentary on the Rise of Politically Violent America
Image of Flooding at Hōkūlani Elementary School from recent floods. KHON2 News.
When the Waters Recede, Will We?
As a longstanding Chinese tradition, Sophia D. ‘27 places 福, the character meaning luck, on doors during New Years in hopes of having a healthy and prosperous year ahead.
Are We “Chinamaxxing” or “China-losing”?
Sean L. ‘29 stages sports betting using chips and money in a casino while viewing wagers for his sports team.
Legalizing Sports Betting in Hawaii: A Safe Gamble to Take?
Illustration of the ‘Together We are America’ football from Bad Bunny’s halftime show by Alicia Zhang ’27
The Benito Bowl: Why Honoring One’s Cultural Roots Doesn’t Divide a Nation but Enriches it
Girls varsity division 1-AA basketball and boys varsity division 1 soccer senior night.
Shooting for Excellence: ‘Iolani Teams Celebrate Senior Night
Poema K. ’27 gets up to swing for a kill at the HHSAA Girls Volleyball state championship, hosted on Nov. 1 at the Stan Sheriff Stadium.
Dominating Hawai’i and Soon Beyond: Poema K.’s Volleyball Journey
Yuriko R.F. ’31, starter on the girls Intermediate Black Basketball team prepares to jump for the ball to kick off the game vs. Kamehameha on Nov. 7.
Girls Intermediate Basketball team steps up their game in 2025 season through teamwork and dedication
The players huddle after scoring against Kahuku in the 1st set in the HHSAA State Championship game at the Stan Sheriff Center. The players huddle after scoring against Kahuku in the 1st set in the HHSAA State Championship game at the Stan Sheriff Center.
‘Iolani Girls Volleyball: Striving for Greatness
Keani I. ’28 and Zoe O. ’28, team managers of Boys Varsity Water Polo, distribute players’ water bottles
Team Managers: What Are They?
Summer 2026
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Spring 2026
April Fools 2026
April Fools 2026
Winter 2025
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Fall 2025
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Summer 2025
Always a Voice for Students

Imua ʻIolani
Always a Voice for Students

Imua ʻIolani
About

Imua ʻIolani is ʻIolani School’s official student newspaper produced by Upper School students in the Newsroom and Intro to Newsroom classes.
Imua produces 5 print issues each year and shares content regularly online and on Instagram at @imua_iolani.

The mission of Imua is sixfold:

1. Be a platform for student voices, expression, and individuality
2. Portray a full picture of ‘Iolani School by sharing student perspectives
3. Illuminate issues that concern the students
4. Educate students on current events
5. Preserve the history of the school
6. Promote open communication amongst the greater ‘Iolani community

Meet the Imua staff below to learn more about our writers, photographers, and designers.

Contact us via email at [email protected]:

- If you see news happening or have a story idea that you think Imua should cover.
- If you are an 'Iolani Upper School student interested in joining Imua. Email us to become a guest columnist, or speak to your grade-level counselor
about joining the Intro to Newsroom or Newsroom class next year.

Imua in the News

In 2025, Imua was recognized in multiple categories at the Hawaiʻi High School Journalism Awards (HHSJA). Imua won second place in the state overall, and first in the Design and Online divisions. Additionally, HHSJA awarded our newsroom as Best-in-State for Feature Writing, Layout/Design, Infographic and Single Issue. In the Hawai‘i State Journalist of the Year (HiJOY) contest, Print Editor-in-Chief Kaelyn Pacpaco ’25 won first place.

2025 HiJoy Winner
Kaelyn Pacpaco, the 2024-2025 Imua Print Editor-In-Chief, won Hawaii Journalist of the year. According to the HiJoy website, judges commented on her incredible voice, personal narrative, and creative layouts.
2024 HiJoy Winner
Devin Panalal, the 2024-2023 Imua Editor-In-Chief, won the 2024 Hawaii Journalist of the Year. His portfolio included detail-oriented, pristine layouts and a powerful voice in his reflections.
2023 HiJoy Winner
Skye Bulman, the 2022-2023 Imua Print Editor-in-Chief and "Most Valuable Staffer," won the 2023 Hawaii Journalist of the Year. HiJoy's website comments on her diverse skillset in "all areas of publication, from marketing to design" and an outstanding commitment to journalism.
Recent Stories
Read Our Latest Print Editions
Meet the Staff
Phoebe H.
Phoebe H.
Public Relations Coordinator
Hi! My name is Phoebe H. and I’m a junior at ‘Iolani School. This is my fourth year in Imua Newsroom, but my first as a PR
Audrey A.
Audrey A.
Staff
Hi! My name is Audrey A. I’m a sophomore at `Iolani and this is my first year of Imua. I joined Imua to grow my love for reading
Yumi R.
Yumi R.
Media Editor
Hi! I’m Yumi R. And I’m the Media Editor this year. This is my second year in Imua, but I’ve been a returning artist for
Naomi M.
Naomi M.
Social Media Editor-in-Chief
Hi! My name is Naomi and this is my fourth year in Imua Newsroom. I initially joined Newsroom to improve my writing skills and