Lahainaluna High School Foundation names ‘Legends of Lahainaluna’ for 2026

The Lahainaluna High School Foundation announced its 2026 “Legends of Lahainaluna” Award recipients.

The 2026 honorees include: O.L. Moore Foundation; Lahainaluna Boarders Association led by Craig Murakami (’71) and Eddie Espiritu (’71); Tanya (Miyasaki) Arakawa (’68); Alan Yamamoto is a proud four-year boarder from Molokaʻi; and Daryl  Fujiwara (2001).

The O.L. Moore Foundation for their years of support for the school’s various clubs, classes, and athletic teams and school events as well as financial support through scholarship offerings for graduating seniors.  Several of the O.L. Moore Foundation directors are graduates of Lahainaluna.

The Lahainaluna Boarders Association is recognized for its outstanding and consistent support of the school’s boarding program.  Led by Craig Murakami and Eddie Espiritu, both boarding graduates from the Class of 1971, the association brings together alumni volunteers and supporters who help guide and encourage current boarders.  Their efforts include tending the campus orchards, assisting with the liming of the “L”, and supporting other boarding traditions and activities.

Tanya (Miyasaki) Arakawa, is an alumna from the Class of 1968.  Her siblings are all Lahainaluna graduates as well as her daughters and grandson.  A retired nurse, she has been a consistent volunteer not only during the years her children were in school, but also at many athletic, school, and community events.  Her service to the school is being applauded.

Alan Yamamoto is a proud four-year boarder from Moloka’i and a military veteran who credits his boarding experience with helping him survive his military service.  He later returned to serve Lahainaluna’s boarding program, retiring as its yard foreman.  Today he is best known as the “rock garden man” for the shoreline rock garden he created at Ukumehame near Olowalu as a tribute to Lahaina and Lahainaluna High School.  The project began with his efforts to remove trash near his favorite fishing spot.  He is honored for his enduring pride and spirit in Lahainaluna and his commitment to the boarding community.

Daryl  Fujiwara, Class of 2001, is a dedicated community leader whose work brings community together through cultural celebrations and community events. His leadership includes serving as Executive Director for the Maui Festivals of Aloha and Maui County Fair Director for the Maui County Fair. Through the challenges of planning large-scale events, Daryl maintains a steady demeanor with a welcoming smile that encourages teamwork and collaboration. He is being honored for his consistent public service and commitment to the community.

This year’s honorees will be honored on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026, in Hale Pa’ina, the school dining room.  Doors open at 5:30pm for check-in.  The opening welcome and pule will be at 6:00pm followed by dinner and entertainment.  The awards program will commence after dinner.  A Christmas Lūʻau will be catered by 1989 LHS alumnus William Bailey of Maui Flavors Catering. The luau menu includes mixed local greens with shoyu vinaigrette, lomi lomi salmon, plantation style potato-mac salad, kalua-style pork, gingered chicken long rice, steamed white rice, vanilla-orange poi, Hawaiian sweet rolls and butter, and haupia. Water and iced tea will also be available.  

Dinner reservations are required by Friday, Nov. 20, 2026.  Contact LHS Foundation Executive Director Art Fillazar via email at lhsf08@yahoo.com or leave a voice message at 808-661-5332 for a call back.  Dinner is $40 per person.  Check payable to LHS Foundation and can be mailed to LHS Foundation PO Box 11617, Lahaina, HI 96761 or dropped off at the high school main office for the Foundation’s on-campus mail basket. Arrangements to pay at the door can also be arranged.  The Legends of Lahainaluna awards dinner is open to the public. Friends, family, classmates, previous Legends honorees, and community members are encouraged to join in celebrating this year’s honorees.

The Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Lahainaluna High School, its students and its programs.

The Lunas “Da Store” will also be open from 5-7 p.m. only for sales on school swag.  Proceeds benefit the DECA and business class programs.