LANI ECKART-DODD

PO`OKULA KūIKAWā , INTERIM head of school

In August 2024, Lani stepped in as Interim Head of School at Ke Kula ʻO Piʻilani. She brings a tapestry of leadership experience and an unwavering commitment to educational excellence and the perpetuation of our cultural traditions. Since the school’s founding, Lani has been instrumental in shaping its mission and fostering an environment that centers on the wisdom of our ancestors. Rooted in Iao Valley, Lani’s strong family ties to this sacred area profoundly influence her values and work. 

Lani is a kalo farmer and has been growing kalo and restoring loʻi on her family homestead at Mahuaawenui, just downriver of the school. Since 2016, she has been engaged with Ke Kula ʻO Piʻilani as a loea, sharing her love and enthusiasm for traditional farming and food with students.

She is a chant practitioner and student with Nā Hanona Kūlike O Piʻilani. Through this practice, she continues to deepen her understanding of Hawaiian cultural practices and ensures that students experience a robust, culturally enriched educational environment.

Her experience in youth development extends internationally, having served as an Education Supervisor with the U.S. Peace Corps in Thailand, where she trained over 250 primary school teachers and organized educational camps for more than 1,000 children. This global perspective enriches her approach to education at Ke Kula ʻO Piʻilani, allowing her to incorporate diverse learning strategies and practices that promote growth and engagement.

Lani’s civic and community involvement illustrates her commitment to service. She has served as the Treasurer for Hui O Nā Wai ‘Ehā, advocating for the health of Maui’s rivers and their importance to Hawaiian cultural practices. Her previous role as Programs Manager at Hui Malama O Ke Kai Foundation involved overseeing culture-based enrichment programs that empowered youth and families.

Since the schoolʻs inception, Lani has personally contributed to the school by writing grants, facilitating workshops, and actively engaging in community outreach to secure resources for our students. Her connection to the school is also deeply personal, as both of her sons attended Ke Kula ʻO Piʻilani and thrived in its culturally rich environment.

Through her blend of leadership, experience in youth development, and cultural values, Lani is dedicated to guiding Ke Kula ʻO Piʻilani toward a future where education is a powerful tool for fostering cultural identity and nurturing the next generation of responsible, engaged, and culturally aware leaders.