Mary Kapuna Park Honond With New $ 1 Coin

Mary Kawena Pukui has been in the spotlight recently, with the U.S. Mint honoring her on a new $1 coin as part of its 2025 Native American series.

Recently, Mary Kawena Pukui has been making headlines again. Not only is the U.S. Mint highlighting her on a new $1 coin as part of its 2025 Native American series, but longtime Punahou Academy social studies teacher David Del Rocco is also celebrating Pukui’s legacy with a new children’s book.

The coin, which was released on Jan. 31, features Pukui wearing a hibiscus flower, a kukui nut lei, and a muʻumuʻu patterned with kukui leaves. It also bears the inscription "Nānā I Ke Kumu," the title of a book series that Pukui co-authored.

Meanwhile, Del Rocco’s book, "Mary Kawena Pukui: Knowledge Is Life," is the second title in the Wayfinders series, which spotlights significant figures in Hawaiʻi’s history for young readers in grades K – 4. Illustrated by Storm Kano, the series' first title focused on Patsy Mink. Future books will highlight Eddie Aikau and Edith Kanakaʻole.

Puki taught at Punahou in the 1930s and helped shape its ‘ike Hawai‘i curriculum, leaving a lasting imprint on the School’s educational approach. In honor of her impact, Punahou has been proud to name into its newest learning facility in her honor.

Puki taught at Punahou in the 1930s and helped shape its ‘ike Hawai‘i curriculum, leaving a lasting imprint on the School’s educational approach. In honor of her impact, Punahou has been proud to name into its newest learning facility in her honor.

The Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons will transform the former Cooke Library into a hub for high school students, featuring technology labs, flexible learning spaces, and a special room dedicated to Pukui’s contributions. The state-of-the-art space set to open in 2026.