50th Anniversary Weekend

From our founding in 1976 to the exciting growth happening today, we’re proud to celebrate 50 years of tenacity, heart, and aloha that defines a Parker Bull. We invite you to join the festivities as we celebrate Parker School's 50th Anniversary over Labor Day Weekend 2026!

The LU'AU is sold out but please let us know if you can join us for other events.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

• FALL BBQ — 5:00–6:30 p.m.  
  Current and former students, employees and their families  
  Free to attend | Family friendly (no minimum age) | Parker colors or logo wear encouraged 
  Kick off the fun at our beloved Fall BBQ, an annual tradition that brings together our entire ʻohana at the start of the school year. Former students, employees and their families are invited to join current students, families, faculty, and staff for an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration. Enjoy fire-flamed burgers, games, and plenty of Parker spirit as the Class of 2027 unveils their decorated Bull in this cherished school tradition. It’s the perfect way to mingle and reconnect, make new memories and feel right at home again. This event will be outside, so please come prepared for Waimea weather. FORMER STUDENTS, FORMER EMPLOYEES, AND GUESTS please RSVP for this event even though it's free, so we can prepare enough food for everyone. CURRENT FAMILIES DON'T NEED TO RSVP. Mahalo.

• FORMER STUDENT ART NIGHT — 6:30–10:00 p.m. 
  Former students and their families only event  
  Free to attend | Space is limited | Minimum age is 15 
  Held immediately following the Fall BBQ, Art Night features two experiences happening simultaneously—choose visual arts, performing arts, or bounce between both. Visual Arts - experience the beloved Parker tradition of "art nights" again or for the first time in the art room with Upper School Art Teacher Mrs. Buscher (a.k.a. Mama B). Make art in a relaxed, welcoming setting alongside other former students and their families (min age 15). This is a perfect way to reconnect and create something meaningful during this unforgettable weekend. Performing Arts - Return to the spotlight in our historic and beloved theatre! Talkstory about Parker theatre traditions with current students, tour back of the house, enjoy some improv, and rehearse with Parker's Performing Arts Director, Mrs. Duggan. You and current students will perform a song together at the 50th Luau the following night. (One additional song practice will be held Saturday. Space is limited. Please RSVP for this event even though it's free, so we can properly prepare. Mahalo!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

• COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE: TOURS, TALKSTORY, AND FOOD TRUCK — 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. 
  Community event, everyone welcome! 
  Free to attend | Lunch available for purchase | Family Friendly (no minimum age)
  Stroll the campus that may feel both familiar and new—tour the 1-year-old SMART Center, peek inside Parker's new Preschool, explore the new lower school playground, reminisce in Kahilu Hall, and dive into Parkerʻs history as you explore our archive room and interactive history timeline. Sit down with beloved former headmasters Pieper Toyama (1990–2002) and Carl "Doc" Sturges (2002–2020), talkstory and share memories. Then grab lunch from food trucks and settle in at the picnic tables. This is the heart of anniversary weekend: relaxed, warm, and full of aloha. 

• STATE OF THE SCHOOL – 1:00–2:00 p.m. 
  Community event, everyone welcome
  The Board of Directors invites you to learn about Parkerʻs past, present, and future from those who led the school over the last 36 years. Get an update from current Head of School, Stephen Dunn about the Schoolʻs current status and future plans, and reflect on previous challenges and successes with former Headmasters Pieper Toyama, (1990-2002) and Doc Sturges, (2002-2020).

• PARKER DEBATE'S IMPACT: Gathering Evidence – 2:00–3:00 p.m.
  Former students and their families
  Join Doc and fellow team members from across the years for an engaging session to reminisce and share your stories about the transformative impact of debate on your life. Current Parker Debaters will be collecting recorded testimonials to highlight the influence of debate. We look forward to hearing your experiences! Please RSVP even though itʻs free to help us properly prepare.

• 50TH ANNIVERSARY LŪʻAU - SOLD OUT - NO LONGER AVAILABLE — 5:00–10:00 p.m. 
  Community event, everyone welcome 
  $50 per person (children 4 and under free, childcare available (from 5-8 pm, for ages 5-11) | Aloha wear encouraged
  Join us for the signature celebration of our anniversary weekend, held in our new SMART Center Gym.This special evening will bring our community together for island-inspired food, music, and connection, featuring performances, and a short film highlighting Parker's rich 50-year history. From past to present, we'll celebrate the people, stories, and spirit that has shaped our school. Then head to The Bull Pen, where a DJ will keep the night going with nostalgic throwbacks spanning five decades — from the 1970s through the 2020s — so you can dance the night away. Aloha wear encouraged. Tickets are required 
  CHILDCARE for ages 5-11, which includes dinner, is available during the lūʻau from 5:00 - 8:00 pm, next door on our Lower School campus for $20 per child. Space is limited. It is not necessary to purchase a lūʻau ticket for children participating in childcare. Children 4 and under can attend the lūʻau with you free of charge, however please reserve a free, 4 and under child ticket at checkout so we can plan.  

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

• CLASS GATHERINGS — TBD/Organized by class 
  Former students and their families
  Gather your classmates and make a day of it—hit the beach, throw a potluck, go on a hike, or explore the island. However you choose to celebrate, this is your time to reconnect, reminisce, and enjoy the company of the people who shared your Parker years. Coordinate with your classmates to make some new memories!

Mahalo to our event sponsors

• First Hawaiian Bank
• Alii Gas
• Lex Brodie's 
• John and Ann Broadbent
• Hawaii Community Foundationʻs Richard Smart Fund
• Parker Ranch

LODGING DETAILS

Joining us from off island? We've partnered with local hotels to make your stay easy. Book early—space and rates are limited and based on availability!

• Waimea Country Lodge (.01 miles away/next door): September 3–7; $140/night; Mention Parker School's special rate; 808-885-4100 or waimeaeacountrylodge.com.
• Kamuela Inn (1 mile away): September 3–7; promo code: ParkerSchool50, 808-885-4243 or www.thekamuelainn.com.
• Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (12 miles away): September 1-10; $499/night; book.passkey.com/e/51245838.
• The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort (13 miles away): September 1-10; $399/night; book.passkey.com/e/51245838.
• Kohala Village Inn (22 miles away): September 3–8; promo code: 50thanniversary, 808-889-0404 or www.kohalavillageinn.com.

QUESTIONS OR GET INVOLVED
You could plan your classes Sunday gathering, volunteer to welcome fellow Bulls back to campus, sponsor some of our anniversary festivities, or have another idea - we'd love to hear from you! Please reach out to us via email at 50th@parkerschoolhawaii.org or call 808-885-8709.

Mahalo and see you Labor Day Weekend!