News
News
Kiwanis Division 22 Lieutenant Governor Kelsey Okuda today announced that Hawai’i residents, 60 years or older on or before August 1, 2025, are invited to compete in the upcoming Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee.
Preliminary events open to Hawai’i kupuna are as follows:
Aiea: Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at Aiea Public Library, 99-374 Pohai Place
Hilo: Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 9 a.m. at Hawai’i Island Adult Care, 561 Kupuna Place
Honolulu: Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 9 a.m. at Maryknoll School, 1402 Punahou Street
Kaneohe: Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Windward Community College, 45-720 Keaahala Road
Kauai: Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 9 a.m. at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Cafeteria, 4431 Nuhou Street, Lihue
Kona: Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 9 a.m at Salvation Army, 75-223 Kalani Street, Kailua Kona
Maui: Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 9 a.m. at Wailuku Hongwanji Mission Social Hall, 1828 E. Vineyard Street, Wailuku, HI 96793
Interested participants 60 years or older on or before August 1, 2025 are asked to register and pay a $35 registration fee at www.kupunaspellingbee.com. Registration deadlines will vary for each preliminary contest location. Net proceeds from this annual event will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
First and second place winners from each preliminary contest will receive a certificate and be eligible to compete in the Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee Finals on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Pulama Mau Auditorium at Kuakini Medical Center. The grand prize winner will receive prizes, including a trip for two to any destination Alaska Airlines flies and a 4-night stay at California Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
For more information, visit www.kupunaspellingbee.com, email kiwaniskupunaspellingbee@gmail.com or call/text 808-280-1299. Those inquiring about the Hilo competition are asked to email kiwaniseasthawaii@gmail.com.