Kīhei ceremony is for graduating Native Hawaiian medical students at JABSOM.  Each kīhei, or Hawaiian cloak, tells a story of that student’s journey to medicine.

As is our custom, the kauka ‘opio (young doctor) makes his/her own kīhei to be presented to him/her at the ceremony by kauka (Native Hawaiian physicians) who are part of ‘Ahahui o nā Kauka and the Department of Native Hawaiian Health Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence (NHCOE).  Similar to a physician’s white coat, the kīhei symbolizes their responsibility as future Native Hawaiian physicians.   Kīhei Ceremony includes mentoring from current kauka who will speak to the importance of kuleana (responsibility), pono (doing what is right), and lokahi (teamwork).

This event is sponsored by the ‘Ahahui o nā Kauka and NHCOE.