Beyond the Screen: Lihue, Hawaii and Kigali, Rwanda

OHS is a unique school. There are high-level classes and amazing students–each with their own skills and academic interests. But another great and special thing about OHS is where the students live (and I don’t mean their background screens on Adobe Connect). Sometimes we forget that our classmates could be on the other side of the world or even just down the street, so let’s get to know some of our OHSers’ spectacular cities and see what goes on beyond the screen!

Raphael (’26) is a 9th-grade full-timer at OHS. He resides within the gorgeous scenic views of Lihue, Hawaii, located on the island of Kaua’i. Now, let’s pause for a second. Imagine you spend half your day in your room, attending rigorous classes, hanging out with friends, and maybe even starting that essay that’s due on Friday…Wow. That got real, really quick. Now imagine that you are doing all of these splendid yet stressful activities with a picture-window across from you, featuring 3 waterfalls. It seems too good to be true right?! But this is just Raphael’s everyday view.

It is funny to think that our classmates, teachers, and peers only see as much as our computers’ cameras can frame and fit on Adobe Connect. Unless we get a room-tour or background, the space in front, behind, and really all around this OHSer remains a mystery. Thankfully, Raphael is able to share how Lihue’s beauty is endless and plentiful–even evident from his bedroom window!

Raphael likes to run on a big hill north of the village of Hanamaulu and proudly notes that “when I run to the top, although my legs are burning from the steep climb, I get a 360 view of the east side of the island, from the mountains to the ocean. I can see all the towns below”. It is amazing to think that the beauty of nature is not only a view but also an interactive experience that can be very rewarding.

Another pretty place Raphael describes is the Hanalei Pier where you get a view of the beautiful bay that surrounds you and the north side’s mountain ranges. This bountiful beauty seems limitless.

Some of Raphael’s favorite activities are playing soccer at his club and futsal in high school gyms. (Futsal is a sport similar to soccer but played with two teams of five and on a hard court that is typically indoors.)

Raphael suggests that “anyone should visit because, well, it’s Hawaii!” According to Raphael, the island that Lihue is located on, Kauai, is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world, so if you go visit, you’d definitely be doing yourself a favor and be able to cross “going to prettiest island” off your bucket list.

Circling back to OHS, though the bedazzling views are extensive, the internet is not. According to Raphael, “the internet here isn’t very good, especially for things that require connection to servers” like video games. For example, the nearest server for many websites is “US West,” which is at least 3,000 miles from Lihue. There are a lot of problems with ping. Lihue seems like a perfect place to spend a winter, fall, spring, or summer break–what I’m trying to get at is…if you need a relaxing scenic tropical island scene, Lihue is the place to go.

Next, let’s travel two oceans over to the wondrous continent of Africa. Vienna (’25) is a full-time OHSer and lives in Kigali, Rwanda, an incredibly unique location in that it has “a remarkable aura of peace, cleanliness, and courtesy; both for the people and for the environment.”

The community and relaxed lifestyle are very evident. Vienna details how “twice a month we have ‘car-free mornings’ where walking, running, cycling, and outdoor exercises and activities are encouraged and publicly held.” This projects togetherness and humility. In addition to this special custom, they have community service called Umuganda (translating to congregation to work on benefiting the community) where—you guessed it—everyone does community service like picking up trash and volunteering at help centers.

Aside from contributing to Kigali and its remarkable community, Vienna attends meetings and works on her computer all day at the Ministry of Finance and Economic planning—the life of every OHSer…except for the setting of course. She states that the internet is “pretty good! 5/5 green bars for Adobe Connect.” Now, it’s set. What more could an OHSer really ask for?!

In addition to these magnificent aspects of Kigali, Vienna has some favorite spots and activities that are absolutely stellar. She remarks that her favorite spots in Kigali are the cafes. It doesn’t matter which one you go to because in any Rwandan cafe, the high quality and excellence are a guarantee as the “Rwandan coffee is delicious.” Vienna says that “while I always order decaf, the views and gorgeous natural light from Question Coffee in central Kigali perk me up more than caffeine could.” Her poetic description really illustrates the immense culture and nature Kigali has to offer.

Cloths from the market

This enlightening and invigorating natural energy is necessary for Vienna because she tags along with her little brother, oftentimes playing tennis. Between getting coffee at a cozy Rwandan cafe and being part of a tight-knit community, I’m not sure what more one needs to be content.

Most people visit Rwanda for ecotourism which definitely goes along with Kigali’s value of taking care of the community and its nature. You can visit the gorillas and stunning national parks. “You won’t return from a trip to north Akagera Park disappointed!”

Unfortunately, Kigali will be missing Vienna and her family in the future. Plot twist! A little backstory: Vienna moved to Kigali five months ago for her sister’s project of connecting 30 Rwandan schools to the FIRST LEGO League program called STEM Inspire (look it up!) where she helps out when she can. Once they finish the project and make sure it is sustainable, they will probably move to start a new adventure. What a beautiful story and a bittersweet ending to Vienna’s chapter in Kigali. She remarks, “either way, it’ll be hard to forget all the crazy and eye-opening memories I’ve made so far.”

From Lihue, Hawaii to Kigali, Rwanda, OHSers continue to prove the Earth’s natural beauty and the people that live there. Whether it is Lihue or Kigali, I definitely need to make a stop there sometime soon!