Kanu o ka 'Aina New Century Public Charter School was established in June, 2000 and opened its doors in August that year with 120 K-12 students. The concept for the school was based on the work of the Hawaiian Academy at Honoka'a High School, which operated from 1997-2000. The Hawaiian Academy was a school-within-a-school that used the ancient sciences and arts of the Hawaiians as a context for rigorous and meaningful learning. Students blocked several core academic and arts and culture courses, and used technology and public exhibition to demonstrate their learning. When the opportunity arose to become a K-12 school, the Hawaiian Academy staff (led by now principal Ku Kahakalau) applied for and received Hawaii Charter School status. An enterprise at the school is Kalo, Inc., a student-run venture focused on designing, producing, and marketing products relating to Native Hawaiian language, culture, and traditions using cutting edge media tools.