A Hawaiian monk seal drawn by a Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School student will be featured on an ornament representing Hawaii at the 2025 National Christmas Tree Lighting in Washington, D.C. Courtesy photo

Students from Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School in Lahaina are bringing the aloha spirit to the nation’s capital this holiday season.

Young artists in kindergarten through fifth grade will have their hand-drawn ornament designs featured at the 2025 National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Each ornament reflects the students’ creativity and connection to Hawaiian culture, highlighting themes such as native plants and animals, hula, surfing, ʻukulele, the shaka and Lahaina town. Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena was selected to represent Hawaii as part of the annual program, which showcases student-designed ornaments from all U.S. states and territories.

Principal Ian Haskins said the school is honored to have its students’ artwork on a national stage.

“Their ornaments capture the essence of our islands and the resilience and pride of our Lahaina community,” he said. “This experience helps our students see how their voices and creativity can reach far beyond our islands and bring aloha to the world.”

The ornaments will be on display beginning with the tree lighting ceremony today.

They will remain on display throughout the holiday season at President’s Park, where millions of visitors in person and online will have a chance to admire the students’ work.