Three Rotary clubs came together to restore a beloved student rewards center and celebrate student achievement. From fresh paint and repairs to campus safety improvements and school supplies, the project brought new energy to a special place for Kaʻiulani’s students.
At Princess Victoria Kaʻiulani Elementary School in Honolulu’s Kalihi-Pālama community, students have a special incentive to do their best: Peacock Points. Earned through positive behavior, attendance, and academic achievement, these points can be exchanged for books, school supplies, toys, and other prizes at the school’s Peacock Bus.
The Peacock Bus isn’t an actual vehicle. It’s a freestanding wooden structure, approximately the size of a 20-foot shipping container, that has become an important part of the school’s student recognition program. Over the years, however, its paint had faded and its windows and doors had deteriorated.
In June 2026, three Rotary clubs—Honolulu Sunrise, Metropolitan Honolulu, and Kahala Sunrise—joined forces to give the Peacock Bus some much-needed attention.
Working Together for Our Community
Eighteen Rotarians rolled up their sleeves to help restore the bus. Club members fabricated replacement windows and a door, which were installed with the assistance of a carpenter. Volunteers repainted the structure in its signature bright yellow, adding black detailing along the bottom to complete its bus-inspired appearance.
The finishing touch was a collection of colorful Hawaiian bird graphics, specially designed by the daughter of a Honolulu Sunrise Rotarian.
The volunteers also took on an important campus safety project, repainting 30 red safety arches across three school buildings. These markings identify the swing areas of outward-opening doors, helping students recognize where to stand safely.
A Grand Reopening
On July 31, the newly restored Peacock Bus was unveiled during Kaʻiulani Elementary’s parent-student open house. Rotarians joined the celebration, handing out popsicles to students and families as the school welcomed the bus back for the new academic year.
And the support didn’t stop with the restoration.
On August 20, Rotarians returned with donations to help stock the Peacock Bus with rewards. Contributions included more than 50 boxes of crayons, 30 boxes of colored pencils, 45 notebooks, and an assortment of toys, games, puzzles, water bottles, and other school supplies.
More Than a Fresh Coat of Paint
Kaʻiulani Elementary is a Title I school serving approximately 250 students. With many families facing financial challenges, the school provides free meals to all students and helps ensure children have the supplies they need to learn.
By restoring the Peacock Bus and helping replenish its rewards, Rotary is supporting a program that recognizes students for their accomplishments and encourages positive choices throughout the school year.
This project is a wonderful example of what can happen when Rotary clubs combine their time, skills, creativity, and resources for a shared purpose. What began as a painting and repair project became an opportunity to improve campus safety, celebrate students, and strengthen connections with a neighborhood school.
Together, we’re helping make the Peacock Bus a place of encouragement and excitement for years to come.