New LHES Teacher, Amelia Nelson Embraces Life on Lāna‘i

Visiting Lāna‘i over the years, Amelia Nelson kept finding reasons to return. “It was life-changing,” she said. “We just couldn’t help ourselves.” The island felt different from anywhere else she had been — quiet, close-knit and simple in a way she hadn’t experienced before. Each visit reinforced the feeling that this was where she wanted to be. Now, she teaches pre-K at Lāna‘i High and Elementary School.

“I’m tired, but I’m inspired,” Amelia said. “Every day, I feel happy and fulfilled. It’s the best choice I ever did to go back to teaching.”

Originally from New York, she began her career in education before moving to California. She stepped away from teaching for a time but always knew she would return.

She first heard about the job vacancy on Lāna‘i through a friend. “I was toying with the idea of teaching again, and a friend of mine, who’s a kindergarten teacher, mentioned there was an opening,” she said.

She applied, sent in her resume, and was hired quickly. During her interview, the principal brought up things people might miss when moving to Lāna‘i. “I had to stop him and say, I’m very well aware,” she said. “People assume you’d get bored living here, but there’s still so much I haven’t done. You just figure things out — the Costco run, making a day of it. It’s part of the odd beauty of this place. When you find somewhere this remote, it’s hard to find that anywhere else.”

Her class has 20 students. “They’re all over the place,” she said. “They’re supposed to be energetic at this age. I don’t get mad when they’re wild because that’s how they learn and grow.” The kids call her “Aunty” even when she reminds them to say “teacher.” “It feels like a family,” she said.

She’s already bringing in the community. “I’m interested in getting outside people to come in and help fill in those gaps where I can’t,” she said.

Settling into Hōkūao has made the transition easier. “My husband handled everything so I could just focus on school,” she said. “Teachers have been so supportive.”

Amelia said giving back feels right. “I’ve received so much from Lāna‘i, enjoying everything it has to offer. It feels good to do my part.”