On a shield shaped embroidered item edged with a 1/8 inch (0.32 cm) yellow border, blazoned as follows: Azure, a block letter P Or. Overall dimensions are 2 3/8 inches (6.03 cm) in width by 2 3/4 inches (6.99 cm) in height.

The letter P denotes the name of the school, Punahou School. The color blue alludes to the ocean, gold exemplifies excellence.

The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally authorized on 14 July 1950, it was amended to add the ACU color conversions and to update the manufacturing drawings on 14 August 2018. (TIOH Drawing Number A-10J-1229)

On a shield shaped gold metal and epoxied device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height blazoned as follows: Per fess arched enhanced Azure and Buff, bezant issuant from line of division, overall a Hala tree Proper. Attached below the shield, a blue scroll bearing the inscription PUNAHOU SCHOOL in gold.

Blue and buff are the school colors, which reflect the ocean and beach respectively. The demi bezant resembles a rising sun, symbolizing the beginning of the students professional careers formed by their academic achievements. The hala tree, an indigenous plant traditionally used in an assortment of ways as a major aspect of their daily lives and it is the schools mascot.