All-School Bulletin
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to attend a polo match with many friends of HPA. Watching skilled riders and their horses work together with such grace, speed, and confidence was a wonderful reminder of the extraordinary ranching and equestrian traditions woven into the fabric of our school.
I should be upfront: I am not a horseman. I remember being four years old, sitting on the back of Big John, my grandfather Snookie’s prize horse, following his first race in Charleston, West Virginia. What began with such comfort and promise in a horse-friendly childhood has somehow, 50 years and a whole lot of indoor sports later, produced a soft, decidedly un-cowboy guy.
Case in point: the other morning, my wife Dina and I were walking our dogs through the upper pasture above campus when our usual path split a herd of about 20 horses. “Let’s just keep walking,” Dina said. “They’re totally cool, eating grass and not paying any attention to us.” But one stubbly-faced fellow looked our way and angled toward us, and a few of his mates followed. We picked up our pace. So did they. Picture two people in their mid-fifties in a high-kneed uphill speed-walk/jog, trying to look casual while questioning their life choices.
Dina, more athletic and about half my size, slipped through the fence into the orchard. It was a little harder for me. I squeezed through, somewhat frantic and entirely ungraceful, with the horses just feet away (probably just wanting a carrot and a nose rub). Dina and our dog Rocky watched from safety, apparently enjoying the show.
All of which makes me a little more awestruck by those who truly know what they’re doing around horses. Spending time around horse people is a lesson in sportsmanship, in groundedness, and in kinship. You see a real friendship between two very different beings, built on trust, patience, and a shared understanding that never needs a word. I may not have the riding skills to match, but I’m happy to cheer from the rail and learn what I can.
And I now have the privilege of leading a school whose history with horses and ranching is as old as the school itself. When Dick Solmssen arrived in Waimea in 1957, he started our equestrian program with six horses and went on to direct it for more than fifty years. Judy Folk joined in 1969 and Laura Rose in 2009, and they have taught generations of students to catch, halter, and care for their mount of the day before ever climbing into the saddle. Many alumni will tell you that the horseback camping trip to a remote cabin on Maunakea was a highlight of their HPA years.
With a spirited week winding down and the big shows of state cross country and football on campus, all on Halloween day, please enjoy a safe and spirit-filled weekend.
Happy Aloha Friday, y’all.
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 10/30/26
Lower School
Each week, K–5 families receive updates highlighting joyful moments, meaningful lessons, and a glimpse into what students and parents can look forward to in the weeks ahead.
News & notes
Aloha Lower School ʻOhana!
What a wonderful Spirit Week we have enjoyed here at the Village Campus! There has been so much Ka Makani spirit throughout the week, with creativity and school pride on full display. It has been especially fun to celebrate together across all three divisions, sharing some of the same daily themes and strengthening the sense of connection across both campuses.
A big mahalo to our Lower School Student Council leaders for their thoughtful planning and leadership. Our student council members began by gathering ideas from their schoolmates, ensuring that student voices helped shape our Spirit Week themes. They also took the initiative to organize activities for Sports Day, including Gecko Tag, cornhole, basketball, and even futsal in Hale ʻĪnana! It was wonderful to see our students not only enjoying these activities but also taking responsibility for creating opportunities for their peers to have fun together.
And, of course, Halloween Costume Day was once again a tremendous hit! From imaginative costumes to the excitement of seeing friends and teachers dressed up, it was a delightful way to conclude a spirited week. Mahalo to our many ʻOhana Association volunteers for decorating our campus, escorting our parade walkers, donating copious treats, and supporting our lower school community!
Spirit Week is a lovely example of our core values in action — Wonder through creativity and joyful participation, Respect through inclusivity and encouragement, and Integrity and Pursuit of Excellence through the initiative and responsibility demonstrated by our student leaders. Most importantly, it is a celebration of pilina and lōkahi, the relationships and unity that bring us together as one Ka Makani ʻohana.
Fifth Grade Capstone: Connecting Passions with Community Needs
Our fifth graders are making exciting progress in their Capstone journey! One of the most meaningful aspects of Capstone is the opportunity for students to discover how their individual interests and passions can connect to a larger purpose and contribute positively to their community.
We are pleased to share the following update from our K–8 Capstone Coordinator, Dagan Bernstein ’97:
Aloha mai kākou,
Since the Community Symposium, our fifth graders have been moving from curiosity toward identifying real community needs. Students began by exploring their passions and considering why those interests matter to them, discovering that what they care about can become the foundation for a project that makes a meaningful difference.
They then interviewed teachers and staff across the Village Campus to better understand the needs of our school community. More recently, students have been engaging in the challenging and important work of examining what they have learned and identifying where their own passions and sense of purpose intersect with those needs.
On October 15, our fifth graders participated in a fifth- and eighth-grade Pilina session, sharing their emerging ideas and receiving valuable feedback from our eighth graders. They also had the opportunity to offer thoughtful feedback on the eighth graders’ project pitches, making this a meaningful exchange of ideas and perspectives across grade levels.
Next, students will draw upon this feedback, along with their research and the community idea bank, to identify a need that resonates with them and develop the project idea they will bring forward in their Capstone proposals.
This process reflects the heart of Capstone learning: nurturing curiosity, building connections, developing empathy, and empowering students to take purposeful action in service of their community.
Wā Pilina Gatherings
Our recent Wā Pilina gatherings brought students together for Halloween fun and meaningful connections across grade levels. Kindergarteners proudly became teachers for their sixth-grade buddies, sharing the pumpkin life cycle, explaining pumpkin parts and their functions, and leading a step-by-step pumpkin drawing lesson. Their reflections captured their joy and confidence:
“That was so much fun, we don’t have to be scared of big kids… They’re all so nice!”
“Do you know that the big kids did not know much about pumpkins?”
“I really like my big friends.”
“It made me happy that I got to teach a big kid how to draw a pumpkin.”
Meanwhile, first- and seventh-grade buddies enjoyed spooky storytelling, festive crafts, and a lively Monster Mash-Up dance. Together, they built pilina, giving students opportunities to lead, learn from one another, and feel a stronger sense of belonging in our Village Campus ʻohana. Mahalo to our teachers for connecting our keiki together!
As we conclude another busy and joyful week, mahalo to our students, faculty, and families for the enthusiasm and care you bring to our Lower School.
Wishing everyone a festive and safe Halloween weekend!
Me ka mahalo nui,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
Schedule
Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, November 2.
We encourage all families to check the School Calendar in myHPA for the most up-to-date information. In addition, a list of Key Dates (school opening and closures) can also be located on the Lower School Family Resources tile located in myHPA.
Coming Up
• November 13: Pinch Pot Harvest Festival, Ulumau Garden
• November 23: Lower School Makahiki Games
• November 25–27: Thanksgiving Break
• December 5: Waimea Twilight Christmas Parade
LAST CHANCE TO ORDER
We’re partnering with HI Kendama to offer a custom HPA Palaka Kendama featuring a red-and-white palaka design and our HPA tree emblem. Each purchase supports HPA!
This is a preorder. Kendamas will be produced after the ordering period closes and are not available for immediate pickup.
Here’s how to order:
- Visit HI Kendama and select your quantity.
- Enter your student’s name, grade, and teacher or advisor. Alumni, family members, and community supporters can select “I’m not ordering for a student.”
- Enter your contact information and complete payment online. Your receipt and order link will be sent to the email address you provide.
- Pricing is $45 for one kendama or $80 for two, with each additional kendama priced at $40.
Estimated delivery is in January. HI Kendama has informed us that production demand is affecting the timeline. January is an estimate, and HI Kendama will share updates as production and delivery dates are confirmed.
All orders will be delivered to HPA and distributed through the school. Shipping to individual addresses is not available. Pickup dates, times, and instructions will be shared by email once orders are ready. Please save your order confirmation for distribution.
Mahalo for supporting HPA and sharing your Ka Makani spirit!
Upper School Fall Musical:
Journey to the underworld with Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy’s captivating production of Hadestown – Teen Edition. Join us for three live performances!
The Ka Makani Players return to the Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC) with this full-scale, jazz-inflected folk opera adaptation of Anaïs Mitchell’s Broadway hit. Winner of eight Tony Awards—including Best Musical—and featuring a Grammy Award-winning score, Hadestown–Teen Edition intertwines the mythic tales of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone in a powerful story of hope, love, and fate.
Directed by Taylor Morgan, with choreography by Kelly Wadlegger and musical direction by Mario Flores and Mallory DiBartolo, this production brings a talented high school cast and live band together to explore themes of industry versus nature, doubt versus faith, and fear versus love.
As a PreK–12 community, we warmly welcome all students, families, and community members. We kindly ask that younger children be accompanied by an adult. Mahalo for your support!
Showtimes
- Friday, November 6: Doors open at 6:30 PM (Show at 7:00 PM)
- Saturday, November 7: Doors open at 6:30 PM (Show at 7:00 PM)
- Sunday, November 8: Doors open at 1:30 PM (Show at 2:00 PM)
Tickets & Admission
- General Admission: $10 (Available in advance or at the GPAC door via cash or credit card)
- HPA Students, Faculty & Staff: Free
Buy your tickets here: Hadestown Ticket Link
Hadestown Souvenir Drink and Cup Pre-Order Form
Raise your cup with the cast of Hadestown! Grab an official souvenir cup paired with a custom drink handcrafted by Ka Makani Cafe.
During the performance, there are key musical moments in both Act I and Act II where the cast explicitly asks the audience to raise a toast so don’t get caught without a cup.
Order here: Hadestown Cup Order Form
Winter Middle School Musical
We are excited to announce the Winter Middle School Musical: Fiddler on the Roof Jr.
Show: Fiddler on the Roof JR.
Director/Choreographer: Kelly Wadlegger
Technical Director: Todd Farley
Music Director: Mallory Di Bartolo
Audition Information – Save the Dates:
- Dates: Tuesday, January 5 and Wednesday, January 6
- Time: 3:15 – 4:45 pm
- Note: Both days required
- Open to grades 5–8
Rehearsal Information
- Rehearsals begin January 7, 2027
- Monday – Friday from 3:15 – 4:45 pm
- Rehearsals will run from January 7 to April 1, no rehearsals during spring break
- Performances April 2 and April 3 at Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC)
Students are encouraged to take the four 1 hour afterschool musical audition preparation classes with Kumu Kelly
- Time: 3:15 – 4:15
- Dates: November 10, 17, and December 1, 3
- Sign up with the after school program
T-Shirt Art Contest Winners
Mahalo to our student artists and everyone who voted. We had an overwhelming turnout! Congratulations to:
Pre-K–2nd: Kai W. | Ms. Love
3rd–5th: Kaleo R. | Ms. Doi
6th–8th: India A. | Dr. Renigar
Celebrate our student artists by purchasing a winning-design shirt! Available by presale only through November 2, with delivery anticipated in early December. Net proceeds support the Village Campus art program.
Ka Makani Cash is highly recommended for classroom delivery. Credit card orders require in-person pickup and payment at a designated time.
Order now—these designs won’t be reordered!
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Lower School Family Resources tile on myHPA and scrolling down to Past Parent Email Communications, 2026-2027.
myHPA
In addition to Seesaw, many important resources can be located on our community portal, myHPA. Check the Lower School Family Resources tile for the most up-to-date information.
Middle School
Each week, 6–8 families receive updates reflecting on recent activities and accomplishments, along with a preview of what students and parents can look forward to in the coming days.
News & notes
Aloha Middle School Families,
Mahalo for a positive and fun Spirit Week! Although we throw a little friendly competition into the mix, each day is really about creativity, belonging, and school spirit. I have to say, I was especially impressed by the creativity during White Lie Day and our Teacher-Student Switch Day. Our school community’s good humor really glowed this week.
This coming week, our 6th graders will shift their trimester courses in both the World Language/Technology block and our GArt block (Garden, Art, and Performing Arts). I am so grateful to our teachers who have thoughtfully designed the 6th grade year so that every student has the opportunity to experience the breadth of our elective and World Language programs. Ms. Blackburn is also kicking off our Quarter 2 Spikeball Tournament! Students have been preparing in PE classes and during recess, so I know there are some teams ready to compete.
Quarter 2 always moves quickly. Before we know it, the holidays, Makahiki Games, and Winter Break will be upon us. As we head into November, please enjoy a special update below from Mr. Bernstein about the great work happening in our 8th Grade Capstone program, along with another save-the-date for our Spring Musical.
Capstone Update from K-8 Capstone Coordinator, Dagan Bernstein ‘97
Aloha mai kākou,
Since our Community Symposium in August, our 8th graders have been busy turning curiosity into action. In Milestone 2, students asked, “How do I turn a real problem into a solution worth building?” Each student imagined three possible projects, grounded each one in a real community need, and backed it with evidence from their research. On October 15, our 8th graders pitched their ideas during our 5th and 8th Grade Pilina session, providing feedback to the 5th graders on their early ideas and receiving valuable feedback from them in return.
Students then developed full project proposals and shared them at home with their ʻohana over Parent Weekend. A big mahalo to our families for the thoughtful feedback! Using that feedback and their own reflection, students selected their preferred project, and their ideas reflect the wide range of passions in our class: protecting monk seals and ʻōhiʻa forests, preserving paniolo traditions, supporting youth sports, sharing Tahitian cuisine, and much more. Advisors and faculty reviewers are now giving feedback on each proposal, and students will soon move into Milestone 3, where they begin planning and building their projects.
Spring Middle School Musical: Fiddler on the Roof JR.
We are excited to bring Fiddler on the Roof JR. to GPAC this spring!
Director/Choreographer: Kelly Wadlegger
Technical Director: Todd Farley
Music Director: Mallory Di Bartolo
Auditions: Save the Dates
- Tuesday, January 5 and Wednesday, January 6
- 3:15–4:45 p.m.
- Students must attend both days
- Open to students in grades 5–8
Rehearsals begin January 7 and run Monday through Friday from 3:15 – 4:45 pm through April 1, with no rehearsals during Spring Break.
Performances: April 2 and April 3 at Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC)
Students interested in auditioning are strongly encouraged to participate in the Musical Audition Preparation classes with Kumu Kelly from 3:15 – 4:15 pm on November 10, November 17, December 1, and December 3. Please sign up through the Afterschool Program.
I wish you and your ʻohana a wonderful weekend. Aloha to you all!
Aloha,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Schedule
Our Middle School daily schedule will continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, November 2.
We encourage all families to check the School Calendar in myHPA for the most up-to-date information. In addition, a list of Key Dates (school opening and closures) can also be located on the Middle School Family Resources tile located in myHPA.
Coming Up
• November 13: Pinch Pot Harvest Festival, Ulumau Garden
• November 24: Middle School Makahiki Games
• November 25–27: Thanksgiving Break
• December 5: Waimea Twilight Christmas Parade
LAST CHANCE TO ORDER
We’re partnering with HI Kendama to offer a custom HPA Palaka Kendama featuring a red-and-white palaka design and our HPA tree emblem. Each purchase supports HPA!
This is a preorder. Kendamas will be produced after the ordering period closes and are not available for immediate pickup.
Here’s how to order:
- Visit HI Kendama and select your quantity.
- Enter your student’s name, grade, and teacher or advisor. Alumni, family members, and community supporters can select “I’m not ordering for a student.”
- Enter your contact information and complete payment online. Your receipt and order link will be sent to the email address you provide.
- Pricing is $45 for one kendama or $80 for two, with each additional kendama priced at $40.
Estimated delivery is in January. HI Kendama has informed us that production demand is affecting the timeline. January is an estimate, and HI Kendama will share updates as production and delivery dates are confirmed.
All orders will be delivered to HPA and distributed through the school. Shipping to individual addresses is not available. Pickup dates, times, and instructions will be shared by email once orders are ready. Please save your order confirmation for distribution.
Mahalo for supporting HPA and sharing your Ka Makani spirit!
Upper School Fall Musical: Hadestown – Teen Edition
Journey to the underworld with Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy’s captivating production of Hadestown – Teen Edition. Join us for three live performances!
The Ka Makani Players return to the Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC) with this full-scale, jazz-inflected folk opera adaptation of Anaïs Mitchell’s Broadway hit. Winner of eight Tony Awards—including Best Musical—and featuring a Grammy Award-winning score, Hadestown–Teen Edition intertwines the mythic tales of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone in a powerful story of hope, love, and fate.
Directed by Taylor Morgan, with choreography by Kelly Wadlegger and musical direction by Mario Flores and Mallory DiBartolo, this production brings a talented high school cast and live band together to explore themes of industry versus nature, doubt versus faith, and fear versus love.
As a PreK–12 community, we warmly welcome all students, families, and community members. We kindly ask that younger children be accompanied by an adult. Mahalo for your support!
Showtimes
- Friday, November 6: Doors open at 6:30 PM (Show at 7:00 PM)
- Saturday, November 7: Doors open at 6:30 PM (Show at 7:00 PM)
- Sunday, November 8: Doors open at 1:30 PM (Show at 2:00 PM)
Tickets & Admission
- General Admission: $10 (Available in advance or at the GPAC door via cash or credit card)
- HPA Students, Faculty & Staff: Free
Buy your tickets here: Hadestown Ticket Link
Hadestown Souvenir Drink and Cup Pre-Order Form
Raise your cup with the cast of Hadestown! Grab an official souvenir cup paired with a custom drink handcrafted by Ka Makani Cafe.
During the performance, there are key musical moments in both Act I and Act II where the cast explicitly asks the audience to raise a toast so don’t get caught without a cup.
Order here: Hadestown Cup Order Form
Winter Middle School Musical
We are excited to announce the Winter Middle School Musical: Fiddler on the Roof Jr.
Show: Fiddler on the Roof JR.
Director/Choreographer: Kelly Wadlegger
Technical Director: Todd Farley
Music Director: Mallory Di Bartolo
Audition Information – Save the Dates:
- Dates: Tuesday, January 5 and Wednesday, January 6
- Time: 3:15 – 4:45 pm
- Note: Both days required
- Open to grades 5–8
Rehearsal Information
- Rehearsals begin January 7, 2027
- Monday – Friday from 3:15 – 4:45 pm
- Rehearsals will run from January 7 to April 1, no rehearsals during spring break
- Performances April 2 and April 3 at Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC)
Students are encouraged to take the four 1 hour afterschool musical audition preparation classes with Kumu Kelly
- Time: 3:15 – 4:15
- Dates: November 10, 17, and December 1, 3
- Sign up with the after school program
T-Shirt Art Contest Winners
Mahalo to our student artists and everyone who voted. We had an overwhelming turnout! Congratulations to:
Pre-K–2nd: Kai W. | Ms. Love
3rd–5th: Kaleo R. | Ms. Doi
6th–8th: India A. | Dr. Renigar
Celebrate our student artists by purchasing a winning-design shirt! Available by presale only through November 2, with delivery anticipated in early December. Net proceeds support the Village Campus art program.
Ka Makani Cash is highly recommended for classroom delivery. Credit card orders require in-person pickup and payment at a designated time.
Order now—these designs won’t be reordered!
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Middle School Family Resource tile on myHPA and scrolling down to ‘Past Email Communications, 2026-2027’.
myHPA
myHPA is where you can find all the resources related to your child’s learning. Two key resource boards that we would like to draw your attention to are the ‘Middle School Family Resources’ and the ‘Middle School Student Resources.’
Upper School
Each week, our Upper School leadership team provides valuable insight about campus culture while sharing updates with 9-12 students and parents on academics, athletics, and arts, and what day and residential families can expect throughout the semester.
News & notes
Aloha Upper School Families,
Spirit Week brought plenty of school spirit to campus, and it was great to see students, faculty, and staff participating and showing off their creativity throughout the week. The excitement continues tomorrow with the Cross Country State Championships at 8:30 am, followed by our football team facing Kohala in the BIIF semifinal game at 2:30 pm. We’ll also take time to recognize and celebrate our senior football and cheer athletes. We hope to see plenty of Ka Makani fans out supporting our teams!
P.A.C.E. and Peer Tutoring: Making the Most of Your Learning Time
P.A.C.E. (Purpose, Agency, Connection, Enrichment) provides students with dedicated time to focus on academics, complete assignments, improve grades, and access additional support. These blocks occur approximately once a week during Mamo Days, from 1:45–3:00 pm, and are scheduled around other student commitments.
There are two types of P.A.C.E. blocks:
Open P.A.C.E. gives students the flexibility to choose where and how they spend their time. Students may work independently, attend teacher Office Hours, meet with a counselor, participate in their work program, or address conduct points. Students must remain on campus. Athletics and co-curricular activities do not take place during this time.
Assigned P.A.C.E. provides additional academic support for students who have a D+ or below at a grade check. Students should check myHPA and report to the Learning Center, where Ms. Sebastian supervises the block and takes attendance. Students return to Open P.A.C.E. once all grades are C- or higher at the next grade check.
Peer Tutoring: Learn Together, Grow Together
Students also have the opportunity to receive support through our Peer Tutoring program, coordinated by Mr. Williams, Learning Center Teacher. Peer tutoring connects students with fellow Ka Makani who can help with everything from working through challenging math problems to polishing an essay or developing stronger study habits.
All sessions take place in the Learning Center (Technology Building) during designated P.A.C.E. and Office Hours blocks, from 1:45–3:00 pm.
Semester 1 Peer Tutoring Dates:
- October: October 22 (Thursday), October 30 (Friday)
- November: November 5 (Thursday), November 11 (Wednesday), November 19 (Thursday)
- December: December 4 (Friday)
Students attending tutoring should bring their assignments, textbooks, notes, and questions, and come ready to learn, try new strategies, and receive feedback. Snacks will be provided!
We encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities, whether they need a little extra help or have knowledge they’d like to share. Students interested in becoming peer tutors are encouraged to stop by the Learning Center and connect with Mr. Williams to learn more.
P.A.C.E. and Peer Tutoring are valuable opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning, support one another, and make the most of their time on campus.
Hadestown – Teen Edition
Next week, we look forward to the Upper School fall musical, Hadestown: Teen Edition! Mahalo to Ms. Morgan, Mr. Flores, Mr. Farley, Ms. Di Bartolo, and Ms. Wadlegger for their time, dedication, and hard work in preparing our students for this production. We wish the entire cast and crew the best as they head into their final preparations and look forward to seeing their hard work come to life on stage!
With appreciation,
Mark Noetzel
Assistant Head of School for Upper School
Schedule
Our Upper School Daily Schedule will resume with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Monday, November 2.
We encourage all students and families to access the School Calendar in myHPA for the most up-to-date information. In addition, a list of Key Dates (school openings and closures) can also be located on the Upper School Family Resources tile located in myHPA.
Coming Up
• November 6–8: Upper School Fall Musical: “Hadestown – Teen Edition,” 7:oo pm on November 6 – 7, 2:00 pm on November 8, Gates Performing Arts Center
• November 25–27: Thanksgiving Break
• December 2: Upper School Fall “Hoʻonanea” Arts Showcase, Visual Arts from 8:00 – 9:00 am at GCAC, Performing Arts at 2:00 pm, GCAC
• December 3: Upper School Winter Music Concert, 6:00 pm, Davies Chapel
• December 5: Waimea Twilight Christmas Parade
Student Support
Should your child need additional learning or counseling support, we encourage you to reach out to:
- US Learning Specialist: Spencer Williams at swilliams@hpa.edu
- US Counselor: Tiffany Freitas at tfreitas@hpa.edu or 808-881-4038
- US Counselor: Steve Furchner at sfurchner@hpa.edu or 808-881-4038
LAST CHANCE TO ORDER
We’re partnering with HI Kendama to offer a custom HPA Palaka Kendama featuring a red-and-white palaka design and our HPA tree emblem. Each purchase supports HPA!
This is a preorder. Kendamas will be produced after the ordering period closes and are not available for immediate pickup.
Here’s how to order:
- Visit HI Kendama and select your quantity.
- Enter your student’s name, grade, and teacher or advisor. Alumni, family members, and community supporters can select “I’m not ordering for a student.”
- Enter your contact information and complete payment online. Your receipt and order link will be sent to the email address you provide.
- Pricing is $45 for one kendama or $80 for two, with each additional kendama priced at $40.
Estimated delivery is in January. HI Kendama has informed us that production demand is affecting the timeline. January is an estimate, and HI Kendama will share updates as production and delivery dates are confirmed.
All orders will be delivered to HPA and distributed through the school. Shipping to individual addresses is not available. Pickup dates, times, and instructions will be shared by email once orders are ready. Please save your order confirmation for distribution.
Mahalo for supporting HPA and sharing your Ka Makani spirit!
Ka Makani Athletics
Fall Sports Calendar
Check out the latest Fall Sports Athletics calendar here. You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar. Be sure to follow Ka Makani Athletics on Instagram for the latest updates and all the exciting action.
Upcoming Schedule
Cross Country
October 31 | HHSAA Championships at HPA | 8:30 am
Football
October 31 | Home vs Kohala | 2:30 pm | BIIF Semi-Final | SENIOR GAME
Catch the Action Live
Watch the Ka Makani action as it happens! Watch HPA sports live on Hudl and never miss a play.
Upper School Fall Musical: Hadestown – Teen Edition
Journey to the underworld with Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy’s captivating production of Hadestown – Teen Edition. Join us for three live performances!
The Ka Makani Players return to the Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC) with this full-scale, jazz-inflected folk opera adaptation of Anaïs Mitchell’s Broadway hit. Winner of eight Tony Awards—including Best Musical—and featuring a Grammy Award-winning score, Hadestown–Teen Edition intertwines the mythic tales of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone in a powerful story of hope, love, and fate.
Directed by Taylor Morgan, with choreography by Kelly Wadlegger and musical direction by Mario Flores and Mallory DiBartolo, this production brings a talented high school cast and live band together to explore themes of industry versus nature, doubt versus faith, and fear versus love.
As a PreK–12 community, we warmly welcome all students, families, and community members. We kindly ask that younger children be accompanied by an adult. Mahalo for your support!
Showtimes
- Friday, November 6: Doors open at 6:30 PM (Show at 7:00 PM)
- Saturday, November 7: Doors open at 6:30 PM (Show at 7:00 PM)
- Sunday, November 8: Doors open at 1:30 PM (Show at 2:00 PM)
Tickets & Admission
- General Admission: $10 (Available in advance or at the GPAC door via cash or credit card)
- HPA Students, Faculty & Staff: Free
Buy your tickets here: Hadestown Ticket Link
Hadestown Souvenir Drink and Cup Pre-Order Form
Raise your cup with the cast of Hadestown! Grab an official souvenir cup paired with a custom drink handcrafted by Ka Makani Cafe.
During the performance, there are key musical moments in both Act I and Act II where the cast explicitly asks the audience to raise a toast so don’t get caught without a cup.
Order here: Hadestown Cup Order Form
Ka Makani Travel
Thanksgiving Break November, 2026
Southern California Itinerary & Enrollment Form led by Ms. White & Ms. Scarth, WAITLIST
Oahu Thanksgiving Itinerary & Enrollment Form led by Ms. Kight & Ms. Power, 2 Spaces Available, Deadline to Enroll November 2
Baja Mexico with HPA Outdoor Program led by Ms. Paulekas & Ms. Jim, WAITLIST
January Long Weekend, 2027
Oahu Itinerary & Enrollment Form led by Ms. White & Mrs. Sebastian
February Long Weekend, 2027
Glamping on Maui & Enrollment Form led by Ms. White & Ms. Atoa
Spring Break March, 2027
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun with EF Tours led by Mrs. Inaba & Mr. Piercy, WAITLIST, Deadline to Enroll November 1
New Zealand Itinerary & NZ Enrollment Form led by Ms. White, Ms. Kight Mr. Ford & Mr. Moltz, WAITLIST, Deadline to Enroll November 16
Spring Break March, 2028
Europe at Leisure with Sorrento Extension with EF Tours led by Ms. White
Thailand led by Ms. Jim & Ms. Scarth
Please reach out if you have any questions awhite@hpa.edu
Residential Life
As we approach the end of the Fall Athletics Season, it is a time of celebration for many of our teams and programs. As is tradition at many schools, the final regularly scheduled “home game” for each sport is set aside as a “senior game” with special programming and recognition of the members of that team who will be competing at their home venue for the last time. Many friends and family members will make posters and signs, and come to offer congratulations. As a boarding community, it is not always possible for the parents of our seniors to be with us here on campus for these events, and we thought it would be a good time to both reassure those families that our community makes efforts to honor and support our senior athletes, and also offer to help represent the families of those seniors in collaboration.
While our girls volleyball team has already played their league championship and are now in the HHSAA State Tournament on Oahu, this weekend will also feature the final Cross Country race of the season, as we host the HHSAA Championship races here on the HPA campus. Our Football and Cheer teams will also have their final competition at home this Saturday as we take on Kohala. Throughout these competitions, we have provided materials in the dormitories for the other students to make posters in support, as well as provided programming time for them to do so.
While not exactly a varsity sport, our very hard working cast and crew of the Fall Musical Production will be putting on Hadestown next weekend, with the “Senior Show” happening at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 8. Our community will do our best to show up and support our seniors for that event as well! If you are the family of a senior taking part in any of these competitions, please feel free to reach out to your child’s Dorm Head, and we will make whatever effort we can to help you show support for your child as well! Regardless of if your child is a senior, or an athlete, manager, or performer, we hope that you will join us in congratulating all of them on a successful Fall season, and look forward to the Winter season just ahead!
Class of 2027 – Order Graduation Essentials
College Counseling
Seniors Schedule an Individual College Check-in Meeting
Seniors are encouraged to make an individual check-in meeting with their assigned college counselor as soon as possible. Meetings can be made by clicking on the calendar links below.
Register for SAT/ACT & Test Prep (if appropriate)
Seniors who plan to include standardized test scores in their college applications, and wish to retake the test prior to applying, should ensure they are registered for the appropriate tests. Students are responsible for registering and paying for their tests directly through their College Board (SAT) or ACT accounts.
SAT Test Dates at HPA and Registration Deadlines
- Saturday, November 7 (registration closed)
- Saturday, December 5 (deadline November 20)
ACT Dates at HPA and Registration Deadlines
- Saturday, December 12 (deadline November 6)
We look forward to working with you this year. See you soon!
Juniors
Junior appointments will be held daily during lunch from 11:30 – 11:45 am August 24 – November 25.
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Upper School Family Resources tile on myHPA and scrolling down to ‘Past Email Communications, 2026-2027.
Whom to Contact at HPA
If you are unsure whom to contact regarding a specific question or issue, please refer to our Whom to Contact guide.
As a reminder, HPA is a closed campus, so if a parent or guardian wishes to come to campus during the academic day, they will need an appointment.
myHPA
myHPA is where you can find all the resources related to your child’s learning. Two key resource boards that we would like to draw your attention to are the ‘Upper School Family Resources’, and the ‘Upper School Student Resources’.
All-School
Need to know information for our entire Ka Makani ʻohana.
Admissions
Financial Aid Re-Application Deadline: November 1
Returning families currently receiving financial aid must re-apply for the 2027–28 academic year by November 1. We encourage families to begin the process early to ensure all required information is submitted on time.
Apply for Financial Aid through Clarity
Upcoming HPA Open Houses – Spread the Word!
We’re excited to welcome prospective families to campus for our upcoming Open Houses! If you know of any friends, neighbors, or ʻohana who may be interested in exploring HPA, we encourage you to share these opportunities with them.
- Pre-K–Grade 5: Wednesday, November 4 | 2:30–4:30 PM
- Grades 6–8: Wednesday, November 11 | 2:30–4:30 PM
- Grades 9–12: Wednesday, November 11 | 8:30–11:30 AM
Our Open Houses are a wonderful opportunity to explore campus, meet faculty and students, and discover the programs and experiences that make HPA so special. Please contact our office at admissions@hpa.edu if you have any questions.
Scholarships
In addition to Financial Aid, HPA is able to offer limited scholarship opportunities for students in grades 9-12: The Kūlia Scholarship, The HPA Faculty Big Island Scholarship, and The Ho‘omau Scholarship. We encourage students who are not already receiving supplemental merit scholarships to apply. The deadline to apply is December 1. Eligibility requirements, details, and deadlines are available on the HPA website. Please reach out to scholarships@hpa.edu with any questions.
The Pauahi Foundation’s Hūlili Scholarship is accepting applications now through December 1. The Hūlili Scholarship is open to rising 6th and 9th grade Hawai‘i residents. For more information and to apply, please visit their website here.
Isaacs Art Center
Isaacs Art Center is free and open to the public, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Gallery works for sale may also be viewed on our website. Be sure to also visit our Instagram and Facebook pages for highlights from ongoing exhibitions. Sales from gallery artwork have supported the HPA Financial Aid program since its opening in 2004.
ʻOhana Association
Our ʻOhana Association hosts a variety of events and activities for our school community throughout the year. As parents of HPA, you are automatically part of the ʻOhana Association. There are many ways to participate, and we encourage everyone to get involved. It is a great way to meet your fellow parents and support our amazing Ka Makani community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Come meet fellow parents at our fall social event! Enjoy heavy pūpū and refreshments at Isaacs Art Center, Village Campus. Hear from special guest speakers Dora Kwong, Lower School Principal, who will introduce Pre-Kindergarten; Mario Flores, Arts Department Chair and Director of Music; and Zaheva Knowles, Director of Alumni and Parent Giving.
A celebration of art and garden for all families, Village Campus; Flyers for this event have already been sent home, and to bring this super fun event to life, we need about 30 parent volunteers to help with various roles. Sign up here: Pinch Pot Harvest Festival 2026. The school will also be doing a bowl drive for extra bowls needed for the soup.
Wā Pilina – presented by the 'Ohana Association
The purpose of the Wā Pilina series is to connect HPA families to the culture, history, language and community of Waimea and Hawaiʻi.
Safety Protocols
Campus Access
Campus access is limited to current students, employees, essential contractors, and approved guests. Guests to campus will have had their hosting faculty or staff member fill out the appropriate form and will have received permission from their supervisor.
If a family member of a student needs to meet with a faculty, staff, or administrative team member, please contact them to arrange a meeting on campus. From that point, security team members will be alerted to your appointment date and time and let you onto campus.
At the Upper School, please do not park and walk onto campus without an appointment. Similarly, at the Village Campus, kindly call or email for an appointment so that arrangements can be made. Mahalo, for your understanding and respect for this process.
If you See Something, Say Something
We ask all families to join HPA in keeping our campus safe. While on the HPA campus, if you see anything out of the ordinary, we ask that you please report it to the school or local authorities immediately. This will help us maintain the safest campus for our students.
- Imminent threat to life or property: call 911 immediately. Follow up with your supervisor ASAP.
- Anything out of the ordinary: email Dan Wilkinson, HPA Security Supervisor at dwilkinson@hpa.edu
CrisisGo for Parents
It is important that all families are set up with CrisisGo, HPA’s school emergency communication tool. To set up CrisisGo SMS/Email subscription, please click on this invitation link and complete the form by adding your name, email, and cell number (this is an important step if you would like to receive an SMS message), and click on the Subscribe button. Should an emergency occur, you will be alerted by email and SMS messaging. You can also locate these instructions by logging into myHPA, clicking on the resource tab, and selecting the CrisisGo Safe2SpeakUp tile.
Safe2SpeakUp for Middle and Upper Students
Similarly, Middle and Upper School students received instructions during orientation on how to upload the Safe2SpeakUp app. This is a companion app to CrisisGo. It will allow the school to alert students of emergencies that happen on or off campus and enable students to communicate with us about their safety status. They can also use the app to alert the school about any behaviors they are concerned about. Students can also locate instructions on setting up Safe2SpeakUp in myHPA, and they were also emailed the video shown at orientation which walks them through the process of uploading the app and registering, step-by-step.
All students can also submit an Online Bully/Harassment report by clicking on this link, which can also be located on the CrisisGo Safe2SpeakUp tile on myHPA.