Week of 8/21/26
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
This week, Hurricane Lala gave us another reminder of something I have come to appreciate deeply about HPA: when circumstances become complicated, our people have a remarkable way of showing up for one another.
After a short window to prepare and a weekend of assessing our campuses and the conditions around us, we felt it was important to open school on Monday to provide a safe, supportive, and consistent place for our students and colleagues. It wasn’t a perfect day, but it was an important one—and making it possible took an extraordinary amount of collaboration, care, and commitment from our staff. Across the school, people stepped in to support one another, solve problems, prepare spaces, and do whatever was needed to welcome our community back.
We are deeply grateful that, together, we were able to provide that sense of stability and connection at a time when so much around us felt uncertain. For many of our students, having school open meant having a familiar place to be while their families and our broader community navigated the aftermath of the storm. As a boarding school, our responsibility extends well beyond our local community; we are also home to students from across the country and around the world, whose connection to school is often their connection to the people and place that support them every day. Being able to keep that community together, in whatever ways we could, felt especially meaningful.
We know opening our doors was only one small part of a much larger community recovery, but we are grateful to have been in a position to contribute—and even more grateful to the many people who made it possible.
When we talk about the essential practices of Mālama Kaiāulu, this week offered a tangible example. Our pilina—our connections to one another and to the resources of our community—allowed us to act with kuleana: the responsibility, obligation, and privilege of serving others when we could.
Our first responsibility is always to provide a safe and secure environment where our students can learn and grow. This is our kuleana, and our team worked throughout the weekend to safely open because we believed it was one way we could serve. Theodore Roosevelt’s familiar words came to mind: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Our circumstances gave us an opportunity to step forward, and our people did.
To see Mrs. Walker pull up to her Kindergarten classroom, Ms. Boswell gather her books and take her lessons to a different space, hearing Ms. Cordova delivering Biology lessons while I walked the lanai — just three examples of countless others — all showing up in different ways on both campuses. It not only gave me energy, it gave our kids a focus. I watched students learning, laughing, reconnecting with friends, and spending time with trusted adults. After a weekend filled with uncertainty, school provided a little familiarity and certainty. There was something powerful in that.
Faculty and staff stepped in wherever they were needed. Our maintenance, security, residential life, food service, technology, and administrative teams worked with tremendous purpose and care. Teachers shared spaces, taught from carts, adjusted schedules, and even absorbed additional students. Across campus, people picked up branches and debris, solved attendance and meal challenges, covered for one another, and simply did what needed to be done.
This was not the work of one or two people. It was the work of a community.
And through all of it, we continued to deliver on our mission.
Our connection to the larger community is also deep and important. Several members of our team serve through the Waimea Community Hub and other local efforts supporting emergency shelter, food, communication, and relief needs. Our kuleana extends beyond the boundaries of our campuses, and we will continue to look for ways to serve our community.
Another storm may approach this weekend. I cannot tell you today whether we will be able to open school on Monday. What I can tell you is that we will monitor conditions carefully, prepare thoughtfully, stay connected with our community partners, and make the decision we believe best protects our students and people while allowing us to fulfill our mission.
This week reminded me that while there are many things we cannot control, we can be prepared, care for one another, and respond with aloha when called upon.
I am incredibly grateful for the ways our HPA ʻohana responded this week—with humility, flexibility, hard work, and care.
That willingness to show up for one another is one of the things that makes HPA such a special place.
Let’s have a safe and wonder-filled weekend!
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
We are aware of the approaching weather and have taken appropriate steps to prepare our campuses. We will continue to monitor conditions closely and will provide an update before Monday if any changes to school operations are necessary.
School Bulletins for the Week of 8/21/26
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!
It is hard to believe that our K-5th graders have only just finished their first full week of school! Well, it is the eighth day, to be exact, but truly, it just always feels like coming back home here at the Village Campus!
Our students have settled nicely into their routines, responsibilities, and relationships. Our new students are learning what it means to be Ka Makani, and we are proud of how they have already been integrating into our school community. Our first huakaʻi of this school year was taken yesterday by our lower school leaders, the 5th grade class, as they attended a community symposium at the KECK Observatory Headquarters in Waimea. At this special event, local community members and organizations (including Waimea Trails and Greenways, District 9 County Council member James Hustace, huiMAU, and Waikoloa Dry Forest and more!) shared who they are and the work they do. Students rotated through small-group conversations, asked questions, and started noticing where their own interests might connect to real needs in our community.
Organized by our Capstone coordinator and team of Capstone teachers, our 5th-grade scholars enjoyed this Wā Pilina with our 8th-grade students, engaging with community leaders and representatives to learn more about the different ways we mālama kaiāulu in our greater community. We are so proud of our 8th graders for also taking on a leadership role to guide and support our 5th graders! Many thanks to our 5th and 8th grade Capstone teachers, with guidance and coordination by Capstone Coordinator, Dagan Bernstein, ʻ97.
This week, I was also thrilled to connect with our new ʻOhana Association leadership, who volunteer their time to support our keiki across all grade levels, this year including our Pre-K students and families! Thanks to all who responded to our call last week for Class Parents!
Below is a message from Lara Brady, Pʻ35, ʻOhana Association Vice President for Lower School:
Welcome back to school and welcome to the new families in our ʻOhana! I hope everyone had a fun summer.
The ‘Ohana Association is seeking Room Parent volunteers to represent our classroom community. Room Parents help keep families connected with HPA by sharing events and important dates, volunteering when possible, celebrating our awesome faculty, and supporting our keiki with class parties and more!
It’s a fun, easy way to get involved, connect with other room parents and show support for our grades. I will be providing everything you need to know at a kick-off session for all Room Parents on September 8 (after the first Park for Coffee).
We still need volunteers for a few grade levels. If you’re interested in helping this year—or know parents in other grades who might be—please reach out and let me know.
Appreciate your support of our students and the ‘Ohana Association.
All the best,
Lara (ohana_vplower@hpa.edu)
Please reach out to Lara directly to express your interest or ask any questions. We hope to see you at our first ʻOhana Park for Coffee, which will be held at our VC parking kiosk, for some morning refreshments, coffee, and connection.
This week was also a full one, emotionally and physically, as we shared aloha with our community members affected by Hurricane Lala. From supplying water, ice, and charging stations, the Village Campus is here to mālama and kōkua our kaiāulu. Our leadership team is proud of and grateful for our faculty and staff for being here to support all our students and families as we navigate the challenges of rebuilding areas of our island home. If you and your ʻohana need assistance, please know you can reach out directly to our office and we will support in any way we can. Please also take a look at this message if you wish to contribute to the efforts spread across our island home. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by Hurricane Lala.
Check out our ‘Coming Up’ section below for days of note for our lower school ʻohana. Wishing you a safe weekend with your ʻohana.
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, August 24.
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
• September 2: Village Campus Photo Day
• September 7: Labor Day Holiday, NO SCHOOL
• September 8: Park for Coffee, Village Campus Parking Kiosk, 7:45 am
• September 15 & 16: HPA Today & Tomorrow, A conversation with Head of School Fred Wawner, Upper Campus GPAC, 5:30 pm
• September 18: Faculty Workday, NO SCHOOL
• September 19: Paniolo Parade, 10:00 am
• September 23: ʻOhana Day, Village Campus, 2:00 – 5:30 pm
• September 24: ʻOhana Association Parent Social, Isaacs Art Center, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
• September 27: Keiki Triathlon, Upper Campus, 9:00 – 11:00 am
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,
I am deeply thankful to our faculty and staff who made a swift return to school possible this past Monday. Our team was impacted in varying degrees but each of them met our students with smiles and care. As we move on from Hurricane Lala, I will remember how our whole school community was there for each other.
If you are looking for ways to support those affected by Hurricane Lala, our HPA community has compiled resources for donating food, supplies, and more.
This past Thursday, our Capstone team took our 5th- and 8th-grade Capstone students to a Community Symposium at the Keck Observatory Headquarters. At this special event, local community members and organizations (including Waimea Trails and Greenways, District 9 County Council member James Hustace, huiMAU, and Waikoloa Dry Forest and more) shared who they are and the work they do. Students rotated through small-group conversations, asked questions, and started noticing where their own interests might connect to real needs in our community. It was also fueled by a special pizza lunch! Mahalo to our incredible Capstone team.
This coming week will be an exciting one! We will run on a four-day, Monday-to-Thursday schedule with Friday being our Middle School retreat day.
On Thursday, August 27, all Middle School students will take the NWEA MAP Growth Interim Assessment for Reading. HPA’s Middle and Upper School piloted the use of this interim assessment during Semester 2 last school year. The 2026-2027 School Year will be our first full year of implementation and using this essential data to inform instruction, curriculum and systems. If your ʻOhana is new to NWEA MAP, you can view an informational presentation given by myself and learning services team last winter here. Individual student reports will be available securely via myHPA shortly after the assessment window. Assessment results have no impact on academic grades.
Friday, August 28, will be an off-campus day for our students who will go on our grade-level retreats. Please refer to your child’s advisor’s detailed emails regarding what students need to prepare in order to safely participate in this day of Pilina.
- 6th grade: ʻŌhaiʻula Beach (Spencer Beach Park)
- 7th grade: Kiholo Bay Hike
- 8th grade: Ulu Mau Puanui
Please save the date for our Middle School Back-to-School Dance on Friday, September 11. Our ʻOhana Association also plans for a Middle School parent mixer to take place concurrently at Isaac’s Art Center.
Thanks for a great week and take care.
Aloha,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Schedule
Our Middle School daily schedule will continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, August 24.
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
• August 28: Middle School Retreats
• September 2: Village Campus Photo Day
• September 7: Labor Day Holiday, NO SCHOOL
• September 8: Park for Coffee, Village Campus Parking Kiosk, 7:45 am
• September 11: Middle School Welcome Back Dance, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
• September 15 & 16: HPA Today & Tomorrow, A conversation with Head of School Fred Wawner, Upper Campus GPAC, 5:30 pm
• September 18: Faculty Workday, NO SCHOOL
• September 19: Paniolo Parade, 10:00 am
• September 23: ʻOhana Day, Village Campus, 2:00 – 5:30 pm
• September 24: ʻOhana Association Parent Social, Isaacs Art Center, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
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,
Class Service & Retreats
Today, all Upper School students gathered in the Gates Performing Arts Center to kick off the day and learn about the purpose behind this year’s Class Retreats. Traditionally, this early-year gathering has been an opportunity for students to connect with peers. While they still enjoyed time together, they also served our school and community following the impacts of Hurricane Lala.
Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors worked alongside HPA’s maintenance and housekeeping teams to care for our campus buildings and grounds. Seniors supported community cleanup efforts off campus with the Kawaihae Canoe Club and Māhukona Ecological Reserve.
I want to thank our class leadership for their collaborative efforts to shape the day as thoughtfully as possible for our students: Mr. Mario Flores and Dr. Amanda Aragon, who lead the freshmen; Ms. Morse and Mr. Burchell, who lead the sophomore class; Mr. OʻLeary, Ms. Bell, and Dr. Anton, who lead the juniors; and Mrs. Vaipuarii Tapiero-Kight and Mr. Quayle, who lead the seniors. I also want to thank Ms. Sebastian, Class Dean for Grades 9–11, and Ms. Lincoln Maielua, Senior Class Dean, for their support.
NWEA Testing
Upper School students will take the NWEA MAP Growth test on August 25 and August 27. This is an adaptable computer-based test that measures academic growth over time in reading and math. It does not impact grades or transcripts. The data does help teachers adjust their lessons.
There is nothing to study for. The best preparation is a good night’s sleep, breakfast, and a charged laptop. You will receive a note when results are posted in myHPA.
Cell Phone Update
Just a little over a week and a half into the school year, and it is worth pausing to notice what’s changed. Walk across our campus during break and you’ll see kendama out again, actual conversations happening, laughter, and more attention in class. It’s something special to see and feel.
There is a quiet kind of pleasure in watching students be fully where they are, with who they’re with, doing what they’re doing. Being present, without a screen pulling attention elsewhere, brings a certain kind of importance to a moment. You see the person in front of you, they see you back. That has value, and it’s a shift that’s genuinely felt across campus.
Mahalo to our students for adjusting to this, and to you as families for backing us up at home. Policy changes like this work when school and home are pulling in the same direction; that is what happened here.
LockedIn: Decision Deadline Approaching
We are entering the final two weeks of the grace period before enforcement begins. By August 31, every student needs to have made one of two choices: download and set up LockedIn, or complete the opt-out acknowledgment form.
To Download LockedIn: Please have both a computer and your phone nearby to begin. Start the onboarding process on a computer, using your HPA email address to sign up. This onboarding site will walk you through everything, including which app to download on your phone based on whether you have an iPhone or Android device. Most students have run into trouble simply missing a step somewhere in the sequence, not a bigger technical problem. Students are always welcome to go to Dr. Aragon’s Office (in the 30’s science wing) to receive help if they get stuck.
Opting out of LockedIn: If students are opting out of downloading LockedIn, please have them fill out this form. It does need to be signed by a parent or legal guardian along with the student. It can be turned into Dr. Aragon’s office or emailed back (aaragon@hpa.edu).
Ka Makani Connect
HPA has recently launched Ka Makani Connect, an exclusive online platform designed to help our alumni community stay connected, support one another, and celebrate the lifelong relationships that begin here at HPA. After graduation, as members of Ka Makani Connect, our graduates will have access to:
- Alumni news and updates
- Mentoring opportunities
- Career networking and employment connections
- Groups based on class year, industry, interests, and location
- Invitations to alumni events, regional gatherings, and more
As the Class of 2027 moves towards graduation, they will hear more about how to sign up and stay connected. Stay tuned for more information.
All the best,
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, August 24.
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
• August 31: Convocation (Dress Code: Aloha Attire)
• September 7: Labor Day Holiday, NO SCHOOL
• September 8: Park for Coffee, Village Campus Parking Kiosk, 7:45 am
• September 9 & 11: Upper School Picture Day
• September 15 & 16: HPA Today & Tomorrow, A conversation with Head of School Fred Wawner, Upper Campus GPAC, 5:30 pm
• September 18: Faculty Workday, NO SCHOOL
• September 19: Paniolo Parade, 10:00 am
• September 24: ʻOhana Association Parent Social, Isaacs Art Center, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
• October 1– 3: ʻOhana Days, Upper Campus
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
Residential Life
School is officially underway, and with two weeks under our belt, the students are starting to settle into their routines. While we may continue to experience some unpleasant weather, there is much to look forward to! In the weeks ahead, we will begin our Intramural Softball League, elect student council representatives to each dormitory, have our first Formal Dinner, and much more!
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.
Ka Makani Athletics Team Shops
Our Ka Makani Athletics Team Shops are officially open, featuring apparel and gear for Football, Girls Volleyball, and Cross Country. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines, an active student-athlete, or just looking to represent HPA around town, there’s something for everyone.
All Team Shops close October 1, so don’t wait too long to grab your favorite gear.
Upcoming Schedule
Volleyball
August 22 | AWAY vs Parker | 10:00 am
August 26 | HOME vs Kanu o Ka ʻĀina | 6:00 pm
August 28 | Away vs Kohala | 5:00 pm
Football
August 22 | HOME vs Kalaheo | 2:00 pm
August 29 | Away vs Waiakea | 11:00 am
Cross Country
September 5 | All Schools at Keaʻau | 9:00 am
Catch the Action Live
Watch the Ka Makani action as it happens! Watch HPA sports live on Hudl and never miss a play.
Performing & Visual Arts
HPA Ensemble — Orchestra & Band (Middle School & Upper School)
Tuesdays | 6:00 – 7:15 pm | Grades 6-12 | 0.5 Art/Elective Credit
Calling All Instrumentalists! The HPA Ensemble brings together orchestra and band musicians for an exciting, collaborative ensemble experience featuring classical, concert band, jazz, film music, and music from cultures around the world.
The ensemble is open to strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and percussion, with music adapted to meet the needs, experience, and strengths of each musician.
Following a model common to collegiate-level ensembles, HPA Ensemble rehearses once a week outside the regular academic schedule, on Tuesday evenings from 6:00–7:15 p.m. Students develop their musicianship, ensemble skills, confidence, and performance experience while making music alongside fellow HPA musicians. Teacher permission required.
Grades 9–12: Full-year enrollment (Fall and Spring) is required for students receiving the 0.5 Art/Elective credit. Students receiving credit are expected to participate weekly throughout the full year. Audit and no-credit participation options are also available.
Grades 6–8: Middle School students with intermediate to advanced instrumental skills are encouraged to participate. If you are interested in joining, please connect directly with Mr. Flores at mflores@hpa.edu. Limited spots, especially for Rhythm Section (guitar, bass, piano and percussion/drums).
Ka Makani Travel
Labor Day Weekend September, 2026
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Hilo & Enrollment Form led by Ms. White, Mr. Moltz & Ms. Scarth
Thanksgiving Break November, 2026
Southern California Itinerary & Enrollment Form led by Ms. White & Ms. Scarth, WAITLIST
Oahu Thanksgiving Itinerary & Enrollment Form chaperones TBD
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Hilo Itinerary & Enrollment Form led by Mr. Ford & Ms. Tadaki
Baja Mexico with HPA Outdoor Program led by Ms. Paulekas & Ms. Jim
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, 4 Spaces Available
New Zealand Itinerary & NZ Enrollment Form led by Ms. White, Ms. Kight Mr. Ford & Mr. Moltz, WAITLIST
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
College Counseling
Seniors
We’re looking forward to continuing our work with the Class of 2027 during this exciting time. Our Senior Workshop series kicks off next week on August 20, and our college visit schedule starts up on August 31.
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, August 22 (registration closed)
- Saturday, September 12 (August 28)
- Saturday, October 3 (September 18)
- Saturday, November 7 (deadline October 23)
- Saturday, December 5 (deadline November 20)
ACT Dates at HPA and Registration Deadlines
- Saturday, September 19 (registration closed)
- Saturday, October 17 (deadline September 11)
- Saturday, December 12 (deadline November 6)
We look forward to working with you this year. See you soon!
Juniors
The College Counseling Team is excited to launch the junior class’ welcome appointments starting August 24!
Junior appointments will be held daily during lunch from 11:30 – 11:45 am August 24 – November 25.
Juniors will receive a Google Calendar invitation to their appointment. Be sure to mark your calendars!
College admissions visits are from 11:45 am – 12:15 pm throughout the season and juniors are encouraged to stay for these!
PSAT: Friday, October 16 – juniors, sophomores and freshmen take the PSAT at HPA.
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.
Ka Makani Community Supply Drive
HPA is coming together to support our Hawaiʻi Island community through a supply drive across both campuses. Donations can be dropped off at the Village Campus office, residential campus, or HPA athletic events, including Saturday’s home football game and Wednesday’s home volleyball game.
All donations will be distributed through local organizations to those who need them most.
Donations accepted through Monday, August 31.
Isaacs Art Center
Isaacs Art Center is proud to present our newest exhibition – Mana Wahine: Celebrating the Power of Women
For centuries, women have served as the enduring muses behind some of history’s most renowned masterpieces. From Michelangelo’s Pieta to Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, and from da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, women’s influence on art is profound and undeniable. Here in Hawai’i, we honor and revere the mana, or divine power, of women in all their forms.
In this spirit, we are thrilled to present an exhibition that honors the incredible wahine who create and inspire creativity. Their ingenuity is woven into the very fabric of our beautiful ‘aina, and we invite you to experience the dynamic expressions of women in painting, sculpture, textiles, and fashion.
We warmly welcome you to immerse yourself in this celebration of creativity and empowerment, and to witness firsthand how women continue to inspire and ignite the world of art.
Join us Friday, August 21 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm for our opening reception featuring a fashion show by Kira Kamamalu ‘01 and pupu by Cecily Kimura ‘08. The exhibition runs through the end of September.
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.
Admissions
It has been wonderful to welcome our new and returning students and families back to campus! On behalf of the entire Admission Office, we wish you and your ʻohana a joyful and successful 2026–2027 school year.
As a new school year begins, so does a new admission season! Our application for the 2027–2028 academic year is now open. If you’re considering HPA for a sibling, we encourage you to apply early. We’re also excited to share that registration is now open for our fall Admission Events, including campus tours, virtual events and Open Houses. If you have friends, family, or colleagues who may be interested in HPA, we’d love for you to invite them to attend an event and experience our community firsthand.
Thank you for being such an important part of the HPA ʻohana. Your referrals and support help us grow our community, and we look forward to another wonderful year together. Mahalo for your continued partnership and enthusiasm for Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy!
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.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events, and be sure to email ohana@hpa.edu with any questions or to find out what volunteer opportunities are available!
Upcoming Events
Park for Coffee (All School)
- Date: Tuesday, September 8
- Time: 7:45 to 8:30 am
- Location: Village Campus Parking Kiosk
- Description: Coffee and Pastries with fellow HPA parents
All Parent Social – Fall General Meeting
- Date: Thursday, September 24
- Time: 4:30 to 6:30 pm
- Location: Isaacs Art Center, Village Campus
- Description: Come meet fellow parents at our fall general meeting and social event
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.
- Date: Monday, August 24 – November 23
- Time: 4:30 to 5:30 pm
- Location: Village Campus
- Description: Introduction to the Hawaiian Language through vocabulary, simple conversational phrases, chants and songs, and Hawaiian values. This course runs from August 24 through November 23. Registration fee: $200.
Advancement & Alumni
HPA’s Alu Mai Gala in support of Financial Aid is heading makai!
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Hale Hoʻaloha Pavilion at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection
Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration and community at the 2026 Alu Mai Gala. Held in support of financial aid at HPA, this special night helps open doors for students across our island and around the world—ensuring that the gift of an HPA education remains accessible to the next generation of ka makani. More details coming soon!
Mark your calendars and plan to celebrate together to uplift, honor, and give back. For information about early table sponsorships, please email Kim Bennett in the Advancement office at kbennett@hpa.edu.
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.