Week of 8/28/26
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
This week, a certain style of country music can be heard at the Village Campus drop off line as well as in the Upper Campus dining hall. Our flags and flags across the U.S. are at half mast, in honor of Dolly Parton – an artist and cultural icon who represented humility, hard work, and kindness to all people.
Dolly was a remarkable person for a lot of reasons, but her relationship to where she came from is particularly compelling to me. When asked why she didn’t seem to be bothered by the sweltering Louisiana heat in spite of her wool costume and wig during the filming for Steel Magnolias, she famously replied, “When I was a little girl I dreamed of being famous and being rich. Well, now I’m both… and I’m not going to complain.” Dolly carried the lessons of her Appalachian home community with her, and she built a life in which success was not an escape from community, but a way to strengthen it. She used her fame and fortune to improve things around her, from childhood literacy to representation and inclusion for all.
Growing up I didn’t listen to much country music (even though I use “y’all” with the best of ‘um), and like many things, I didn’t have an appreciation of how impactful she was in so many ways. Quite a few decades later, I can better appreciate both her music and the many gifts she gave the world. It is clear to me that she lived her days embracing and leading through pilina and kuleana. Dolly was a universal bridge connecting people and ideas from all corners of the globe – she felt a responsibility to spread and fight for good and she connected different communities around deeply important topics. Very few can and do what she did in her 80 years.
For those of you who are new to HPA and some of our guiding principles, pilina describes our connectedness — to one another, to place, and to community. Kuleana is the responsibility that comes with that connection. If we belong to something, we have a part to play in taking care of it.
Strengthening and building community through these foundations is often on my mind, and particularly in these first few weeks of school.
These values ask something of us and we get the opportunity to answer. Pilina is not simply about feeling connected. Connection creates obligation. When we understand that we are part of something larger than ourselves, we have kuleana to that thing and to all of its parts. We have a responsibility to contribute, to pay attention, to do our part, and sometimes to put the needs of the group ahead of our own. I am deeply connected to HPA and am honored to lead and serve through my responsibility as Head of School.
Specifically, working at a school involves putting ourselves in a position to help others make meaningful change is a part of our journey. I’ve seen a lot of that in these first two weeks. I’ve also been touched by it, more than a few times in these same weeks. People helping me think differently, opening up doors for larger conversations, and simply checking in and offering to listen.
Over the past weeks, people have stepped up when something needed doing. Students have looked after one another. Adults have made adjustments, solved problems, and found ways to support kids who are still finding their footing. None of this is particularly dramatic, and that’s probably the point.
That, to me, is pilina and kuleana in practice.
We talk a lot about individual achievement in schools. And there is absolutely plenty to be proud of there. But no one does anything meaningful entirely on their own. Our students are shaped by their teachers, their families, their friends, their coaches, their dorm communities, and this place. And in turn, they shape this place. Much like the Makani tree and the symbol of a student and graduate of HPA – shaped by the elements and navigating growth, rooted in place with strength and confidence for the journey ahead.
That’s the deal.
Two weeks in, we’re still finding our rhythm, while Here You Come Again, Jolene, and 9 to 5 play in the background. There is a lot of good work happening here. Thank you for being part of it.
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 8/28/26
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!
Lower School Enrichment Days
Next Thursday and Friday, September 3 and 4, we have two special mornings of learning for students in grades K-5 – Lower School Enrichment Day! These are regular school hour days from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Returning students and families may recall that Enrichment Day used to be one single day. Following feedback gathered from faculty and students, our lower school team came together to split this day into two half days to support a less intense schedule for our young learners. Therefore, this year, we will have two mornings of Enrichment, from 8:00 am arrivals through 11:00 am each day.
The afternoon schedule will be the same as usual in each classroom. Just as before, Lower School Enrichment Days provide an intensive, interdisciplinary, experiential learning opportunity for students to benefit from the expertise of their specialist teachers, exploring particular subject areas, rooted in Mālama Kaiāulu. Throughout both mornings, students will be engaged in enrichment classes and activities with specialist teachers who will facilitate learning.
Enrichment Day mornings also provide a concentrated time for K-5 faculty to work with individual students to complete our first of three benchmark reading assessments using the Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System. The assessments are foundational in providing the teachers with data for planning and facilitating guided reading instruction in the classroom. All children will have the opportunity to read 1:1 with their teachers at some point throughout these days.
Enrichment Days are regular school days with the same starting times, ending times, and lunch procedures. As usual, every child should have a water bottle, an extra layer, and a rain jacket.
ATTIRE: Every K-5 child should come in their physical education attire and comfortable running shoes, as all students will be engaged in movement and learning outdoors and indoors throughout the day. Checking the Waimea weather forecast in the morning can help you decide if they may also need rain boots that day.
On Supporting Students to Be Lifelong Readers
As we consider the practice of developing lifelong readers, please be reminded that families are an essential partner in supporting your child’s literacy skills. Some ways you can support your child(ren) in reading include:
- Encouraging your child to select books that interest and excite them (rather than prescribing books)
- Visiting our community library together
- Reading books to and with your child, and discussing together
- Listening to your child read books, and discussing together
- Modeling reading your own books and sharing about it with your child
Children may develop the decoding skills to read a book fluently before predicting and inferencing skills are fully strengthened, so engaging with your child in book talks is a helpful way to foster skills that go “beyond the text.” Most importantly, enjoy your family time together reading, writing, and sharing!
We look forward to all the learning that will take place throughout both Enrichment Mornings!
Village Campus Picture Day: Pre-K – 8th Grade
As a reminder, Pre-K- 8th Grade school photo day is Wednesday, September 2! Photo package envelopes were sent home today, Friday, August 28. If you have already placed your order online, you are all set. If you prefer to fill out the envelope and send in your payment, please have your child bring the completed order to school no later than the morning of Wednesday, September 2.
Capstone Update from K-8 Capstone Coordinator, Dagan Bernstein ‘97
Aloha mai kākou.
As Ms. Kwong noted in our last ASB, last week Thursday, our 5th graders joined the 8th grade Community Symposium at the W. M. Keck Observatory Headquarters in Waimea, marking an exciting early step in their own Capstone journey. Guided by our 8th graders, students got to meet local community members and organizations, hear about the work they do, and start noticing where their own interests might connect to real needs right here in our community. This experience was grounded in the core value of wonder by practicing effective question-asking and genuine curiosity about the work of our community partners, alongside respect for visiting a community space and interacting with professionals.
A huge mahalo to the community partners who generously gave their time to make this day possible:
- Hawaiʻi County Council member for District 9 James Hustace
- Hawaii Radio Hour
- Waimea Food Truck Fridays
- Waimea Trails and Greenways
- Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative
- Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
- St. James’ Episcopal Church
- Haole Do It
- Hawaii Songwriting Festival
- Indigenous Land-Use Planner Kamuela Puckett
- Hui Mālama i ke Ala ʻŪlili (huiMAU)
- Tech Specs Eyewear
- Annunciation Food Pantry
This was also a special opportunity for our 5th graders to build pilina with our 8th grade Capstone students, who took on a real leadership role, guiding them through the community displays and introducing them to our guests. It’s a meaningful way for our youngest Capstone students to start their own journey, learning directly from their 8th grade peers. Next, our 5th graders will begin identifying their own interests and passions to build a foundation for their capstone exploration.
Hurricane Lala Support
The outpouring of support for those impacted by Hurricane Lala has been incredible. Mahalo for your generosity! HPA will continue collecting donations through August 31. Please refer to the “Supporting Our Community After Hurricane Lala” communication for donation details.
As always, mahalo for your support and partnership! Have a wonderful 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, August 31.
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 18: Faculty Workday, NO SCHOOL
• September 19: Paniolo Parade, Waimea Community Center, 9:00 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
Join Us for the Paniolo Parade on Saturday, September 19
Saddle up, HPA ʻohana — it’s parade time! We’re celebrating our paniolo roots together, and we’d love to see the whole school out there with us.
What to wear: Aloha wear, HPA red, jeans, and boots — keep it paniolo, keep it comfortable. Our exclusive 75th Aloha wear is on sale just in time to purchase something for the parade. Use the code PANIOLO.
Bring the whole family: All grades are walking together, so bring your scooters, strollers, wagons, and little ones — this is a walk for everyone.
Where to meet: Gather at the Village Campus by 9:00 am, where we’ll have light snacks waiting before we head out.
Fill out this form to let us know you will be there!
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,
As we close out another great week, I’m looking forward to a fantastic day of learning, service, and connection during our Middle School Grade Level Retreats. These opening weeks have given our students so many opportunities to build pilina through assemblies, clubs, experiential learning, retreats, and, of course, diving deeply into their academic work.
This week, I had the opportunity to speak directly with students during our Middle School Safety Assembly. We reviewed our conduct system, discussed the definition of bullying, and made sure every student knows how to access Safe-2-Speak-Up, our anonymous reporting platform available directly from their school laptops. Creating a safe community is shared kuleana, and an essential part of that work is making sure students know how to speak up for themselves and one another.
I’m also excited to welcome our Semester 1 Student Council! Our new representatives are already getting to work by reviewing student feedback and helping select the theme for our upcoming Back-to-School Dance. Many hands make light work, and I love seeing our students take an active role in shaping the culture and traditions of their Middle School.
A few important reminders:
- Back-to-School Dance: Friday, September 11 at 6:00 pm. Our Student Council is working on the theme now!
- Hurricane LaLa Support: The outpouring of support for those impacted by Hurricane Lala has been incredible. HPA will continue collecting donations through August 31. Please refer to the “Supporting Our Community After Hurricane LaLa” communication for donation details.
- School Photo Day: Wednesday, September 2. Photo envelopes were sent home Friday, August 28. Families who ordered online are all set. Otherwise, please have your child bring the completed envelope and payment to school no later than Wednesday morning to give directly to the photographer.
- HPA Ensemble: Mr. Mario Flores is looking for Middle School musicians interested in participating in the 2026–27 HPA Ensemble. Please see the flyer below and contact Mr. Flores at mflores@hpa.edu if your student is interested.
Thank you for your partnership as we continue building a Middle School community rooted in connection, responsibility, and meaningful learning. It has been a wonderful start to the year.
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 31.
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
• 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 Back-to-School Dance, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
• September 18: Faculty Workday, NO SCHOOL
• September 19: Paniolo Parade, Waimea Community Center, 9:00 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
Join Us for the Paniolo Parade on Saturday, September 19!
Saddle up, HPA ʻohana — it’s parade time! We’re celebrating our paniolo roots together, and we’d love to see the whole school out there with us.
What to wear: Aloha wear, HPA red, jeans, and boots — keep it paniolo, keep it comfortable. Our exclusive 75th Aloha wear is on sale just in time to purchase something for the parade. Use the code PANIOLO.
Bring the whole family: All grades are walking together, so bring your scooters, strollers, wagons, and little ones — this is a walk for everyone.
Where to meet: Gather at the Village Campus by 9:00 am, where we’ll have light snacks waiting before we head out.
Fill out this form to let us know you will be there!
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,
Dolly Parton once said, “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
The first few weeks of school always bring a little bit of both. New schedules, new expectations, new routines, and plenty of figuring things out along the way. But now, a few weeks in, we are beginning to find our rhythm.
And it has been wonderful to watch that happen.
Students are settling into classes, reconnecting with friends and teachers, and becoming more comfortable with the routines of the school day. We continue to see students embracing kuleana, our theme for this school year, not simply as responsibility, but as the way we care for ourselves, one another, and our community. There is a good energy on campus, and we are excited to see where it takes us this year.
This past week, our Upper School students completed their NWEA Reading and Math assessments. Testing went smoothly, and we appreciate the focus and effort students brought to both days. We are finishing make-up testing for students who were absent or needed additional time. Once testing is complete, results will be posted to myHPA in the coming weeks. These results give us another piece of information to better understand each student’s strengths and areas for growth as we begin the year.
On Monday, August 31, we will gather for Convocation, our formal celebration of the start of the school year. Students should come dressed in Aloha wear as we come together as an Upper School community and mark the beginning of the year ahead.
Mr. Wawner will also be meeting with all students in a special assembly on Wednesday, September 2, at 11:55 am to talk about culture and belonging at HPA.
We have a lot to look forward to. Thank you for being part of our HPA community and for partnering with us as our students find their footing, take on new challenges, and make this year their own.
Looking forward to a great school year and rainbows ahead!
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 31.
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 18: Faculty Workday, NO SCHOOL
• September 19: Paniolo Parade, Waimea Community Center, 9:00 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
Join Us for the Paniolo Parade on Saturday, September 19!
Saddle up, HPA ʻohana — it’s parade time! We’re celebrating our paniolo roots together, and we’d love to see the whole school out there with us.
What to wear: Aloha wear, HPA red, jeans, and boots — keep it paniolo, keep it comfortable. Our exclusive 75th Aloha wear is on sale just in time to purchase something for the parade. Use the code PANIOLO.
Bring the whole family: All grades are walking together, so bring your scooters, strollers, wagons, and little ones — this is a walk for everyone.
Where to meet: Gather at the Village Campus by 9:00 am, where we’ll have light snacks waiting before we head out.
Fill out this form to let us know you will be there!
Residential Life
This week brought the start of our annual intramural leagues with the Wiffle Ball season throwing its first pitch this Thursday! Previously the Tuesday Night Leagues, we have moved to Thursday this year. Each Thursday for the next 5 weeks, there will be a series of slow-pitch, but fast-moving games on Anna’s Field between teams of Day Students and Boarders from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. We look forward to the season ahead!
Also this week, our freshman boarders were invited to a special social event just for them, so that they could spend together as a cohort, play games, enjoy a special treat, and also have the opportunity to ask questions about the program and share feedback. We look forward to gathering other cross-section groups of students throughout the year to offer similar opportunities.
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 28 | Away vs Kohala | 5:00 pm
Football
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, 2 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
SAVE THE DATE: Senior Parent Night is Wednesday, September 9th at 5:30 pm (virtual)
Watch for your emailed invitation including the link to join!
Upcoming College Admissions Visits to Campus (College Counseling Center 11:45 – 12:15)
- August 31: Northern Arizona University
- September 3: Chaminade University
- September 4: Villanova University
- September 8: Oregon Institute of Technology
- September 9: University of Puget Sound
- September 10: University of San Diego
- September 11: Washington University in St. Louis
- September 14: University of Denver
- September 15: University of Rochester
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, 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
Junior appointments will be held daily during lunch from 11:30 – 11:45 am August 24 – November 25.
Juniors, sophomores and freshmen take the PSAT at HPA Friday, October 16.
Free Resources for preparing for the PSAT can be found at Khan Academy Test Prep
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.
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.
The exhibition runs through the end of September. Come and be inspired!
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
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.
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.