Week of 9/11/26
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
In education, we hold sacred the ability to speak freely, to express our thinking, to debate, and to explore beyond what we currently know. We are afforded this space, in part, by people who serve our communities in important and very different ways. For this, I am grateful.
There are not too many of us who live in Hawaiʻi and vacation in New Jersey, but for those of you who know “the Jersey shore,” maybe you get it. It’s our family place, and I find myself there for a few weeks each July.
Most mornings, I run before the sun has completely risen. Over the last twenty-some summers, I’ve developed a habit of extending at least one of those runs farther than usual, down the boardwalk and into Atlantic City, to a memorial honoring people from that region who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
When I get there, I catch my breath and take a minute to touch the melted steel beam from one of the Twin Towers and the plaque bolted to it. I read the names of people from southern New Jersey who died that day. I find myself imagining their lives—what they did, the people who loved them, and the families they left behind. Some were simply going to work that morning. Others were police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel who ran toward danger instead of away from it.
Twenty-five years later, the memories of that day remain vivid for so many of us. We remember where we were, what we were doing, and what those first hours felt like.
I was Dean of Students at a boarding school in Virginia. We had students from all over the world, and almost immediately parents began reaching out and students began lining up outside my office wanting to call home. I remember sitting there with international calling codes at the ready, helping students make those calls and working through the conversations and emotions that followed.
Twenty-five years later, that image stays with me.
What also stays with me when I visit that memorial is something simpler: ordinary people choosing to serve other human beings in an extraordinary moment.
That is heavy. And it reminds me of the incredible gift we have in those who accept the responsibility of serving others—our first responders, members of the military, educators, healthcare workers, and so many others who step forward when their communities need them most.
For many of us as parents and adults, we lived through September 11 and the many changes that followed. For our children, this event is history. Truly. It is studied in classes and discussed in lectures.
This is important. Remembering matters. Honoring all of those who were lost matters. Expressing gratitude for those who serve and protect our communities matters. And I believe remembrance also asks something of us in the present.
In the days following September 11, amid tremendous fear and grief, we also witnessed remarkable examples of people caring for people—first responders working beyond exhaustion, strangers helping strangers, neighbors checking on one another, and communities finding ways to support families experiencing unimaginable loss.
There was a powerful sense that we belonged to one another. This is not uncommon following a disaster. It is an especially vulnerable time — a time when the routines and structures we rely on are disrupted, and when we learn the true fabric of our communities.
How do we carry that sense of belonging into ordinary days, when there is no emergency to tell us that we need one another? If disaster reveals how deeply our lives are connected, and how resilient we need our communities to be, then perhaps our daily work is to honor those connections, and to build the muscles of collective care.
We do that when we serve. When we listen. When we stand up for someone. When we disagree with respect. When we notice someone who needs help. When we contribute rather than wait for someone else to do it.
Most of these actions will never be heroic. They won’t have memorials built for them. Most won’t even be noticed.
But they matter.
Twenty-five years later, I remain profoundly grateful for those who ran toward danger on September 11 and for all who continue to serve our communities today. Perhaps one way we honor them is by recognizing the opportunities we each have, in much smaller ways, to move toward one another.
People helping people. People moving.
Have a wonder-filled weekend.
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 9/11/26
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!
At our very first Lower School assembly of the year in August, we talked a bit about HPA’s theme for this school year, kuleana. As you are aware, it is a theme we will continue to revisit throughout this school year. Like so many Hawaiian words, the depth of its meaning can be more nuanced than a simple one word definition. At that assembly and throughout our lower school classes, we discuss how kuleana is much more than a responsibility; kuleana also means a privilege, rather than a burden. We carry our kuleana proudly as it can be an honor we see through, one that shows a level of trust, of reciprocity, and of growth over time.
Today, September 11, marks 25 years since the horrific attacks on our country. On this solemn anniversary, we have the opportunity to reflect on kuleana through the extraordinary actions of those who responded that day, all the first responders, the community helpers, the friends, the strangers, the everyday citizens. All those who stepped forward to comfort, support, carry, and care for one another, both on that day and in the difficult days that followed. Their actions remind us that kuleana is not simply something we are given; it is something we choose to carry, a trust, and a privilege to respond to a call to action, especially when others need us most. On this day, I am grateful for all who accepted their kuleana, coming together to hold one another in community and care.
K-5 Keiki Triathlon – September 27
A wonderful Village Campus tradition is on the horizon: the K-5 Keiki Triathlon. More than only crossing a finish line, our beloved Keiki Triathlon offers our students an opportunity to challenge themselves, practice perseverance, support one another, and experience the joy that comes from giving something their best effort. K-5 PE Teacher, Betsy Tranquilli (aka Coach T) has shared information and updates via your Seesaw for Schools app so please check for your class heat times and email btranquilli@hpa.edu with any questions you may have.
Many thanks to our ʻOhana Association, which supports our annual efforts! If you are interested in volunteering on this special morning, please use our K-5 Keiki Triathlon Sign Up.
As we head into the weekend, may we continue to think about the kuleana each of us carries—in our classrooms, in our homes, and throughout our community. Sometimes that kuleana is big and visible, and sometimes it is found in the smallest acts of kindness, care, and service to others. May we help our keiki understand that being trusted with responsibility is also a gift: an opportunity to contribute, to care for one another, and to make our community stronger.
Wishing you and your loved ones a restful and joyful weekend together. Mahalo, as always, for the many ways you care for our Lower School 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, September 14.
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 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
Student Store ‘Ohana Day Pop-Up!
The HPA Student Store is coming to Village Campus for ‘Ohana Day! 
Stop by our pop-up shop Wednesday, September 23 from 2:00 – 5:30 pm and check out some of the newest HPA gear!
Two exclusive Village Campus designs will be launching at ‘Ohana Day! Plus, we’re giving Village Campus the FIRST LOOK at a brand-new HPA design before it makes its way to the Upper Campus!
Come shop, check out the new merchandise, and grab your Village Campus exclusives!
We can’t wait to see our Village Campus ‘ohana!
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,
Middle School is a time that students start cementing their identity and direction. I am a believer in the Middle School model and specifically it is a time for students to engage in deep questions that drive their learning and development. The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) in its anchor text, “This We Believe”, asserts that, “[Middle School Students] become actively aware of the larger world and how their identities influence their position in it… They learn to think critically, pursue skills and knowledge deeply, and communicate their thoughts clearly with their local and global communities.” This past week, students designed personalized Kihei in their 8th grade advisories, scripted and began filming their “About Me” videos in 7th grade advisories and enacted social scenarios in the 6th grade to empower them to be an up-stander in our school community.
Today, in our weekly Middle School Assembly, we took a moment to recognize the 25 years since the 9/11 attacks. For students aged 11-14, I find that it is essential to hold space for their recognition of this world shifting tragedy and the impact it has had on the world they were born into. One of the great challenges for us as teachers, leaders and parents is to help children see what is real in a hybrid in-person and digital environment. Although it is unfortunate that some students may have encountered this tragedy in the form of a meme, it is an opportunity to model how we honor memories of the past and help them see the ripple effect they have on their lives.
Holding honor and space in our hearts, our campuses also hold space for joy as this evening, both campuses hold Back-To-School Dances to mark the end of the first weeks of school. Our Middle School team decided to try something new this year for the fall dance. To encourage a culture of positivity, kindness, respect and support, students and their advisories submitted songs to perform during a Hype Karaoke session to close out the last half of the dance – the sillier, the better! Advisory points are awarded not for the performance but for the support they provide to their peers as they take the stage and sing Backstreet Boys or Vanessa Carlton. Some events just need to be a bit more silly and our students are excited to put it all out there!
Waimea is such a beautiful center of culture in Hawaiʻi and perhaps its most well known tradition is that of the Paniolo that is in every aspect of life here in Waimea. On September 19th, HPA will join many other schools, organizations, clubs and individuals in the joyful concluding event of Paniolo Festival Week, the Paniolo Parade. More details are below, but please sign up here to walk with the HPA section and show our Paniolo pride. We will meet on Saturday, September 19th at 9 a.m. at the Village Campus, have a light snack and then proceed to the parade staging area. Remember, this is only the final event of an action packed week in Waimea!
Also, please save the date for our ʻOhana Day: Experience HPA event at the Village Campus on Wednesday, September 23. Your student will have the opportunity to lead you through each classroom, meet their teachers, enjoy some refreshments and maybe win a prize in the closing raffle!
Be safe and have an incredible weekend!
Aloha,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Schedule
Our Middle School daily schedule will continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, September 14.
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 11: Middle School Back-to-School Dance, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
• September 11: Middle School Parent Social, Isaacs Art Center, 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
Student Store ʻOhana Day Pop-Up
The HPA Student Store is coming to Village Campus for ‘Ohana Day!
Stop by our pop-up shop Wednesday, September 23 from 2:00 – 5:30 pm and check out some of the newest HPA gear!
Two exclusive Village Campus designs will be launching at ‘Ohana Day! Plus, we’re giving Village Campus the FIRST LOOK at a brand-new HPA design before it makes its way to the Upper Campus!
Come shop, check out the new merchandise, and grab your Village Campus exclusives!
We can’t wait to see our Village Campus ‘ohana!
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,
It is hard to believe we are already in the fifth week of school, and we’re moving quickly through the first semester. For those students who did not get to take their photo’s this week, or would like to retake, the photographer will return on September 30.
Many thanks to the team of sophomore advisors who put on the school dance tonight, Friday, September 11. Ms. Morse and Mr. Burchell are the class leaders in charge of the event, with strong support from Ms. Dowd, the student council advisor, who worked directly with the student council members.
A reminder: next week, there is a faculty workday on Friday, September 18, so there are no scheduled classes for students. Varsity athletes should check with their coaches for practice times.
Save the Date: ʻOhana Days 2026
Mark your calendars for HPA Upper School ʻOhana Days, September 30 to October 3, 2026! These are unforgettable days built around connection, community, and celebration.
- September 30: We will kick things off with a Pau Hana with the Head of School at Isaac’s Art Center.
- October 1: Dive into Experience HPA! You’ll sit in on classes, meet inspiring teachers, and see firsthand what makes a day at HPA so special. After lunch, catch a presentation with Noah Fakheri, co-founder of LockedIn, college admissions representatives from Tufts and Boston University, or Ian Groves, who specializes in teen health. Then finish off the day cheering on our Volleyball team as they take on Christian Liberty.
- October 2: Connect with your child’s teachers for in-person conferences. That afternoon, stay to root on our Ka Makani Cross Country runners as we host the event.
- October 3: Connect with your child’s teachers for virtual conferences. That afternoon, come on campus and watch our Football team play against Waikea.
Please RSVP and mark your calendars. Check out the email sent on September 9 for more details!
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, September 14.
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
• 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
Design the Next Ka Makani Café Mascot
The first Ka Makani Café Mascot Art Contest is open to all HPA Upper School students – including café employees!
Create an original, school-appropriate mascot inspired by Ka Makani Café, HPA, coffee, food, hospitality, Hawaiʻi, or our campus culture. Hand-drawn and digital artwork are both welcome.
The winning design will be featured on café uniforms, aprons, promotional materials, and retail merchandise as part of a new annual student-designed mascot tradition. The winner will receive 10 free café drinks and a free shirt featuring their design!
Deadline: Sunday, September 27 at 11:59 pm
Submit artwork directly to Miss Chelsea Yagong in person or by email at cyagong@hpa.edu. Include your name, grade, mascot name, and a short description. Artwork will be numbered and displayed anonymously during voting.
For more information on official rules and guidelines please review attachment here.
No AI-generated artwork, copyrighted characters, violence, weapons, commercial logos, or inappropriate imagery.
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
On the evening of this coming Monday, September 14, the boarding community will engage with one of our time-honored traditions, Formal Dinner! Dating back to the very founding of HPA, dinner each night was a formal affair, with students expected to be dressed in suit and tie, and sit with faculty for a family-style meal. Over time, as cultural trends and best practices have shifted, and the lives of our students are busier than ever before, the tradition shifted to be twice a week, then weekly, monthly, and now, we gather in this fashion once per quarter. We gather for Formal Dinner to honor our roots, enjoy a special meal prepared by our dining service partners, and to practice good table manners and polite conversation. The attire has shifted over time as well, as we honor both the spirit of the original tradition, and the more relevant modern cultural practices of “Aloha Attire” at special events. To that end, students are expected to choose between one of two options for dress standards at dinner:
Option A: Formal
- Blazer/Jacket with Collared Shirt, Khaki or Formal Pants, and Closed Toe Shoes (no slippers)
- Knee-length Dress, or Collared blouse with knee-length skirt. No deep V necklines, must wear formal sandals with backstrap or shoes/heels.
Option B: Aloha
- Aloha print collared shirt, with khaki or formal pants and closed-toe shoes (no slippers)
- Aloha print full-length dress with formal sandals with backstrap or shoes/heels
We have communicated these standards to our students, and hope that they are all prepared. If not, there are options in Waimea where they can acquire Aloha attire this weekend, in time for dinner on Monday.
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
September 15 | Home vs Keaʻau | JV at 5:00 pm | Varsity at 6:00 pm
September 17| Home vs Waiākea | JV at 5:00 pm | Varsity at 6:00 pm
September 21 | Home vs Kealakehe | JV at 5:00 pm | Varsity at 6:00 pm
September 26 | Away vs Kamehameha | JV at 10:00 am | Varsity at 11:00 am
September 29 | Away vs Hilo | JV at 5:00 pm | Varsity at 6:00 pm
Football
September 26 | Home vs Honokaʻa | 2:00 pm
Cross Country
September 12 | All Schools at Kamehameha | 9:00 am
September 19 | All Schools at Waiākea | 9:00 am
September 26 | All Schools at Waikiʻi| 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.
Ka Makani Travel
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: Stanford University Community Information Session will be hosted by HPA at Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC) on Saturday, Sep 26, 2026 at 10:00 am. This event is open to all students and families of the Big Island community. Please spread the word!
Upcoming College Admissions Visits to Campus (College Counseling Center 11:45 – 12:15)
- September 14: University of Denver
- September 15: University of Rochester
- September 16: Whitman College (8:30 am)
- September 16: Lewis & Clark College
- September 17: Boston College (9:00 am)
- September 17: Pitzer College
- September 24: University of Portland
- September 28: Lafayette College
- September 30: University of Southern California (USC)
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 (registration closed)
- Saturday, October 3 (deadline 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
Applications for the 2027–28 academic year are officially open! If you have a younger child or sibling who is ready to begin their HPA journey, we encourage you to apply early. Our Admission Team is here to guide your ʻohana through every step of the process and answer any questions along the way.
Our Admission Team will be traveling throughout the admission season and hosting events both on and off campus. If you have friends or family who may be interested in Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy, we’d love the opportunity to connect with them. Be sure to explore our travel schedule to see if we’ll be visiting your area.
We also invite prospective families to join us for our upcoming admission events, including Open House, campus tours, and virtual information sessions. These are wonderful opportunities to experience HPA, meet our faculty and students, and discover what makes our community so special.
For questions or assistance, please contact the Admission Office at admissions@hpa.edu. We look forward to connecting with you and welcoming future members of the HPA ʻohana!
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
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.