Week of 9/18/26
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
“You know me, I think there ought to be a big old tree right there. And let’s give him a friend. Everybody needs a friend.” ― Bob Ross
I’ve written before about the significance of our trees and the phases they move through. I recently spoke with our employees about our own individual journeys, using the trees as a metaphor to emphasize our different roles based on our different stages of life. The idea of seedlings taking root, young trees reaching for the sun and extending into the soil, mature trees providing shelter, and eventually older trees completing their journey has real and tangible meaning to me.
As someone who has always worked in education and now leads a Pre-K-12 school, we see this metaphor at play each day – young taking root, growth, evolving ecosystems and relationships, older caring for new, and transitions. When I first connected our Ka Makani tree symbol to the HPA mission, so much of that idea resonated.
Hurricane Lala gave me another, heightened reason to think about that cycle. The high winds and rains of these storms have given us a reality check on this important cycle of growth and age. For close to 70 years, our upper campus has benefitted from these wind breaks, root systems, shade suppliers, and natural habitats. For some, they have done their work and are ready to retire. A few of our elder eucalyptus came down in the storm. Most of our Norfolk pines held steady, their roots helping to stabilize the banks. And across campus, younger plantings of ʻaʻaliʻi, ʻōhiʻa lehua, and koaiʻa continue to re-establish themselves in this place.
We’re beginning to work on that next generation of trees now. With support from the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Richard Smart Fund and in close collaboration with Parker Ranch, HPA is launching a pilot project this year to test how we can restore our larger 100-acre area over time. We’ll start by collecting seeds from native trees already growing on campus, propagating them, and learning which approaches work best here before we take on the full acreage. It’s a small beginning to a very big and very exciting project.
Meanwhile, around some of our youngest plantings, rocks have been carefully placed to protect the roots, hold moisture, and give them a better chance to become established. As they grow, they need different things. Eventually, they become the ones providing protection—holding soil, creating shade, blocking wind, and making conditions better for what grows around them. None of it happens alone.
Our community looks a little like this. We have Pre-K students just beginning their HPA journey and, this week, their grandparents visited campus sharing decades of life and experience. The rest of us are somewhere in between. We are all on different pages of the story—sometimes needing a few rocks around us, sometimes stretching toward the sun, and sometimes being asked to stand steady so someone else can grow.
Caring for this place—and for the people growing alongside us—is both our privilege and our kuleana. These lands help raise our children, just as generations before us have cared for them so that we might be here today. Wherever we happen to be in our own phases, we each have something to protect, something to contribute, and someone whose growth we can support.
Have a wonder-filled weekend.
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 9/18/26
Lower School
Each week, K–5 families receive updates highlighting joyful moments, meaningful lessons, and a glimpse into what students and parents can look forward to in the weeks ahead.
News & notes
Aloha Lower School ʻOhana!
What a full week of learning, connection, and growth across our Village Campus!
We began on Monday with a particularly special milestone: our inaugural Pre-K Grandparents and Special Friends Day. What a gift to welcome generations of kūpuna and special friends to campus as our youngest Ka Makani proudly shared some of the spaces where their learning takes place each day. Together, they harvested from Ulumau Garden to make tea, enjoyed a read-aloud in the Lynn Taylor Library, and spent time learning and playing on the Pre-K playground.
Perhaps most meaningfully, our keiki and their special guests planted something for the future: four ʻōhiʻa lehua, three pīkake, and 20 kupukupu in their playground! Long after this first Pre-K class has grown beyond the Village Campus, these plants will remain for future generations of keiki to enjoy, a beautiful reminder that part of our kuleana is to care for places and people we may never personally know.
That spirit of stewardship continued Wednesday afternoon, when our Lower School faculty traded classrooms for garden beds and spent time working together in Ulumau Garden. We got our hands in the dirt, weeding, planting, preparing seedlings, spreading mulch, creating new pathways, and working on our duck habitat. It is a privilege to work together for a shared space that, in turn, gives so much back to our students and our greater community.
And throughout the week, our students have been doing some planting of their own—not only in the soil, but in the ideas, questions, skills, and aspirations that will grow throughout the year.
Our fifth-grade Capstone students are leading the way. As they lay the foundation for a year of research and project development, students engaged in spiderweb discussions about grit, considering what perseverance looks like when learning becomes challenging. They also practiced interviewing faculty and staff, developing the skills they will soon use to connect with community members as their individual Capstone aspirations begin to take shape.
Across the rest of Lower School, the learning has been just as rich and varied. From diving into sustainable housing projects and participating in community beach cleanups, to heading to Dowsett Pool in preparation for the Keiki Triathlon, exploring geometric shapes in mathematics, and discovering new titles at our Book Fair, our students have embarked on another big week of learning.
And speaking of our Book Fair, a huge mahalo to the many parents and family members who gave their time and energy to help us set up, organize, and host this wonderful event. You made it all possible! We are so grateful for the tremendous support of our ʻohana and for our wonderful Village Campus librarian, Mrs. Kristin Tarnas, whose care and enthusiasm for books and reading help make the Lynn Taylor Library such a special place for our keiki. Mahalo to everyone who helped fill our campus with the joy of reading, sharing, and browsing this week!
Looking Ahead
There is plenty more community and connection ahead! Please remember to RSVP for Village Campus ʻOhana Day on Wednesday, September 23, which will also be followed by the ʻOhana Association Parent Social on Thursday, September 24, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at Isaacs Art Center. All parents and guardians are invited, and we hope you can join us!
Then, on Sunday, September 27, we look forward to cheering on our young athletes at the Keiki Triathlon at the Upper Campus. Please feel free to reach out to Coach T (btranquilli@hpa.edu) with any questions you may have. We are still looking for volunteers to support refreshments at the end of their grade-level heats and help with cleanup! Please sign up!
But first, we hope to see many of you at the Paniolo Parade this weekend! Families and friends walking with HPA should meet at the Village Campus at 9:00 a.m.
From planting trees to planting ideas, this week has been a reminder that learning is about what we nurture over time. Sometimes the fruits of that work are visible right away; sometimes we plant something today knowing its fullest growth will come much later. What matters is that we continue to tend to it with curiosity, perseverance, care, and aloha.
Mahalo for all the ways you help us nurture this special community and the keiki at the heart of it. Have a wonderful weekend, and we hope to see you at the parade!
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 21.
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 19: Paniolo Parade, Village Campus, 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,
This was an action-packed week full of engagement, academic work, and fun. Our Middle School Kendama Club was invited to the Upper School Assembly last Friday to compete alongside our Upper School students. I was proud of the precision and skill of our Middle Schoolers, who came out victorious, but I was equally warmed by the enthusiasm and positivity with which our Upper School faculty and students welcomed us.
Our students and faculty also had their hands in the soil this week, preparing our land in the Ulumau Garden and Native Hawaiian Garden for a season of growth. On Wednesday, we held what is often referred to as our “best faculty meeting of the year,” as our entire Village Campus faculty supported Ms. Prutow-McKenna and her Garden interns in preparing plants, tending the soil, and spreading mulch and nutrients. On Thursday, our 6th and 8th graders continued that work together in the Kohala Watershed Native Hawaiian Garden along the west side of Kohala Field. The summer was generous with water, so there was plenty of grass to remove before adding fresh mulch!
Our Village Campus faculty also continued their professional learning around inquiry-driven, project-based learning and the core learning characteristics of our Capstone program. Ms. Kwong and I welcomed our partners from High Tech High, who spent Thursday meeting with and observing faculty before working with our entire team on Friday to strengthen inquiry and interdisciplinary planning. This work continues to deepen the kinds of authentic, connected learning experiences we want for our students.
Over the past two weeks, our advisors, school counselor, and I have also facilitated conversations with students around our Harassment and No Bullying Commitments. Thank you for reviewing this document with your child and returning it as a shared commitment to a safe and thriving school where belonging is a priority.
Thank you in advance to everyone joining us to walk in the Paniolo Parade for HPA! We are honored to represent our school and participate in this wonderful Waimea tradition. If you registered to walk, you should have received a confirmation email.
This coming Wednesday, September 23, is Village Campus ʻOhana Day: Experience HPA! Please refer to the September 16 email for details and to RSVP. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your child guide you through their experience here at HPA Middle School.
On September 24, Ian Groves, a Drug and Alcohol Prevention Specialist with Atom Theory Prevention, will begin his yearly work with our Middle School and Upper School campuses. On Thursday afternoon, he will visit with our 8th graders and then he will work with our 6th and 7th graders the following week. Mr. Groves collaborates with our health and wellness departments to design information for our students and help them be equipped for the world they will inhabit.
Finally, I want to offer a very special mahalo to our parents and guardians. We are grateful for the trust you place in us each day, and many of us know firsthand both the joys and challenges of parenting. From coordinating pickups and drop-offs, to volunteering at our Book Fair, to our ʻOhana Association bringing families together to decorate for the Middle School Dance, your hands are everywhere in making this community what it is. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive ʻohana.
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 21.
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 19: Paniolo Parade, Village Campus, 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,
Showing up for others sometimes means making time when we are busy, attending an event because it matters to a friend, or offering to help when it would be easier to walk away. For our students, these small choices help build communities where they feel known, supported, and valued. This is one way we practice kuleana: recognizing that our presence and actions matter to others.
Our recent middle school versus upper school kendama competitions offered a joyful example of coming together. The middle school took the win, earning some well-deserved bragging rights! Shared moments like these give students opportunities to connect across grade levels and celebrate one another. We know our upper school students can’t wait for a rematch!
At home, consider asking your child, “What is something coming up that matters to you, and how can we support you?” Their answer may open a conversation about where they need encouragement, what feels hard, or whose support has made a difference. Showing up also means being willing to ask for help.
Academic and Student Life Updates
Early next week, you’ll receive an update on upper school topics, including the attendance program, standard of dress, AP courses, and the phone policy. Please look for that in your inbox.
Ka Makani Peer Tutoring
Peer tutoring is available in the Learning Center in the Technology Building during designated P.A.C.E. and Office Hour blocks, from 1:45 – 3:00 pm. The next session is Thursday, September 24. Encourage your students to bring an assignment, question, or an upcoming test to prepare for. Students interested in becoming tutors can email Mr. Williams (swilliams@hpa.edu).
Join us for ʻOhana Days, September 30 – October 3
This year’s 2026 ʻOhana Days will feature:
-
- Pau Hana at Isaac’s Art Center with the Head of School, an evening social to kick things off
- Experience HPA! Step into your child’s daily schedule, attend classes, and meet their teachers
- College Readiness Presentations with admissions representatives from Tufts and Boston University
- “LockedIn,” a presentation and demonstration with Noah Fakheri, the co-founder of LockedIn
- Teen Health Talk with Ian Groves
- Parent-Teacher Conferences, both in-person and virtual offerings
- Social events, athletic competitions, and more!
- For the full schedule of events is available: 2026 ʻOhana Days
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this meaningful time. Please RSVP for ʻOhana Days events so that we can prepare for your arrival.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Please register for parent-teacher conferences before September 28, 2026. Please log into myHPA and use the Parent Conference Scheduler tile in the resource boards to sign up. For more information on conferences and how to schedule a time with your student’s teachers, please refer to this document.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact us at hpaus@hpa.edu or call Līhau Wengler-Ioane in the Upper School Office at (808) 881-4002.
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 21.
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 19: Paniolo Parade, Village Campus, 9:00 am
• September 24: ʻOhana Association Parent Social, Isaacs Art Center, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
• September 30 – October 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
HPA School Photo Galleries are Ready!
Photo Guardians sent photo gallery links on September 16 to families and staff who had registered. Check your email or phone for access, and be sure to select your student’s yearbook photo by Monday, October 5.
Missed registration? Your student was still photographed! Contact Photo Guardians at info@photoguardians.com to request access.
Retake Day: Wednesday, September 30, from 1:35 – 3:30 pm in Dyer Library.
Please review this document for instructions on choosing a yearbook photo.
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!
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 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 led by Ms. Kight & Ms. Power
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, 1 Space Available
New Zealand Itinerary & NZ Enrollment Form led by Ms. White, Ms. Kight Mr. Ford & Mr. Moltz, 1 Space Available
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 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, 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 (registration closed)
- 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
Come and Join us for a Sip and Savor event on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 from 5:00 – 7:00pm.
We want everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy our Mana Wahine exhibition before it leaves. Come for a fun evening filled with beautiful art, light pūpū by Hawaii Picnic and Provisions, and hosted beverages.
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.