Week of 10/16/26
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
You can almost smell it in the air. Pumpkin spice, fall weather, and—for a certain group of HPA students—the very real scent and spiciness of Common Applications, essays, supplementals, deadlines, and, say it with me now, stress. It is college application season for our seniors.
The grinding jitters are palpable. They are every year at this time. We recently visited friends and family, and I could feel my own body tense when the early and often questions were directed toward my 12th-grade daughter:
“Are you thinking about college?”
“Where are you looking?”
“What do you want to study?”
She had a script prepared, as she has now answered these questions from hundreds of caring and curious friends and family members over the last few months. But the truth is, for mine, and many other seniors, she doesn’t know all those answers just yet. It’s ok.
This is my 18th year observing HPA seniors make this journey—and my fourth time experiencing it as a parent. I’ve learned a few things along the way. Mostly, I’ve learned not to ask too many questions, but to be ready and willing when asked. Senior parents, you know the drill.
The river ride we call parenting gets a little intense this time of year. It will slow down for a bit and pick right back up again in March and April when decisions arrive. But, right now we’ve got some rapids to navigate. There are moments of excitement, disappointment, anticipation, comparison, and uncertainty. This process asks a lot of our seniors at precisely the same time we’re asking them to be students, athletes, artists, leaders, friends, and teenagers.
It can be brutal. But here’s the good news: our kids are ready for this, and they are in very good hands.
Earlier this semester, we celebrated one of HPA’s lesser-known traditions: the Ham Award. For nearly three decades, the first senior to earn a college acceptance has been honored not with a plaque or certificate, but with a literal can of ham.
Its recipients have gone on to become successful doctors, lawyers, engineers, a NASA Mission Specialist—shout out to Ben Honey ’05—and even a Super Bowl Champion in our one and only Max Unger ’04.
This year, congratulations went to Avery Henderson, who received the ham to a drumroll and enthusiastic cheers from our Upper School community.
It is admittedly a somewhat silly tradition, but it reminds us to bring a little joy and perspective to a process that can sometimes feel like the most important thing in the world.
And while where our students choose to pursue higher education certainly matters, who they are becoming matters more.
At HPA, we know we graduate Confident Navigators into the world—young people who are rooted in values, purposeful, gracious, resilient, prepared, and globally minded. College is an important destination for many of them, but it is certainly not the finish line. And preparation for this moment didn’t begin when our seniors opened the Common App. It began years ago, in our classrooms, gardens, laboratories, on our playing fields, and along our coastlines. After all, this is a place to learn like nowhere else.
And when the official college application process finally arrives, our students are shepherded by a world-class college counseling team: Andrew Kelsey, Cindy Montgomery, and Betsy Boland are second to none. They know our students. They know colleges and universities around the world, and because of their great work over the years, those institutions know HPA. Most importantly, our counselors understand that their job isn’t simply to get a student admitted somewhere impressive. Their job is to help each young person find opportunities that align with who they are and who they hope to become.
So to the Class of 2027: remember that an acceptance—or a denial—doesn’t define you. There will be many paths ahead, and your windows of opportunity will be wide.
Senior parents: let’s stay ready to help, be available to paddle or bail water, and go easy on the questions.
We are on this voyage together, supporting young people to develop the skills, character, confidence, and sense of purpose to navigate whatever comes next.
Pretty soon, pumpkin spice will give way to peppermint and the applications will get submitted. Our seniors will keep moving forward as Ka Makani and Confident Navigators. Let’s keep paddling together.
Have a wonder-filled weekend.
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 10/16/26
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 joy it was to gather at the Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC) for our first musical performance of the school year! A heartfelt mahalo to all the families and friends who joined us to celebrate our talented 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders as they brought The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt to life through a beautifully whimsical performance. If you missed the show, not to worry—we will have a full recording to share very soon!
It was especially wonderful to have our younger schoolmates in the audience, including some of our newest Pre-K friends! These shared experiences strengthen the pilina across our Village Campus and give our youngest learners a glimpse of the opportunities that await them. The creativity, collaboration, and dedication of our performers were a lovely reflection of our core values of Wonder and Pursuit of Excellence.
Mahalo to our director and K–8 Music Teacher, Mrs. Mallory DiBartolo, our faculty, and ʻohana who helped bring this delightful production to life. Most of all, congratulations to our 3rd–5th graders for sharing their sweet voices and talents with our community!
Parent-Teacher Conferences — October 22 and 23
A friendly reminder that Parent-Teacher Conferences take place next Thursday and Friday, October 22 and 23. These conversations are an important part of our home-school partnership, providing opportunities to celebrate each child’s growth, discuss academic progress, and work together toward continued excellence in learning.
Please check in at the Welcome Table by the parking kiosk after parking in the Ulumau Garden lot. Pre-K families may park at the Isaacs Art Center lot as usual and wait at the Parking Kiosk, or in the Pre-K hallway for their scheduled conference. We welcome everyone to stop by the Parking Kiosk for coffee, connection, and refreshments. Childcare is available for all currently enrolled students while parents and guardians meet with teachers. As well, our HPA Pop-Up Shop will be in the conference room, so you can pick up new PE shirts or other HPA gear.
A Hui Hou — Ms. Noriko Ostrem
It is with heartfelt aloha and mixed emotions that we share that Noriko Ostrem, our beloved Lower School Educational Assistant, will be concluding her time at the Village Campus.
Since joining us in 2021, Ms. Noriko has supported students and teachers across all Lower School grades, particularly in 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades. Her Montessori background, early childhood certification, organizational talents, and calm, kind presence have enriched our classrooms and our commitment to nurturing the whole child. Most recently, she has helped create a joyful start to the year for our 2nd graders alongside Ms. Ilura Love.
A mother of three HPA children—Matthew ʻ18, Emma ʻ16, and Maia, a current senior—Noriko also enjoys singing, reading, crochet, and time with her family.
Her final classroom day will be October 21, and she will remain on campus through October 23 to support conferences. Please join me in wishing Ms. Noriko a warm a hui hou! We will begin our search for a new Educational Assistant and keep families informed as the process moves forward.
Pinch Pot Harvest Festival — Friday, November 13
We are excited to welcome our Village Campus ʻohana to our 5th Annual Pinch Pot Harvest Festival! Join us in Ulumau Garden on Friday, November 13, from 3:15–5:00 p.m., as we celebrate the harvest season and enjoy the fruits of our garden together. Enjoy fresh vegetables and herbs, harvest noodle soup, music from our Middle School handbell choir and HPA faculty band, and a garden StoryWalk. All students will have had a hand in making this event possible! Village Campus families, Pre-K through 8th grade, are warmly invited! Mahalo to the many families who have already volunteered with us through our ʻOhana Association to bring this community event to life.
HPA Spirit Week — October 26–30
Mahalo, Lower School Student Council, for planning the themes and special activities! These young leaders are already demonstrating kuleana and lōkahi through their enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to bringing our community together.
Here is a sneak peek at our daily themes:
Pre–Kindergarten
- Monday, October 26: Rainbow Day
- Wednesday, October 28: Wacky Wednesday
- Friday, October 30: Pajama Day
Kindergarten – Fifth Grade
- Monday, October 26: Pajama Day
- Tuesday, October 27: Whole Class Day
- Wednesday, October 28: Wacky Wednesday
- Thursday, October 29: Sports Day
- Friday, October 30: Halloween Costume Day
Participation is entirely optional. K-5 families, please refer to the hard-copy flyer sent home today for details and guidelines. Pre-K families have been notified separately and directly from Pre-K teachers. We look forward to celebrating together!
Thank you, as always, for choosing HPA for your children. We are grateful for your trust and partnership every day.
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, October 19.
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
• October 22 & 23: Pre-K – 8th Grade Parent Teacher Conferences
• October 26 – 30: HPA Spirit Week! All Divisions
• November 13: Pinch Pot Harvest Festival, Ulumau Garden
FLIK Food Service Survey
We’d love to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete our FLIK Food Service Survey and share your thoughts and feedback about the food service at HPA.
Your feedback is important to us and will help us better understand what students and families are enjoying, where there may be opportunities for improvement, and how we can continue to enhance the dining experience for our students and families.
The survey should only take a few minutes to complete, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
Please click the link below to take the survey:
http://spark.e15group.com/u/
Mahalo for your time and for helping us make the HPA dining experience the best it can be.
Pre-Order Your Kendama Today
We’re partnering with HI Kendama to offer a custom HPA Palaka Kendama featuring a red-and-white palaka design and our HPA tree emblem. Each purchase supports HPA!
This is a preorder. Kendamas will be produced after the ordering period closes and are not available for immediate pickup.
Here’s how to order:
- Visit HI Kendama and select your quantity.
- Enter your student’s name, grade, and teacher or advisor. Alumni, family members, and community supporters can select “I’m not ordering for a student.”
- Enter your contact information and complete payment online. Your receipt and order link will be sent to the email address you provide.
- Pricing is $45 for one kendama or $80 for two, with each additional kendama priced at $40.
Estimated delivery is in January. HI Kendama has informed us that production demand is affecting the timeline. January is an estimate, and HI Kendama will share updates as production and delivery dates are confirmed.
All orders will be delivered to HPA and distributed through the school. Shipping to individual addresses is not available. Pickup dates, times, and instructions will be shared by email once orders are ready. Please save your order confirmation for distribution.
Mahalo for supporting HPA and sharing your Ka Makani spirit!
Ka Makani Baseball Camp
Join Ka Makani Baseball on October 18 for a one day camp at HPA!
Date: October 18
Ages: 8–14
Location: HPA Upper Campus
Cost: $70 (T-shirt included)
Village Campus Student Store Pop-Up
Stop by the Village Campus Student Store on Thursday and Friday, October 22–23, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm during Parent Teacher Conferences.
Don’t forget to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award in our first-ever Village Campus T-shirt Design Art Contest. Come check out the designs and help us choose a winner!
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Lower School Family Resources tile on myHPA and scrolling down to Past Parent Email Communications, 2026-2027.
myHPA
In addition to Seesaw, many important resources can be located on our community portal, myHPA. Check the Lower School Family Resources tile for the most up-to-date information.
Middle School
Each week, 6–8 families receive updates reflecting on recent activities and accomplishments, along with a preview of what students and parents can look forward to in the coming days.
News & notes
Aloha Middle School Families,
I think I feel that crisp autumn air in Waimea these days! Quarter 2 brings a new round of Middle School clubs and opportunities for students to explore interests, try something new, and build friendships.
Our stellar ʻOhana leadership also has a few opportunities for families to help make Village Campus festive for the season:
- Saturday, October 17, from 2–4 pm: Join fellow families for general Village Campus decorating. Sign up here.
- Thursday, October 29: Help decorate the Middle School ahead of our Halloween festivities.
- Friday, October 30: Lend a hand with the Halloween parade. Sign up for Middle School decorating or parade help.
Decorating together is a wonderful way to contribute to our campus and make new connections with other parents. Mahalo for helping make this a special season!
Please also save the date for the Village Campus Pinch Pot Harvest Festival on Friday, November 13, from 3:15–5:00 pm in Ulumau Garden. Enjoy fresh vegetables and herbs, harvest noodle soup, music from our Middle School handbell choir and HPA faculty band, and a garden StoryWalk. See the attached flyer for festival details; bowl-drive information will be shared separately.
Parent–Teacher Conferences offer an opportunity to celebrate growth, discuss challenges, and strengthen our partnership in supporting students. Please review the conference announcement for dates and scheduling information.
Finally, students interested in auditioning for Elf the Musical can visit the audition sign-up page for details. We look forward to seeing our students bring their creativity and enthusiasm to the stage!
Aloha,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Schedule
Our Middle School daily schedule will continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, October 19.
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
• October 22 & 23: Pre-K – 8th Grade Parent Teacher Conferences
• October 26 – 30: HPA Spirit Week! All Divisions
• November 13: Pinch Pot Harvest Festival, Ulumau Garden
• December 10: Middle School Fall Performing Arts Showcase, 1:45 pm, Gates Performing Arts Center
Pre-Order Your HPA Kendama Today
We’re partnering with HI Kendama to offer a custom HPA Palaka Kendama featuring a red-and-white palaka design and our HPA tree emblem. Each purchase supports HPA!
This is a preorder. Kendamas will be produced after the ordering period closes and are not available for immediate pickup.
Here’s how to order:
- Visit HI Kendama and select your quantity.
- Enter your student’s name, grade, and teacher or advisor. Alumni, family members, and community supporters can select “I’m not ordering for a student.”
- Enter your contact information and complete payment online. Your receipt and order link will be sent to the email address you provide.
- Pricing is $45 for one kendama or $80 for two, with each additional kendama priced at $40.
Estimated delivery is in January. HI Kendama has informed us that production demand is affecting the timeline. January is an estimate, and HI Kendama will share updates as production and delivery dates are confirmed.
All orders will be delivered to HPA and distributed through the school. Shipping to individual addresses is not available. Pickup dates, times, and instructions will be shared by email once orders are ready. Please save your order confirmation for distribution.
Mahalo for supporting HPA and sharing your Ka Makani spirit!
Ka Makani Baseball Camp
Join Ka Makani Baseball on October 18 for a one day camp at HPA!
Date: October 18
Ages: 8–14
Location: HPA Upper Campus
Cost: $70 (T-shirt included)
FLIK Food Service Survey
We’d love to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete our FLIK Food Service Survey and share your thoughts and feedback about the food service at HPA.
Your feedback is important to us and will help us better understand what students and families are enjoying, where there may be opportunities for improvement, and how we can continue to enhance the dining experience for our students and families.
The survey should only take a few minutes to complete, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
Please click the link below to take the survey:
http://spark.e15group.com/u/
Mahalo for your time and for helping us make the HPA dining experience the best it can be.
Village Campus Student Store Pop-Up
Stop by the Village Campus Student Store on Thursday and Friday, October 22–23, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm during Parent Teacher Conferences.
Don’t forget to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award in our first-ever Village Campus T-shirt Design Art Contest. Come check out the designs and help us choose a winner!
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,
Homecoming Spirit Week & Fall Ball
Many thanks to the student council leadership (Avery L., Landon W., Robert M., Avery H., Jiyoo B.) along with the support from Jen Dowd, our Dean of Students and the student council coordinator, for putting the idea together for a Homecoming week of spirit.
The week concludes with tonightʻs Fall Ball, 6:00 – 9:00 pm at Taylor Commons and Kennedy Square. Mr. Patrick OʻLeary, Ms. Marcella Bell, Dr. Johanna Anton, Ms. Kale Sinei, Ms. Daena Craven, Ms. Laura Jim, Ms. Crystal Sebastian, Ms. Aimee Donoho, Dr. Mark Ravaglia, Ms. Kiera Horgan, and Mr. Steve Furchner contributed to the event’s organization and success. Additionally, support and effort from the student leadership team of Pohu Grace, Ili Mandaloniz, and Khloe Nakagawa contributed to the success of this event. Teamwork!
PSAT Testing
Many thanks to Ms. Marcella Bell for organizing the PSAT tests for our 9th through 11th graders. Mahalo to the Academic Office, the IT Department, and to all faculty. For juniors, this test matters for the National Merit Scholarship Program, for scholarship opportunities, and as an indicator of success on the SAT. For all grade levels that took the exam, the test is an experience in taking structured standardized tests, which is an important skill to strengthen and develop.
Haunted Walk – Sponsored by the ʻOhana Association
Keep the Halloween spirit alive at HPA’s annual Haunted Walk Friday, October 23 from 6:30 t0 9:00 pm at the Upper Campus! Volunteers are needed to help make this a memorable and spooky evening for our students. Sign up here.
Spirit Week October 26–30
- Monday: Pajama Day
- Tuesday: Zoom Attire
- Wednesday: White Lie
- Thursday: Country vs Country Club
- Friday: Costumes
With appreciation,
Mark Noetzel
Assistant Head of School for Upper School
Schedule
Our Upper School Daily Schedule will resume with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Monday, October 19.
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
• October 16: Fall Ball, Taylor Commons, 6:00 pm
• October 23: Haunted Walk, 6:30 to 9:00 pm
• October 26 – 30: HPA Spirit Week! All Divisions
• November 6–8: Upper School Fall Musical: “Hadestown – Teen Edition,” 7:oo pm on November 6 – 7, 2:00 pm on November 8, Gates Performing Arts Center
• December 2: Upper School Fall “Hoʻonanea” Arts Showcase, Visual Arts from 8:00 – 9:00 am at GCAC, Performing Arts at 2:00 pm, GCAC
• December 3: Upper School Winter Music Concert, 6:00 pm, Davies Chapel
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
Pre-Order Your HPA Kendama Today
We’re partnering with HI Kendama to offer a custom HPA Palaka Kendama featuring a red-and-white palaka design and our HPA tree emblem. Each purchase supports HPA!
This is a preorder. Kendamas will be produced after the ordering period closes and are not available for immediate pickup.
Here’s how to order:
- Visit HI Kendama and select your quantity.
- Enter your student’s name, grade, and teacher or advisor. Alumni, family members, and community supporters can select “I’m not ordering for a student.”
- Enter your contact information and complete payment online. Your receipt and order link will be sent to the email address you provide.
- Pricing is $45 for one kendama or $80 for two, with each additional kendama priced at $40.
Estimated delivery is in January. HI Kendama has informed us that production demand is affecting the timeline. January is an estimate, and HI Kendama will share updates as production and delivery dates are confirmed.
All orders will be delivered to HPA and distributed through the school. Shipping to individual addresses is not available. Pickup dates, times, and instructions will be shared by email once orders are ready. Please save your order confirmation for distribution.
Mahalo for supporting HPA and sharing your Ka Makani spirit!
Ka Makani Athletics
Fall Sports Calendar
Check out the latest Fall Sports Athletics calendar here. You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar. Be sure to follow Ka Makani Athletics on Instagram for the latest updates and all the exciting action.
Upcoming Schedule
Volleyball
October 20 | Home vs TBD | 6:00 pm | BIIF Semi-Final
October 22 | Home vs TBD | TBD | BIIF Third place or Championship Game
Cross Country
October 17 | at Honoka’a | 9:00 am
October 24 | BIIF Championships at HPA | 9:00 am
October 31 | HHSAA State Championships at HPA | 9:00 am
Football
October 31 | Home vs TBD | 2:30 pm | BIIF Semi-Final
Catch the Action Live
Watch the Ka Makani action as it happens! Watch HPA sports live on Hudl and never miss a play.
Residential Life
The semester is moving right along, and while we prepare to celebrate the end of Fall Athletics, college application deadlines approach, Fall Ball/Homecoming are in the books, and many other vestiges that mark the passing of the semester come and go, we also look ahead to the next time that our students will be leaving campus in large numbers- Thanksgiving Break!
As a reminder, travel plans for Thanksgiving Break are due by November 6, 2026, and must include your return information. If you have not done so already, please submit your travel information using this Google Form. Make sure to forward the confirmation email from your airline with your confirmation code to travel@hpa.edu. On-island families and students staying on campus during the break also need to complete the form.
While many students will either travel to their home for Thanksgiving, or perhaps go with a friend to their home, we would like to remind our boarding families that the campus will be open during Thanksgiving Break for students who do not wish to travel, or are part of the varsity soccer teams and participating in the tournament that weekend. However, there are also a number of Ka Makani Travel opportunities over the break, but sign-ups are ending soon! If your child is not planning to travel home, but would prefer not to remain on campus for the break, consider having them sign up for one of the options that still has space while they can!
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, 3 Spaces Available, Deadline to Enroll November 2nd, 2026
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, WAITLIST
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, 3 Spaces Available, Deadline to Enroll November 2
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, WAITLIST
January Long Weekend, 2027
Oahu Itinerary & Enrollment Form led by Ms. White & Mrs. Sebastian
February Long Weekend, 2027
Glamping on Maui & Enrollment Form led by Ms. White & Ms. Atoa
Spring Break March, 2027
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun with EF Tours led by Mrs. Inaba & Mr. Piercy, 2 Space Available, Deadline to Enroll November 1
New Zealand Itinerary & NZ Enrollment Form led by Ms. White, Ms. Kight Mr. Ford & Mr. Moltz, WAITLIST, Deadline to Enroll November 16
Spring Break March, 2028
Europe at Leisure with Sorrento Extension with EF Tours led by Ms. White
Thailand led by Ms. Jim & Ms. Scarth
Please reach out if you have any questions awhite@hpa.edu
College Counseling
Applying to Colleges in the UK and Ireland
Join this special informational webinar October 22 from 5:30–6:30 pm. It is designed for Hawai’i students and families. Register here.
Upcoming College Admissions Visits to Campus (College Counseling Center 11:45 – 12:15)
- October 20: Oregon State University
- October 21: Grand Canyon University
- October 22: California Polytechnic State University
Seniors Schedule an Individual College Check-in Meeting
Seniors are encouraged to make an individual check-in meeting with their assigned college counselor as soon as possible. Meetings can be made by clicking on the calendar links below.
Register for SAT/ACT & Test Prep (if appropriate)
Seniors who plan to include standardized test scores in their college applications, and wish to retake the test prior to applying, should ensure they are registered for the appropriate tests. Students are responsible for registering and paying for their tests directly through their College Board (SAT) or ACT accounts.
SAT Test Dates at HPA and Registration Deadlines
- Saturday, November 7 (deadline October 23)
- Saturday, December 5 (deadline November 20)
ACT Dates at HPA and Registration Deadlines
- Saturday, December 12 (deadline November 6)
We look forward to working with you this year. See you soon!
Juniors
Junior appointments will be held daily during lunch from 11:30 – 11:45 am August 24 – November 25.
FLIK Food Service Survey
We’d love to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete our FLIK Food Service Survey and share your thoughts and feedback about the food service at HPA.
Your feedback is important to us and will help us better understand what students and families are enjoying, where there may be opportunities for improvement, and how we can continue to enhance the dining experience for our students and families.
The survey should only take a few minutes to complete, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
Please click the link below to take the survey:
http://spark.e15group.com/u/
Mahalo for your time and for helping us make the HPA dining experience the best it can be.
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Upper School Family Resources tile on myHPA and scrolling down to ‘Past Email Communications, 2026-2027.
Whom to Contact at HPA
If you are unsure whom to contact regarding a specific question or issue, please refer to our Whom to Contact guide.
As a reminder, HPA is a closed campus, so if a parent or guardian wishes to come to campus during the academic day, they will need an appointment.
myHPA
myHPA is where you can find all the resources related to your child’s learning. Two key resource boards that we would like to draw your attention to are the ‘Upper School Family Resources’, and the ‘Upper School Student Resources’.
All-School
Need to know information for our entire Ka Makani ʻohana.
Admissions
Financial Aid Re-Application Deadline: November 1
Returning families currently receiving financial aid must re-apply for the 2027–28 academic year by November 1. We encourage families to begin the process early to ensure all required information is submitted on time.
Apply for Financial Aid through Clarity
Upcoming HPA Open Houses – Spread the Word!
We’re excited to welcome prospective families to campus for our upcoming Open Houses! If you know of any friends, neighbors, or ʻohana who may be interested in exploring HPA, we encourage you to share these opportunities with them.
- Pre-K–Grade 5: Wednesday, November 4 | 2:30–4:30 PM
- Grades 6–8: Wednesday, November 11 | 2:30–4:30 PM
- Grades 9–12: Wednesday, November 11 | 8:30–11:30 AM
Our Open Houses are a wonderful opportunity to explore campus, meet faculty and students, and discover the programs and experiences that make HPA so special. Please contact our office at admissions@hpa.edu if you have any questions.
Scholarships
In addition to Financial Aid, HPA is able to offer limited scholarship opportunities for students in grades 9-12: The Kūlia Scholarship, The HPA Faculty Big Island Scholarship, and The Ho‘omau Scholarship. We encourage students who are not already receiving supplemental merit scholarships to apply. The deadline to apply is December 1. Eligibility requirements, details, and deadlines are available on the HPA website: https://www.hpa.edu/special-scholarships/ Please reach out to scholarships@hpa.edu with any questions.
The Pauahi Foundation’s Hūlili Scholarship is accepting applications now through December 1. The Hūlili Scholarship is open to rising 6th and 9th grade Hawai‘i residents. For more information and to apply, please visit https://pauahi.org/hulili-scholarship.
Community Support
Mahalo to our HPA community for being ready, responsive, and generous throughout this unusual storm season. The donations collected in September, along with additional school equipment recently contributed, have supported families and schools in Hāmākua to Nā‘ālehu.
- Hāmākua: Donations were delivered to the Vibrant Hawaiʻi Resilience Hub in Honokaʻa, supporting families who were without power for weeks.
- Community Meals: Food bags and meal deliveries helped provide relief to families impacted by the storms.
- Kaʻū Schools: unused desks, tables, chairs, school equipment were donated to Nā‘ālehu School supporting students and educators continuing classes in the gymnasium and on modified schedules and Ke Kula Nā ʻAʻaliʻi Kū Makani o Kaʻū in Waiʻōhinu – a heavily impacted zone that is still being cleaned up.
These efforts remind us of the strength of community. It was a small effort – but impactful. Mahalo for extending HPA’s aloha beyond our campus.
Isaacs Art Center
Isaacs Art Center is free and open to the public, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Gallery works for sale may also be viewed on our website. Be sure to also visit our Instagram and Facebook pages for highlights from ongoing exhibitions. Sales from gallery artwork have supported the HPA Financial Aid program since its opening in 2004.
Advancement & Alumni
Preview: The Artists of Alu Mai 2026
Thursday, October 29
4:00-6:00 pm
Isaacs Art Center
Join us for an exclusive reception and get a sneak peek of the special auction offerings featured at this year’s Alu Mai Gala
Contractor’s Cup
Join the HPA ʻohana for the Waikiʻi Polo Club Contractor’s Cup on Sunday, October 25, at the Waikiʻi Polo Field and Clubhouse. Gates open at 11 a.m., with polo beginning at noon. Bring your family and friends to celebrate the proud polo tradition of Hawaiʻi Island and HPA while enjoying food, drinks, and fieldside hospitality.
Mahalo nui to our Ka Makani polo ʻohana, including Roberts Construction and Phillips Contracting, for their generous support!
ʻOhana Association
Our ʻOhana Association hosts a variety of events and activities for our school community throughout the year. As parents of HPA, you are automatically part of the ʻOhana Association. There are many ways to participate, and we encourage everyone to get involved. It is a great way to meet your fellow parents and support our amazing Ka Makani community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Haunted Walk
Friday, October 23 | 6:30–9:00 p.m.
Location: Upper Campus
Help keep the Halloween spirit alive at HPA’s annual Haunted Walk! Volunteers are welcome to help make this a memorable and spooky evening for our students.
Sign up: Haunted Walk & Trunk or Treat Volunteers – October 23
Trick-or-Treat Parade (Lower and Middle School)
Friday, October 30 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Location: Village Campus
Join us for a Halloween costume parade featuring our Pre-K through Grade 8 students!
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!
Wā Pilina – presented by the 'Ohana Association
The purpose of the Wā Pilina series is to connect HPA families to the culture, history, language and community of Waimea and Hawaiʻi.
Safety Protocols
Campus Access
Campus access is limited to current students, employees, essential contractors, and approved guests. Guests to campus will have had their hosting faculty or staff member fill out the appropriate form and will have received permission from their supervisor.
If a family member of a student needs to meet with a faculty, staff, or administrative team member, please contact them to arrange a meeting on campus. From that point, security team members will be alerted to your appointment date and time and let you onto campus.
At the Upper School, please do not park and walk onto campus without an appointment. Similarly, at the Village Campus, kindly call or email for an appointment so that arrangements can be made. Mahalo, for your understanding and respect for this process.
If you See Something, Say Something
We ask all families to join HPA in keeping our campus safe. While on the HPA campus, if you see anything out of the ordinary, we ask that you please report it to the school or local authorities immediately. This will help us maintain the safest campus for our students.
- Imminent threat to life or property: call 911 immediately. Follow up with your supervisor ASAP.
- Anything out of the ordinary: email Dan Wilkinson, HPA Security Supervisor at dwilkinson@hpa.edu
CrisisGo for Parents
It is important that all families are set up with CrisisGo, HPA’s school emergency communication tool. To set up CrisisGo SMS/Email subscription, please click on this invitation link and complete the form by adding your name, email, and cell number (this is an important step if you would like to receive an SMS message), and click on the Subscribe button. Should an emergency occur, you will be alerted by email and SMS messaging. You can also locate these instructions by logging into myHPA, clicking on the resource tab, and selecting the CrisisGo Safe2SpeakUp tile.
Safe2SpeakUp for Middle and Upper Students
Similarly, Middle and Upper School students received instructions during orientation on how to upload the Safe2SpeakUp app. This is a companion app to CrisisGo. It will allow the school to alert students of emergencies that happen on or off campus and enable students to communicate with us about their safety status. They can also use the app to alert the school about any behaviors they are concerned about. Students can also locate instructions on setting up Safe2SpeakUp in myHPA, and they were also emailed the video shown at orientation which walks them through the process of uploading the app and registering, step-by-step.
All students can also submit an Online Bully/Harassment report by clicking on this link, which can also be located on the CrisisGo Safe2SpeakUp tile on myHPA.