Week of 10/23/26
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
“If you read this in later years, picture yourself forging up the road from the gym back to the dormitories against the trade winds and the rain. (It’s raining and blowing as I write this.) You are probably grumbling, but you are knowing at the same time, at the bottom of your heart, that pushing against these elements, just like meeting the many other challenges of your school life, is a vital part of life. We all love the beautiful weather, but I dare say weʻll remember with special fondness the walking and running against the Trades. You lived and you grew when, with exuberance, you bucked those winds and the other challenges they so eloquently symbolize.” – James Taylor, HPA Head of School 1969
Walking uphill is hard. No matter the day, the time, or what kind of shape we’re in, it’s simply more difficult than walking on flat ground. This is one of the beautiful gifts of living and learning in Waimea. Sometimes the incline is subtle, sometimes painfully obvious, but no matter how you look at it, we walk uphill multiple times a day. So much, in fact, that we hardly notice anymore. And then comes the makani and the sharp, needle-like Kīpuʻupuʻu rain. We keep walking, leaning in, stance widened, and teeth gritted. That’s the gift.
This weekend, we have the privilege of hosting the BIIF Cross Country Championships, followed next weekend by the HHSAA State Championships. Runners from across Hawaiʻi will gather on our campus to compete on what many consider the most challenging cross-country course in the state. Our opponents who donʻt know our hills, will soon get to know them well. Many that do know, dread them. Our kids? Well, they learn to embrace them, although not without a few tears along the way. The climb above Davies Chapel toward our equestrian center (The Taj) is our spinach. We don’t always love the taste, but we know it’s good for us!
There is something especially meaningful about hosting these championships in the hills of Waimea. As Kumu Pualani, Kumu Kūwalu, and Kumu Kaʻai have shared over the years, this place carries the history and stories of the Kīpuʻupuʻu warriors, renowned for their strength, speed, and resilience. Named for the cold, piercing wind and rain that sweeps across these hills, these warriors are remembered for training in the very elements that define this place. Our senior class headed up puʻu Laʻelaʻe just last Friday to visit the beloved ʻōhiʻa lehua tree, the image on our school seal.
The winds, the rain, the hills, and the rugged landscape were not simply conditions for the Kīpuʻupuʻu warriors to endure. They were part of what prepared them. I think about that history whenever I watch our runners head up the hill. There is a powerful connection between the place that shaped those who came before us and the young people finding their own strength here today.
I’ve had a theory about our cross-country program for years. Our success has rarely been built around a collection of elite runners or future Olympians. Instead, it comes from good, hardworking kids buying into a shared philosophy, trusting their coaches, and giving their best for one another. It’s a tradition built by the great Stan Shutes and carried forward by our coaches ever since. Take good kids, share a vision, work hard, and keep showing up. Then add the advantage of living, playing, and training in the mountains of South Kohala.
Over these next two weekends, we’ll welcome some of the finest young runners in Hawaiʻi to experience our hills, our winds, and perhaps a little Kīpuʻupuʻu. I can’t wait! There will be tremendous competition, exhausted legs, big smiles, and hopefully a few red jerseys making their way onto the podium. But regardless of the results, I hope our students recognize what this place gives them every day. The climb is hard. It’s supposed to be. And there is something deeply rewarding about reaching the top together.
Let’s celebrate our runners, coaches, and the many people who make these championships possible. Let’s welcome our visiting schools with the aloha that defines HPA. And let’s enjoy watching these young people discover what they can do when the road turns uphill.
Keep climbing, Ka Makani!
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 10/23/26
Lower School
Each week, K–5 families receive updates highlighting joyful moments, meaningful lessons, and a glimpse into what students and parents can look forward to in the weeks ahead.
News & notes
Aloha Lower School ʻOhana!
It was wonderful to see so many of you on campus for our Parent-Teacher Conferences these two days! Mahalo for taking the time to celebrate your children’s growth, discuss their learning journeys, and connect with our teachers. The pilina between home and school is one of the great strengths of our Lower School community, and we are grateful for your continued engagement and trust. Please be reminded that you are always welcome to schedule time to meet with your child(ren)’s teachers and discuss your keiki’s progress.
Lower School Hawaiian Studies Program Update
Earlier in the semester, our new Hawaiian Studies teacher, Kumu Pōmaikaʻi, initially stepped away for personal reasons on what we understood would be a temporary basis. We subsequently learned that the departure would be permanent, and we have been actively working to fill the position.
In the meantime, we are grateful to Ms. Barbara Kopra, affectionately known as our beloved Coach Barb, who has generously agreed to serve as our long-term substitute. In addition to her role as HPA Academy Swim Coach, Ms. Kopra is a longtime former HPA Middle School Performing Arts teacher who has served our school community in many other capacities. She is teaching the majority of our Hawaiian Studies classes under the guidance of Kumu Kūwalu, a former Lower School Hawaiian Studies teacher and current Middle School Hawaiian History and Language teacher. Kumu Kūwalu is also teaching some classes directly, as we knew she couldn’t resist! Together with Mrs. Mallory DiBartolo, they have been collaborating on K–5 curriculum planning to ensure continuity with our long-established Hawaiian Studies program and prepare for our K–5 May Day hōʻike.
Our K-5 students continue to follow the Hawaiian Studies curriculum, and Coach Barb has brought additional creativity to their learning through Readers’ Theater, multimedia, and art. I am deeply appreciative of Coach Barb, Kumu Kūwalu, and Mrs. DiBartolo for their teamwork, spirit of lōkahi, and our shared responsibility to provide a meaningful, cohesive educational experience for our keiki.
As with all school positions, our priority is taking the time to find the appropriate fit for our scholars and school programming needs. We will inform everyone once the permanent teacher officially begins.
Ka Makani Spirit Week — Next Week!
We are excited to celebrate Ka Makani Spirit Week, October 26–30, across all three divisions of HPA! Here is a reminder of our daily themes, as well as our guidelines (page 2). Please review carefully. Of particular note – costumes must comfortably fit through a standard doorway without assistance. Be mindful of those that inflate as they would not qualify, and students will be required to remove them.
Participation in Spirit Week is entirely optional.
Friendly Reminders from Our Lower School Handbooks
As we move through the school year, families are reminded of two important policies from our Lower School Student-Parent Handbook and The Village Pre-K at HPA Handbook.
Healthy Snacks and Lunches (Page 21 for K-5; Page 17 for Pre-K)
We appreciate your support in sending nutritious snacks and lunches that help our keiki stay energized, focused, and ready to learn throughout the school day. As a reminder, sodas, candy, and desserts are not permitted at school. Thank you for helping us maintain a healthy learning environment for all students.
Family Trips, Vacations, and Planned Absences (Page 19 for K-5; Page 17 for Pre-K)
We recognize the importance of family time and travel, and we also want to emphasize the value of consistent school attendance. From K-5 Handbook (note Pre-Kʻs policy is slightly different due to differing academic calendar and grade-appropriate needs):
The school’s [K-5] academic calendar includes three weeks for winter break, two weeks for spring break, and twelve weeks for summer vacation. HPA strongly encourages families to plan trips and vacations during these scheduled breaks. Early departures and/or late arrivals of students due to family trips and/or vacations that occur during designated instructional days are disruptive to the overall education program. If a child is absent due to a family trip or vacation the child and family must assume responsibility for any school work. A teacher will not prepare special instructional materials for the child or correct missed work. In the event a student is not in school due to a family trip and/or vacation the following guidelines are to be followed:
- The parent must submit a letter in writing to the teacher with a copy sent to the Principal and office staff that informs the school of the dates during which the student will be absent.
- This letter should be delivered to the teacher two weeks prior to the student’s departure so the teacher has adequate time to help the student and family plan what work the student can do.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. These guidelines help us protect valuable instructional time, maintain continuity in our classrooms, support classmates during planned group work and learning partnerships, and ensure our teachers can focus their attention on supporting all students effectively.
As always, mahalo for the many ways you contribute to our vibrant Lower School community. We are grateful to be on this journey together.
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 26.
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 26 – 30: HPA Spirit Week! All Divisions
• November 13: Pinch Pot Harvest Festival, Ulumau Garden
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!
Cast Your Vote! Village Campus Student Art Contest
Our Village Campus students have been busy putting their creativity to work! The HPA Student Store recently invited students in grades PreK–8 to submit original artwork for a chance to have their designs featured on custom HPA merchandise.
Students participated in three age categories, each with a unique theme:
- PreK–2: My Favorite Thing About HPA
- Grades 3–5: Adventure Starts Here
- Grades 6–8: A Place to Learn Like Nowhere Else
Now it’s time for our HPA ʻohana to help choose the winners! Cast your votes here.
We invite students, parents, grandparents, alumni, family, and friends to view the finalists and vote for their favorite designs! Every vote helps celebrate the imagination, creativity, and hard work of our young artists.
Voting closes Monday, October 26, at midnight.
The winning designs will be featured on custom HPA merchandise, with each winning artist’s homeroom or advisory receiving a pizza party! Proceeds from merchandise sales, after expenses, will benefit the Village Campus Art Department.
Mahalo for supporting our young artists and helping us celebrate the incredible creativity within our HPA community!
Upper School Fall Musical:
Journey to the underworld with Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy’s captivating production of Hadestown – Teen Edition. Join us for three live performances!
The Ka Makani Players return to the Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC) with this full-scale, jazz-inflected folk opera adaptation of Anaïs Mitchell’s Broadway hit. Winner of eight Tony Awards—including Best Musical—and featuring a Grammy Award-winning score, Hadestown–Teen Edition intertwines the mythic tales of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone in a powerful story of hope, love, and fate.
Directed by Taylor Morgan, with choreography by Kelly Wadlegger and musical direction by Mario Flores and Mallory DiBartolo, this production brings a talented high school cast and live band together to explore themes of industry versus nature, doubt versus faith, and fear versus love.
As a PreK–12 community, we warmly welcome all students, families, and community members. We kindly ask that younger children be accompanied by an adult. Mahalo for your support!
Showtimes
- Friday, November 6: Doors open at 6:30 PM (Show at 7:00 PM)
- Saturday, November 7: Doors open at 6:30 PM (Show at 7:00 PM)
- Sunday, November 8: Doors open at 1:30 PM (Show at 2:00 PM)
Tickets & Admission
- General Admission: $10 (Available in advance or at the GPAC door via cash or credit card)
- HPA Students, Faculty & Staff: Free
Buy your tickets here: Hadestown Ticket Link
Hadestown Souvenir Drink and Cup Pre-Order Form
Raise your cup with the cast of Hadestown! Grab an official souvenir cup paired with a custom drink handcrafted by Ka Makani Cafe.
During the performance, there are key musical moments in both Act I and Act II where the cast explicitly asks the audience to raise a toast so don’t get caught without a cup.
Order here: Hadestown Cup Order Form
Winter Middle School Musical
We are excited to announce the Winter Middle School Musical: Fiddler on the Roof Jr.
Show: Fiddler on the Roof JR.
Director/Choreographer: Kelly Wadlegger
Technical Director: Todd Farley
Music Director: Mallory Di Bartolo
Audition Information – Save the Dates:
- Dates: Tuesday, January 5 snd Wednesday, January 6
- Time: 3:15 – 4:45 pm
- Note: Both days required
- Open to grades 5–8
Rehearsal Information
- Rehearsals begin January 7, 2027
- Monday – Friday from 3:15 – 4:45 pm
- Rehearsals will run from January 7 to April 1, no rehearsals during spring break
- Performances April 2 and April 3 at Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC)
Students are encouraged to take the four 1 hour afterschool musical audition preparation classes with Kumu Kelly
- Time: 3:15 – 4:15
- Dates: November 10, 17, and December 1, 3
- Sign up with the after school program
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,
A hearty mahalo to each of you for meeting with our teachers to the extent that it was possible for your ʻohana. We recognize that making time for conferences often requires arrangements for work, transportation, and care, but the value of this touchpoint with teachers cannot be overstated.
This year, I had the rare privilege of taking off my Principal hat and accompanying my sweet wife to our 8th grader’s conferences. As parents, guardians, and caretakers, we don’t always get to see who our own children are as learners outside of our homes. It was meaningful to hear and see our school’s mission in action through the feedback offered by our son’s teachers. Fifteen minutes is a short amount of time to talk about a child’s learning in any subject, but I found the thoughtful structure of each conference to be complementary, with each teacher adding another piece to the picture of our middle school learner.
The middle school years are a remarkable period of development. From approximately ages 10–15, young people experience significant change and rapid growth. In fact, outside of infancy, it is one of the greatest periods of change in the human lifespan (This We Believe, AMLE, p. 55). This is what makes our partnership during these years so essential. Your support, questions, and aloha during conferences help ground our team as we celebrate learning, navigate challenges, and support the growth of each child.
Middle School Spirit Week – Led by Middle School Student Council
Monday, October 26: Pajama Day – Students can come to school in pajamas and slippers. They may also bring a stuffed animal (no bigger than their desk). Students should bring closed-toed shoes for PE, recess, and outdoor activities.
Tuesday, October 27: Advisory Match Day – Advisory classes will decide on an advisory theme for this day.
Wednesday, October 28: White Lie Day – Wear a white T-shirt with a harmless, funny “white lie” about yourself, like “I never hit snooze” or “My backpack is perfectly organized.” Keep it school-appropriate and kind — jokes should be about yourself, never someone else.
Thursday, October 29: Teacher-Student Switch Day – Students dress like teachers, and teachers dress like middle school students. Have fun swapping styles while keeping outfits school-appropriate and respectful.
Friday, October 30:Halloween Costume Day – Please review our costume guidelines below. Halloween costumes can be worn to school. Judging for categories will take place over the course of the school day.
Participation in any Spirit Week day is optional.
Lower and Middle School Guidelines for Halloween Costumes
These guidelines are developed to allow students to participate in an enjoyable, positive, and supervised activity while maintaining student safety.
- Costumes may not cause significant disruption or distraction to the school program. All costumes must follow Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy’s Dress Code policy as outlined in our Handbook.
- No props, equipment, or weapons (real or model), are to be brought to school.
- No costumes are allowed that completely hide the identity of the student, i.e. gorilla suit, fantasy characters from video games or movies, etc.
- Costumes must be able to comfortably fit through a standard doorway without assistance.
- Be sensitive to the identities of others; culture is not a costume.
*Please contact Ms. Kwong or Mr. Cservenak if you have questions.*
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 26.
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 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!
Upper School Fall Musical: Hadestown – Teen Edition
Journey to the underworld with Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy’s captivating production of Hadestown – Teen Edition. Join us for three live performances!
The Ka Makani Players return to the Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC) with this full-scale, jazz-inflected folk opera adaptation of Anaïs Mitchell’s Broadway hit. Winner of eight Tony Awards—including Best Musical—and featuring a Grammy Award-winning score, Hadestown–Teen Edition intertwines the mythic tales of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone in a powerful story of hope, love, and fate.
Directed by Taylor Morgan, with choreography by Kelly Wadlegger and musical direction by Mario Flores and Mallory DiBartolo, this production brings a talented high school cast and live band together to explore themes of industry versus nature, doubt versus faith, and fear versus love.
As a PreK–12 community, we warmly welcome all students, families, and community members. We kindly ask that younger children be accompanied by an adult. Mahalo for your support!
Showtimes
- Friday, November 6: Doors open at 6:30 PM (Show at 7:00 PM)
- Saturday, November 7: Doors open at 6:30 PM (Show at 7:00 PM)
- Sunday, November 8: Doors open at 1:30 PM (Show at 2:00 PM)
Tickets & Admission
- General Admission: $10 (Available in advance or at the GPAC door via cash or credit card)
- HPA Students, Faculty & Staff: Free
Buy your tickets here: Hadestown Ticket Link
Hadestown Souvenir Drink and Cup Pre-Order Form
Raise your cup with the cast of Hadestown! Grab an official souvenir cup paired with a custom drink handcrafted by Ka Makani Cafe.
During the performance, there are key musical moments in both Act I and Act II where the cast explicitly asks the audience to raise a toast so don’t get caught without a cup.
Order here: Hadestown Cup Order Form
Winter Middle School Musical
We are excited to announce the Winter Middle School Musical: Fiddler on the Roof Jr.
Show: Fiddler on the Roof JR.
Director/Choreographer: Kelly Wadlegger
Technical Director: Todd Farley
Music Director: Mallory Di Bartolo
Audition Information – Save the Dates:
- Dates: Tuesday, January 5 snd Wednesday, January 6
- Time: 3:15 – 4:45 pm
- Note: Both days required
- Open to grades 5–8
Rehearsal Information
- Rehearsals begin January 7, 2027
- Monday – Friday from 3:15 – 4:45 pm
- Rehearsals will run from January 7 to April 1, no rehearsals during spring break
- Performances April 2 and April 3 at Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC)
Students are encouraged to take the four 1 hour afterschool musical audition preparation classes with Kumu Kelly
- Time: 3:15 – 4:15
- Dates: November 10, 17, and December 1, 3
- Sign up with the after school program
Cast Your Vote! Village Campus Student Art Contest
Our Village Campus students have been busy putting their creativity to work! The HPA Student Store recently invited students in grades PreK–8 to submit original artwork for a chance to have their designs featured on custom HPA merchandise.
Students participated in three age categories, each with a unique theme:
- PreK–2: My Favorite Thing About HPA
- Grades 3–5: Adventure Starts Here
- Grades 6–8: A Place to Learn Like Nowhere Else
Now it’s time for our HPA ʻohana to help choose the winners! Cast your votes here.
We invite students, parents, grandparents, alumni, family, and friends to view the finalists and vote for their favorite designs! Every vote helps celebrate the imagination, creativity, and hard work of our young artists.
Voting closes Monday, October 26, at midnight.
The winning designs will be featured on custom HPA merchandise, with each winning artist’s homeroom or advisory receiving a pizza party! Proceeds from merchandise sales, after expenses, will benefit the Village Campus Art Department.
Mahalo for supporting our young artists and helping us celebrate the incredible creativity within our HPA community!
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,
We have a busy few weeks on campus! Last week brought the PSAT and Fall Ball, while yesterday featured the BIIF Girls Volleyball playoffs. The excitement continues with the Haunted Walk tonight and the BIIF Cross Country Championships on campus tomorrow. Next week, we’ll host the HHSAA Cross Country Championships on Saturday, October 31, while the BIIF Football Playoffs bring more action to campus on Halloween.
And there’s more to look forward to! Our fall theater production of Hadestown – Teen Edition opens Thursday, November 5, and runs through Sunday, November 8. We look forward to celebrating the incredible talents of our student performers!
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 26.
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 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
Cross Country
October 24 | BIIF Championships at HPA | 8:30 am
October 31 | HHSAA State Championships at HPA | 9:00 am
Football
October 24 | Away vs Kealakehe | 6:00 pm
October 31 | Home vs Kohala | 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.
Upper School Fall Musical: Hadestown – Teen Edition
Journey to the underworld with Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy’s captivating production of Hadestown – Teen Edition. Join us for three live performances!
The Ka Makani Players return to the Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC) with this full-scale, jazz-inflected folk opera adaptation of Anaïs Mitchell’s Broadway hit. Winner of eight Tony Awards—including Best Musical—and featuring a Grammy Award-winning score, Hadestown–Teen Edition intertwines the mythic tales of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone in a powerful story of hope, love, and fate.
Directed by Taylor Morgan, with choreography by Kelly Wadlegger and musical direction by Mario Flores and Mallory DiBartolo, this production brings a talented high school cast and live band together to explore themes of industry versus nature, doubt versus faith, and fear versus love.
As a PreK–12 community, we warmly welcome all students, families, and community members. We kindly ask that younger children be accompanied by an adult. Mahalo for your support!
Showtimes
- Friday, November 6: Doors open at 6:30 PM (Show at 7:00 PM)
- Saturday, November 7: Doors open at 6:30 PM (Show at 7:00 PM)
- Sunday, November 8: Doors open at 1:30 PM (Show at 2:00 PM)
Tickets & Admission
- General Admission: $10 (Available in advance or at the GPAC door via cash or credit card)
- HPA Students, Faculty & Staff: Free
Buy your tickets here: Hadestown Ticket Link
Hadestown Souvenir Drink and Cup Pre-Order Form
Raise your cup with the cast of Hadestown! Grab an official souvenir cup paired with a custom drink handcrafted by Ka Makani Cafe.
During the performance, there are key musical moments in both Act I and Act II where the cast explicitly asks the audience to raise a toast so don’t get caught without a cup.
Order here: Hadestown Cup Order Form
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, 2 Spaces Available, Deadline to Enroll November 2
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, WAITLIST, 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
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.
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. 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 their website here.
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.