Week of 2/6/26
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
Living and learning in Hawaiʻi gives us a daily lesson in biodiversity. Plants flourish here not because they are all the same, but because they are different. Native species, introduced species, plants that thrive in sun and others in shade—each plays a role in creating ecosystems that are resilient, adaptive, and alive. Diversity strengthens the whole. When one plant struggles, others help sustain balance. When conditions change, variety allows life to continue.
This past week offered a beautiful snapshot of that idea in action. We celebrated the 100th day of school (our first-grade centenarians add some annual emphasis to this special day), marking growth, perseverance, and the joy of learning over time. We joined schools around the world for World Read Aloud Day, sharing stories that connect voices, cultures, and generations. I was lucky enough to get to read They All Saw a Cat, by Brendan Wenzel with my friends in Kindergarten!
And we gathered together for the opening of the Ka Makani Players’ presentation of Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion, where students brought creativity, courage, a good deal of humor, and collaboration to life on stage. Each event was different in spirit and expression—and together, they made us stronger.
With February here, we find ourselves in the shortest—and most power-packed—month of the school year. We will recognize Black History Month, Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, the Olympic Games in Italy, and at HPA, one of my favorite moments of the year: HPA’s International Day.
International Day is colorful, musical, energetic, delicious, and deeply meaningful. My plate runneth over with sweet-fried chicken from Taiwan, noodles and tomato-beef gravy from Hungary, and kalua pork straight out of the imu! It reminds us that our differences are not something to manage or minimize, but something to celebrate and learn from.
All of these touchpoints invite us to pause, reflect, celebrate, and learn—but they also remind us of something larger about who we are as a community and as connected humans in a global landscape. Learning deepens when students encounter different perspectives, languages, traditions, and lived experiences. Diversity stretches thinking. It builds empathy. It challenges assumptions and sharpens understanding. When students learn alongside peers who see the world differently, they don’t just gain knowledge—they grow wisdom.
This belief sits at the heart of the HPA mission to provide exceptional learning opportunities in a diverse community honoring the traditions of Hawaiʻi. At HPA, internationalism is not a single event; it is woven into daily life—in classrooms, dorms, advisory conversations, performances, and friendships that cross borders and cultures. With 26 different countries represented in our student body, we are a unique and powerful family of learners!
As we move through this month, my hope is that we take a moment to notice what is flourishing around us. Like Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems, our community is strongest because of its variety. When we honor and learn from one another’s backgrounds, we don’t just coexist—we grow.
Thank you for contributing to this beautiful system of differences and connections—for being part of this incredible community. I am grateful to get to be with you at HPA.
If you are in Waimea this weekend, enjoy the annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival.
Have a wonder-filled weekend!
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 2/6/26
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!
World Read Aloud Day
On Wednesday, we celebrated World Read Aloud Day with readers joining us from across departments and divisions to read to our Lower School students. It is always special to see our broader school community show up in this way and share their time and voices with our keiki! I had the privilege of reading to our third graders, I Am a Masterpiece, by Mia Armstrong, a tween actor, artist, and Down syndrome activist. This autobiographical picture book shares Mia’s experiences and her message is both simple and powerful: “Don’t whisper. Don’t look away. Do say hello… I just want people to be nice to me and to like me for who I am, too.” In other words, we are all much more alike than we may think!
100th Day of School
We also celebrated the 100th day of school with creativity and fun across our K-2nd grade levels. Students marked the milestone with cross grade level activities such as building collections of 100 CVC words, designing 100 unique monsters, making 100-piece cereal necklaces, and building towers of 100. Classrooms were buzzing with both numeracy and imagination. As always, our little “centenarians” were a fun highlight! But please tell me what you think – would you rather eat 100 slices of pizza or 100 hot dogs??
Garden & Community Connections
Our Garden Team continues to extend student learning into meaningful community engagement. Recently, the team supported La Kalo at the Kohala Center on Saturday, January 24. Upcoming, they will help support the Wiliwili Festival at the Waikoloa Dry Forest on Saturday, February 14. Mr. Willie Quayle and Ms. Lauren Prutow-McKenna, our HPA Garden Educators, will be leading a composting talk at 9:00 am as part of the event. We’re grateful for these opportunities to connect with ʻāina-based learning beyond campus.
5th grade Capstone Progress, with our Capstone Coordinator, Mr. Dagan Bernstein
Our 5th-grade students are currently deep in the heart of their Capstone journey, engaging in the final push to bring their projects to life. The 5th grade classroom, Village Campus Library, and the K-8 Maker Space has been a hub of activity as students finalize their creations. From painting a garden mural or utilizing 3D printing to build models of native Hawaiian marine life, students are seeing their initial ideas transform into tangible contributions to our community.
During these final weeks students are also beginning the reflective process of outlining their final presentations. They are weaving together the story of their entire journey including their first community interviews, the initial ideation, and the challenges they’ve overcome in the building phase. We are excited to see them develop their voices as they prepare to share the growth and learning they experienced along the way.
Keep an eye out in the All-School Bulletin over the next few weeks as we share specifics about their culminating presentations and the Grade 5 Capstone Exhibition on Wednesday, March 4.
Many thanks to Mrs. Liu, Ms. Baydo, and Ms. Kwong for leading a mini-retreat for our 5th graders on Tuesday, during which time students rotated between three 20-minute sessions to engage in learning experiences aimed at stress reduction and mindfulness with topics such as “Taming the Dragon,” “Yoga Nidra,” and “Tapping.” Their Native American study has been in full swing, and they will carry forward the core skills theyʻve developed, combined with self-regulation strategies from their mini-retreat, into these final weeks of Capstone work.
Yearbook Orders
Yearbook orders are now open. If you would like to purchase a yearbook, the cost is $60. Please contact Aunty Lynn at lkakugawa@hpa.edu or call (808) 885-2501 to place your order.
Have a beautiful weekend, Lower School ʻOhana!
Me ka mahalo nui,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
Schedule
Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, February 9.
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
• February 1-15: HPA Re-Enrollment
• Friday, February 6: Pizza and Play with Head of School, Fred Wawner
• Monday, February 16: K-12 Faculty Work Day, no classes
• Friday, February 27: Village Campus Plant Sale
• Wednesday, March 4: 5th Grade Capstone Presentations
• Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6: LS/MS Student-Led Conferences
Pizza and a Play with the Head of School
Join us in Ko Kākou Student Union on the Upper Campus from 5:15 to 6:30 pm TONIGHT, Friday, February 6, for pizza with our Head of School, Fred Wawner, before the opening night of Ka Makani Players’ performance of Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion. Bring the family for a slice and head over to the Gates Performing Arts Center for the 7:00 pm showing.
Re-enrollment
Re-enrollment for current students is now open through February 15.
You should have received an email on February 1 that will give you access to the enrollment forms to secure your child’s space for the next academic year.
World Cubing Association
We’re excited to announce that the World Cubing Association (WCA) official competition is coming to HPA on Saturday, February 28! Whether you’re a seasoned speedcuber or just getting started, this is your chance to compete, connect, and celebrate the cubing community.
Location: HPA Village Campus: Hale ʻĪnana
Date: Saturday, February 28
Time: 8 am – 4 pm
Competitors will test their skills across a variety of WCA-recognized events. Spectators are welcome, come cheer on your friends and watch some of the fastest solves in Hawaiʻi.
Highlights
• Officially sanctioned WCA competition
• Multiple speedcubing events
• Community fun and excitement
• Open to cubers of all ages and levels
Register now
(Spots are limited—don’t miss out)
Let’s make this an unforgettable day of cubing, community, and fun!
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, 2025-2026.
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,
On February 7, 1964, something really big happened – the Beatles arrived in the U.S. for the first time, sparking “Beatlemania!” My Mom remembers this event clearly, even though she was only 10. I review important dates in history like these when I plan for the coming week and this one in particular made me reflect on how imprintable young middle school minds are when it comes to things that happen in their lives that are really exciting. Even though Beatlemania is in the books as this electric happening, it just amounts to four musicians stepping out of a plane. For our middle schoolers, we have one of those Beatlemania moments — coming up the Lip Sync Competition on Friday, February 20. Please plan on spectating and please sign up below for an opportunity to support the dance and competition by either bringing food, decorating or cleaning up afterwards. It all comes together to help our kids feel like the superstars they are!
You can sign up to support the dance here.
8th Grade Capstone Update
This week, the Village Campus was energized by a spirit of collaboration as our 8th-grade students engaged in their “Highlight & Fix” practice presentations. This milestone marks the transition from the initial building phase to the final manifestation of their projects. Students used these presentations as an opportunity to step back, analyze their progress, and seek peer perspective.
The focus of this phase is on highlighting the artifacts of their work thus far and identifying the important fixes and tasks coming up. Artifacts ranged from drafts of video segments exploring the community impact of sports to curriculum outlines for keiki art classes. This iterative process embodies the core values of critical thinking and the pursuit of excellence, ensuring that every project is refined with purpose. The students are exhibiting impressive growth as they navigate their challenges and prepare for their final presentations.
Mark your calendars for their culminating presentations and the Grade 8 capstone exhibition scheduled for Wednesday, April 15.
Robotics Team
Congratulations to our Village Campus Robotics teams who competed with teams from across the state this past weekend. A special shoutout to our Middle School Team: Code Erosion, who won the Innovation Award for their augmented reality game that brings ancient Hawaiian sites to life. Coming up, the week after our Lip Sync Competition and Dance, we will host the 5th Annual Village Campus Plant Sale on Friday, February 27 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the Ulumau Garden. Every Lower and Middle School student has contributed to making this event possible in some fashion.
I hope you have a great weekend and enjoy your Super Bowl Sunday — however you spend the time.
Aloha,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Schedule
Our Middle School 2025-2026 Daily Schedule continues with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, February 9.
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
• February 1-15: HPA Re-Enrollment
• Friday, February 6: Pizza and Play with Head of School, Fred Wawner
• Monday, February 16: K-12 Faculty Work Day, no classes
• Friday, February 20: Middle School Lip Sync Dance
• Friday, February 27: Village Campus Plant Sale
• Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6: LS/MS Student-Led Conferences
• Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4: Middle School Spring Musical, Annie Jr.
Pizza and a Play with the Head of School
Join us in Ko Kākou Student Union on the Upper Campus from 5:15 to 6:30 pm TONIGHT, Friday, February 6, for pizza with our Head of School, Fred Wawner, before the opening night of Ka Makani Players’ performance of Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion. Bring the family for a slice and head over to the Gates Performing Arts Center for the 7:00 pm showing.
Re-enrollment
Re-enrollment for current students is now open through February 15.
You should have received an email on February 1 that will give you access to the enrollment forms to secure your child’s space for the next academic year.
World Cubing Association
We’re excited to announce that the World Cubing Association (WCA) official competition is coming to HPA on Saturday, February 28! Whether you’re a seasoned speedcuber or just getting started, this is your chance to compete, connect, and celebrate the cubing community.
Location: HPA Village Campus: Hale ʻĪnana
Date: Saturday, February 28
Time: 8 am – 4 pm
Competitors will test their skills across a variety of WCA-recognized events. Spectators are welcome, come cheer on your friends and watch some of the fastest solves in Hawaiʻi.
Highlights
• Officially sanctioned WCA competition
• Multiple speedcubing events
• Community fun and excitement
• Open to cubers of all ages and levels
Register now
(Spots are limited—don’t miss out)
Let’s make this an unforgettable day of cubing, community, and fun!
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, 2025-2026’.
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,
International Day
This week was fabulous with the INTERNATIONAL DAY. Ms. Scarth, Mr. Flores, Mr. Piercy, Mr. Ford, Mr. Spencer, and a very strong team of faculty and staff supported the effort. We also hosted students and faculty from Kanu o ka ‘Ãina who came to present and participate.
Here are the student and faculty-led workshop options that students attended.
2026 Workshop Topics and Students or Faculty Lead
- China: Explore China — Coco Q.
- China: Exploring Hong Kong and Tea — Amanda T.
- Colombia: Cumbia — A: Santino, Lilly C., Brooke | B: Kahanu, Aliza, Savannah H.
- Czech Republic: Easter in the Czech Republic — Leontyna, Karolina, Elen
- Germany: Traditional German Card Game — Leo K.
- Germany: German Made Easy — Philipp G.
- Germany: German Pretzel Workshop — Niklas H., Leonie S., Johanna
- Hawai’i: Ho’okuku Makahiki — Mr. Spencer
- Iran: Uncovering Iran — Kian N.
- Japan: Dance with us, Japanese Kawaii Dance — Sensei Inaba | Riko M., Yukari N., Sera S.
- Japan: Onigiri Making — Leon K., Umi R.
- Japan: Takayaki Station — Rino S.
- Japan: Japanese Curry — Taiga M.
- Mexico/Latin America: Lotería Game — Ana S., Santi
- Philippines: Dance and Food — Anthony T., Noelle, Aurelia, Alyna
- Russia: Culture and Art — Zoya K.
- Taiwan: Taiwan and Boba Tea — Ken L.
- Taiwan: Peanut Mochi Workshop — Lucy Lu.
- Taiwan: Sweet Potato Balls — David C.
- Tea Workshop — Ms. Dalquist
Upper School Theater Performance
Our play is officially underway, and there’s still time to join us!
Catch one of the remaining evening performances this Friday and Saturday at 7 pm at GPAC.HPA students and faculty receive free admission, but please share our Eventbrite link for anyone interested in $5 tickets!
Additionally, you can join us in Ko Kākou Student Union on the Upper Campus from 5:15 to 6:30 pm TONIGHT, Friday, February 6, for pizza with our Head of School, Fred Wawner, before our performance of Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion. Bring the family for a slice and head over to the Gates Performing Arts Center for the 7:00 pm showing.
About the Show
Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy’s Ka Makani Players present Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion, a fast-paced comedy mystery that lovingly spoofs some of the most famous sleuths of all time. When a murder occurs at a suspiciously dramatic mansion, an absurd number of detectives arrive to crack the case.
Audiences will recognize playful parodies inspired by classic and pop-culture favorites, including Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, Batman, Scooby-Doo and the gang, Miss Marple, Sam Spade, and Sherlock Holmes. Packed with rapid-fire dialogue, over-the-top characters, and escalating chaos, this whodunit is full of laughs and surprises from start to finish.
Content Advisory
This production is rated PG due to some crude humor and mild sexual innuendo. Recommended for ages 10+
Science Fair: Thursday, February 12
We are proud of our students (listed on the poster below) for participating in the science fair and wish them the very best of luck as they hope to move on to the state level and beyond. Mahalo to Dr. Anton, Ms. Jim, and Ms. Cordova-Wright for their support and organization.
HPA Olympics are Coming
In addition to the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, the HPA Olympics are arguably the most popular.
- February 18-20: Upper School Olympics, Definitely a year highlight for student engagement. Click here for a video of last year’s Olympics.
Notable Senior Capstone Project: Financial Planning For Students
- Mei-Chi (Maggie) L. ʻ26 is bringing in a financial advisor to present to students about the importance of financial planning and how to do it.
- When: Thursday, March 5 at 6:00 pm
- Where: HPA Student Union
- Read more about the financial advisor
- More information, including a sign-up form from Maggie, will come forth in the coming weeks.
All the best,
Mark Noetzel
Assistant Head of School for Upper School
Schedule
Our Upper School 2025-2026 Daily Schedule will resume with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Monday, February 9.
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
• February 1-15: HPA Re-Enrollment
• Friday, February 6: Pizza and Play with Head of School, Fred Wawner
• Monday, February 16: K-12 Faculty Work Day, no classes
• Wednesday, February 18 to Friday, February 20: Olympics
• March 6: Spring Break begins
• April 4: HPA Prom, at the Hualalai Resort – Four Seasons Hotel
• April 15: College Fair on the HPA Campus, 11-1:00 pm
• May 11: HPA Academic Awards Program, Castle Gymnasium, 3:30 pm
• May 21: Baccalaureate Services – Class of 2026
• May 22: Commencement Ceremony, Class of 2026, Castle Gymnasium
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
Re-enrollment
Re-enrollment for current students is now open through February 15.
You should have received an email on February 1 that will give you access to the enrollment forms to secure your child’s space for the next academic year.
Ka Makani Athletics
Winter season is here! Check out the latest Winter Sports Athletics calendar here. You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar. Go KA MAKANI!
Paddling
Saturday, February 7, HHSAA Championship, Oahu, 9:00 am
Wrestling
Saturday, February 7, at Kea’au, 10:00 am
Catch the action
Watch the Ka Makani action as it happens! Watch HPA sports live on Hudl and never miss a play.
College Counseling
Introduction to College Athletics Recruiting
Interested in playing sports at the next level? Join College Counseling and former college and professional soccer player Gabbie Ewing for an introduction to college athletics and recruiting. This session will cover the differences between NCAA, NAIA, and JUCO, how to reach out to college coaches, how to write a recruiting email, what college coaches look for in a highlight film and more.
The session will conclude with a Q&A featuring current student-athletes who recently navigated the recruiting process, along with HPA Athletic Director Stephen Perry. Open to all HPA students.
Date: February 24
Time: 1:45 pm
Location: GPAC
College Horizons Summer 2026 @ Dartmouth and UC Berkeley
College Horizons is a free 5-day pre-college residential program designed specifically for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian high school sophomores and juniors. Students connect with 70+ partner colleges and universities, meet admission representatives and college counselors, and learn more about the college application process in a supportive, community-centered environment. Need-based travel stipends are available.
The 2026 program will be hosted by Dartmouth College and UC Berkeley from June 26 to July 1. Students may choose one of the two host sites. For more information and the application link, visit the College Horizons website.
FAFSA Completion Webinars
To help families complete the FAFSA for college financial aid, the Pacific Financial Aid Association is offering several Free FAFSA Completion webinars. In addition, Free scholarship webinars are also available on scheduled dates throughout the fall.
Virtual ACT/SAT Weekend Boot Camp
HPA is partnering with Tutors Across America to provide a 3-Day Virtual ACT/SAT Weekend Boot Camp on February 13 – 15, 2026. Students who attend the bootcamps average 3-7 point improvements on the ACT and 100-200 point improvements on the SAT.
Schedule
Friday, February 13: 4 to 8:30 pm
Saturday, February 14: 9 am to 6 pm (break from 1 to 2 pm)
Sunday, February 15: 9 am to 6 pm (break from 1 to 2 pm)
Cost
Discounted Cost: $199 for HPA students (Regular Cost is $399)
Use coupon code HAWAIIPREP at checkout.
Registration
• Go to: http://TutorsAcrossAmerica.com/ACTcourse
• Scroll down to find the camp you’re looking for
• Enroll as directed (You may enroll in any camp that works for you)
• Use coupon code HAWAIIPREP at checkout to get the 50% discount.
• Reach out to us with any questions. We’re happy to help.
Ka Makani Travel
Spring Break March, 2027
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun with EF Tours led by Mrs. Inaba & Mr. Piercy
New Zealand led by Ms. White, Ms. Kight, Mr. Ford & Mr. Moltz
Please contact Ka Makani Travel Coordinator Adrienne White (awhite@hpa.edu) for information regarding registration, eligibility and travel
Residential Life
Part of the fabric that makes up residential life at HPA are our elected dormitory representatives, who serve on an auxiliary student council board, presided over by the Executive Dormitory Representative, who is a part of the general student council. This Student Residential Council meets weekly to plan activities and events, discuss the well-being of our community, organize logistics for events like Formal Dinner, and sometimes bring forward suggestions on how the school can change policies or procedures for the benefit of the boarding community.
Through this process, we have recently embarked on a two-week trial period of amending our evening Study Hall schedule, to allow it to end earlier for students who wish to head to bed sooner, and to limit distractions from students productively engaged in their school work. To achieve this, we have eliminated a designated 10-minute break, which frequently revolves around students eagerly checking their phones and socializing. While these are not inherently negative things to do, research conducted by many universities and professional organizations shows us that the time it takes for the students to then settle back down and work productively for the second portion of study hall can take up to 20-25 minutes, making that time, on average, wasted.
Our current study hall schedule is as follows:
7:30 pm – Study Hall Begins (all students in their rooms, phones placed in holders in the common room)
8:30 pm – 10 minute break (students may leave their room, socialize, check their phones, etc.)
8:40 pm – Second Study Hall Begins
9:10 pm – Study Hall Ends, “Quiet Hours” Begins (students may socialize, but remain quiet so those with more work to do are able to focus)
For this week and next, we will be running a simplified schedule:
7:30 pm – Study Hall Begins (all students in their rooms, phones placed in holders in the common room)
9:00 pm – Study Hall Ends, “Quiet Hours” Begins (students may socialize, but remain quiet so those with more work to do are able to focus)
There are knock-on effects associated with this change that we are examining, and will be soliciting student feedback on after the two-week trial ends. Specifically, Group Study is now only allowed during Quiet Hours, instead of during the second half of study hall, and students assigned to Proctored Study Hall are in for 90 minutes, as opposed to an hour. All of these impacts and the overall impression of the changed schedule will be examined both by the faculty and students following the two week trial period, and then we will come together to try a new iteration following Spring Break.
We are excited to continue to work with our student leaders on ways to improve their experience and ability to succeed, and look forward to sharing our results with you all later in the semester!
Pizza and a Play with the Head of School
Join us in Ko Kākou Student Union on the Upper Campus from 5:15 to 6:30 pm TONIGHT, Friday, February 6, for pizza with our Head of School, Fred Wawner, before the opening night of Ka Makani Players’ performance of Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion. Bring the family for a slice and head over to the Gates Performing Arts Center for the 7:00 pm showing.
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, 2025-2026.
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.
Kona Blood Drive: February 10 - 12
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Tuesday, February 10 – 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
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Wednesday, February 11 – 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
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Thursday, February 12 – 6:00 am – 3:00 pm
Summer at HPA Enrollment is Now Open!
We’re excited to announce that Summer at HPA is officially open for enrollment! Families can now sign up for our Academy Program, Ka Makani Keiki Camp, and Enrichment Swimming sessions.
Check out our current program listings on the Summer at HPA page on the school website, or enroll directly through our CampSite Enrollment form.
If you have any questions, please email summer@hpa.edu
We look forward to another amazing summer!
Admissions
Re-enrollment for current students is now open through February 15. Please refer to the email sent on February 1 that will give you access to the enrollment forms to secure your child’s space for the next academic year.
The new application for the 2026-2027 academic year is now available. If you have a sibling of your current student who is planning to apply next year, please let us know, and we will review their application ASAP. Please contact our office at admissions@hpa.edu if you have any questions. We will expedite your completion of the process and are here to support your ʻohana. Additionally, please visit our website for information on upcoming fall events where you and/or your friends can connect with HPA and the admissions team.
Advancement & Alumni
Pizza and a Play with the Head of School
Join us in Ko Kākou Student Union on the Upper Campus from 5:15 to 6:30 pm, TONIGHT, Friday, February 6, for pizza with our Head of School, Fred Wawner, before the opening night of Ka Makani Players’ performance of Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion. Bring the family for a slice and head over to the Gates Performing Arts Center for the 7:00 pm showing.
Isaacs Art Center
The Hawai’i Wood Guild celebrated its 40th Anniversary at the January opening of our annual Invitational Masters Show. On exhibit are 48 striking creations available for purchase alongside a special display of precontact umeke and historic Hawaiian wood carving tools. Highlighted is the artists’ mastery of wood turning, joinery, marquetry, pyrography and a showcase of the diverse woods of our island. There is an 8 foot door resembling woven lauhala with a double piko, a lidded umeke carved with a pair of i‘o and their chicks, live edge side tables, framed mirrors, jewelry boxes and towers, calabash of diverse shapes and woods, and a miniature tree with 25 tiny unique wood bowls on its branches. This exhibition is a breathtaking display of talent and innovation, featuring stunning pieces that blend traditional techniques with contemporary design.
Join us for this landmark Wood Show, open now through February 28. Celebrate the woodworking artistry as our master craftsmen and women from across Hawai’i Island share their finest creations. Talk stories with these artists will be held on several Saturdays during the show; dates to be announced!
Isaacs Art Center is free and open to the public, Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 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.
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.