Week of 8/14/26
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
Here we Grow, folks! Back at it.
School year 2026-2027 — HPA’s 77th.
Fresh off a summer that saw North America joyfully embrace hosting the World Cup, each day seeming to bring another cool story about people and cultures connecting in ways that simply made you smile. I was reminded of something we already know: when people come together with respect and wonder, remarkable things can happen. What a beautiful moment for connection. I hope you caught a glimpse.
That idea feels especially fitting as we begin another school year at HPA. Each year represents its own voyage, and our HPA waʻa (traditional Hawaiian canoe) is leaving shore. There is something exciting about these first few days—the crew is coming together, we are learning our roles and our kuleana, and the waters ahead are filled with possibility.
This kind of navigation isn’t just a metaphor for us—it’s something our students live, and it was a way of life for Uncle Shorty Bertelmann, the master navigator who guided HPA students on the Makali’i, and whose legacy we celebrate in the latest Ma Ke Kula. The steadiness and care he modeled are exactly what we hope to cultivate in our students. At the heart of our effort to call out the skills, values, and qualities shared by HPA graduates (our Portrait of a Graduate) is our belief that we are growing Confident Navigators—young people who are rooted, purposeful, gracious, resilient, prepared, and globally minded.
And you don’t become a confident navigator by standing safely on shore.
You become one through the journey.
You learn to read the conditions around you, make thoughtful decisions, adjust when the winds change, and rely on those in the canoe alongside you. Sometimes the seas will be calm and the course obvious. Other times there will be ka makani, unexpected currents, and moments when the destination feels a little less certain.
Those experiences are not interruptions to the education we provide—they are part of it. The difficult homework assignment. The hard practice. The challenging role in the play. The disagreement with a friend. These moments will surely be part of the journey, and each provides another opportunity to rise to the occasion.
Our responsibility as a school is not to guarantee smooth seas for our students. It is to help prepare them to navigate whatever seas they encounter with confidence and purpose—and to enjoy the ride while doing it.
So, as we begin this new school year, our compass has its bearings and our lines are tight. We are rooted in our values, clear in our mission, and excited about the journey ahead.
The waʻa is underway. We are headed out in pursuit of excellence. Thanks for jumping aboard.
Onward.
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
We are aware of the approaching storm and have taken appropriate steps to prepare our campuses. Please refer to our communication sent on Thursday for more information.
We will continue to monitor conditions closely and will provide an update before Monday if any changes to school operations are necessary.
School Bulletins for the Week of 8/14/26
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!
First day jitters took on a whole new meaning this year as we welcomed our newest and youngest Ka Makani in our 77-year history – E Komo Mai to our Village Pre-K at HPA families!
What a pleasure it is to finally open our doors to our first class of three- and four-year-olds. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to support families in caring for and educating their precious little ones during these foundational years of learning, discovery, and growth. To see our joyful young scholars settling into their new classroom, exploring their surroundings, and beginning to find their place within our Village ʻohana has been incredibly special.
Mahalo to our entire community for the unwavering support, encouragement, and aloha that carried us to this moment. The journey toward earning our early childhood license and opening the Village Pre-K at HPA has been one shared by many, and we will remain deeply grateful for the countless people who believed in this opportunity for the keiki and families of our community. What was once an idea and a hope is now a bustling classroom filled with happy little learners!
And what a beautiful first three days of school it has been across our Kindergarten through 8th grade classes! Our days have been filled with moments of connection: students greeting old friends and making new ones, teachers opening the doors to their welcoming classrooms, and our campus once again coming alive with wonder, laughter, and learning. Welcome to all of our new students and families into the Lower School ʻohana as we begin another year of pursuing excellence together.
As we settle into our routines and find our rhythm for the year ahead, below are a few important notes.
- Room Parents: the Lower School seeks two Room Parents for each grade level (Pre-K – 5th) each year to represent our classroom communities and support our entire division. Room Parents help build community and keep classroom families connected to all that is happening at HPA. They help share opportunities to participate in events, volunteer, celebrate our faculty, and support our keiki. Interested in getting involved? We’d love to have you join us! Please reach out to our Lower School representative, ʻOhana Vice President, Lara Brady, P ʻ35 at ohana_vplower@hpa.edu to inquire.
- Rain jackets/warm layers: All students need to bring both a rain jacket and a warm layer to school each day to stay comfortable in our always beautiful, but as we have seen this week, blustery Waimea weather. Our climate ranges from sunny to rainy to windy, or a mix of all three, in a matter of moments. Unless the weather is risky, we are typically outside rain or shine.
- Lower School Personal Phone & Device Policy: all mobile devices and smartwatches are prohibited during the school day.
- Lunch: 3rd-5th grade classes will once again enjoy lunch outdoors, weather permitting. Our Kindergarten – 2nd graders will eat in the dining hall. No candy, soda, or energy drinks. Refer to our handbook about our healthy food policies.
- Morning Drop-off: 7:40 am – 8:00 am. The first class begins promptly at 8:00 am. Students in 1st-5th grade should head to classrooms on their own, while kindergarten families are welcome to choose to accompany our youngest learners until Friday, August 21. Pre-K drop off is 7:45-8:15am. Thank you for supporting our students to begin their school day with a healthy breakfast and a calm morning routine.
- After School Program begins: The first term of our K- 8 After School program begins this coming Monday, August 18. (We continue to offer complimentary care for all K-8 students on Early Dismissal Wednesdays, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm.) Pre-K does not have After School offerings at this time.
- Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series begins: Join us for a special talk story with Kumu Kūwalu. Our first Wā Pilina event for the 2026-2027 school year will weave our connections to ʻāina, wai, and kai. Come into deeper relationship with this special place we call home and prepare to follow the flow of water—from wai to kai. All are invited, sign up here.
- Labor Day: No school on Monday, September 7
- School Picture Day: Wednesday, September 2 (Pre-K – 8th grade)
- Faculty Work Day: There will be no classes on our Pre-K-12 Faculty Work Day, Friday, September 18
Each week, you will see important dates (like some of the above) briefly noted in the bulleted list below, under the heading “Coming Up.” Please reach out to me, your grade level teachers, or the Village Campus office with any questions or wonderings you may have (villagecampusoffice@hpa.edu). Your classroom newsletters will continue to be helpful news sources, as well as myHPA.
These first days back to school can be tiring for our lower school children as they readjust (or newly adjust!) to their routines. Consider having a snack and/or downtime ready when they get home to help ease them into the busyness of the school year.
Mahalo for choosing HPA as the school to educate your children. We are grateful for the trust you place in us and appreciate your continued support. We look forward to collaborating with you this new academic year, and creating many memorable learning experiences together, grounded in our core values of Respect, Integrity, Wonder, and Pursuit of Excellence, alongside our Mālama Kaiāulu compass petals of Haʻina, Kuleana, Pilina, and Lōkahi.
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, August 17.
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
• August 17: Talk Story with Kumu Kūwalu, Upper Campus Castle Lecture Hall, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
• September 2: Village Campus Photo Day
• September 7: Labor Day Holiday, NO SCHOOL
• September 8: Park for Coffee, Village Campus Garden, 7:45 am
• September 15 & 16: HPA Today & Tomorrow, A conversation with Head of School Fred Wawner, Upper Campus GPAC, 5:30 pm
• September 17: ʻOhana Association Parent Social, Isaacs Art Center, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
• September 18: Faculty Workday, NO SCHOOL
• September 19: Paniolo Parade, 10:00 am
• September 23: ʻOhana Day, Village Campus, 2:00 – 5:30 pm
• September 27: Keiki Triathlon, Upper Campus, 9:00 – 11:00 am
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 want to thank you for a tremendous first week of school. Our process of connecting through authentic intake conferences in the days before the first day of school provides for a smooth transition for our middle school students. They arrive comfortable and confident, ready to learn and contribute from day one.
This year, our Village Campus is focused on Kuleana and the art of asking beautiful questions. In our day one assembly, students grappled with the question: What is the difference between responsibility and privilege? My teachers and I listened to many insightful student thoughts – ‘privilege is something you earn by getting your responsibilities done,’ and ‘responsibility is something you need to do and privilege is something that you get to do.’ We loved every thought, but it was a bit of a trick question – having responsibilities is a privilege and it is a privilege to have responsibilities. Our students grow and thrive the more they are able to embrace their Kuleana. This year, we are increasing the opportunities students have to contribute to our campus duties as a part of our focus on Kuleana.
Over the next week, I am looking for Student Council representatives from each Advisory to support the leadership of the middle school, represent our school community and contribute to presenting and facilitating our Middle School Assemblies. No previous experience is required, it is the experience and process that is most important. If your child is thinking about it or unsure, I appreciate any encouragement they might need to go for it. Students and advisors have received information on how to apply.
After running an effective pilot in the second semester last year, it is our first full year of utilizing interim NWEA MAP assessments to get an objective snapshot of student achievement and growth in reading and math. We will run assessment schedules on Thursday, August 27 and Thursday, September 3.
Please mark your calendars for Friday, September 11 from 6 – 8 pm for our Middle School Welcome Back Dance! Our student body and council will determine the Theme over the next two weeks.
Picture day is also fast approaching and will take place on Wednesday, September 2. You can find all needed information here.
Information will also be coming soon about our ʻOhana Days afternoon at the Village Campus on Wednesday, September 23 starting at 2:00 pm – it is your opportunity to hear from leadership and your child’s teachers on learning goals, classroom environment and curriculum.
On a more practical note, I want to thank everyone for their patience and positivity in navigating the back-to-school Waimea traffic during drop off and pick up times. Please review the times and guidance from my beginning of year message and I advise giving a little extra time as the traffic patterns settle over the next week or so.
Have an incredible weekend!
Aloha,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Schedule
Our Middle School daily schedule will continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, August 17.
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
• August 17: Talk Story with Kumu Kūwalu, Upper Campus Castle Lecture Hall, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
• September 2: Village Campus Photo Day
• September 7: Labor Day Holiday, NO SCHOOL
• September 8: Park for Coffee, Village Campus Garden, 7:45 am
• September 11: Middle School Welcome Back Dance, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
• September 15 & 16: HPA Today & Tomorrow, A conversation with Head of School Fred Wawner, Upper Campus GPAC, 5:30 pm
• September 17: ʻOhana Association Parent Social, Isaacs Art Center, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
• September 18: Faculty Workday, NO SCHOOL
• September 19: Paniolo Parade, 10:00 am
• September 23: ʻOhana Day, Village Campus, 2:00 – 5:30 pm
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,
What a phenomenal first week of school! Our campus feels different, and in the best possible way. Students are looking up (physically), laughing, talking, playing games, and connecting with one another. There is an energy and a sense of community that can be felt across campus. Who knew fewer phones could make a campus feel so much more alive?
Students are actively following the mobile device policy, and we appreciate the responsibility they are showing. Mahalo to everyone for adjusting and supporting one another. This positive start is something we have created together.
Next week, students will head out on their class retreats for another opportunity to have fun, build relationships, and connect with their peers. Connection matters. When students feel known, valued, and connected to their community, they are more likely to make responsible choices and care for one another.
NWEA Testing is Coming
Students will take the NWEA Reading and Math Assessments on August 25 and August 27. NWEA is an adaptive assessment, which means the questions adjust based on each student’s responses. These results will help us better understand each student’s academic strengths and identify areas where additional growth and support may be needed. More information about the testing schedule will be shared soon.
AP Student Agreement
Following assembly on Wednesday, August 12, I met with all students who are enrolled in an AP course. I explained that it is important to their teachers, the school, and potentially their future colleges that we commit to the AP course in its entirety, through to completion of the exam.
I explained the reasoning behind the agreement and our shared commitment to ensuring that the testing environment is conducive to the best possible learning and scores for each student. If your child is enrolled in an AP course, please read the agreement that you’ll find shortly in your myHPA account and submit your electronic signature. Each student enrolled in an AP course will also need to submit a signature.
Thank you for your support in this matter, and please feel free to reach out to me at Assistant Head of School should you have any questions or concerns.
Upper School Picture Days
Upper School Picture Day will be held on Wednesday, September 9, and Friday, September 11, from 1:50 to 3:00 pm in Davies Chapel. All students are required to have their photographs taken for their school ID/Ka MakaniCash card and the yearbook.
A link from Photo Guardians to order photos will be emailed to students and families, along with instructions for selecting and purchasing photo packages. Purchasing a photo package is optional. If a student cannot make their scheduled time, please email upperschool@hpa.edu to reschedule.
- Wednesday, September 9, 2026 — Seniors and Juniors by advisory
- Friday, September 11, 2026 — Sophomores and Freshmen by advisory
Photo Retake Day: Wednesday, September 30, 1:50 – 3:00 pm.
Dress Code for Photos: All students must adhere to the HPA dress code for their photos. Props, hats, and sunglasses will not be allowed in official school photos.
Thanks again for your support of your child(ren) and the school community as we strive to provide the best possible learning environment. Have a great weekend!
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, August 17.
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
• August 17: Talk Story with Kumu Kūwalu, Upper Campus Castle Lecture Hall, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
• August 21: Class Retreats
• August 31: Convocation, Dress Code: Aloha Attire
• September 7: Labor Day Holiday, NO SCHOOL
• September 8: Park for Coffee, Village Campus Garden, 7:45 am
• September 9 & 11: Upper School Picture Day
• September 15 & 16: HPA Today & Tomorrow, A conversation with Head of School Fred Wawner, Upper Campus GPAC, 5:30 pm
• September 17: ʻOhana Association Parent Social, Isaacs Art Center, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
• September 18: Faculty Workday, NO SCHOOL
• September 19: Paniolo Parade, 10:00 am
• October 1– 3: ʻOhana Days, Upper Campus
Student Support
Should your child need additional learning or counseling support, we encourage you to reach out to:
- US Learning Specialist: Spencer Williams at swilliams@hpa.edu
- US Counselor: Tiffany Freitas at tfreitas@hpa.edu or 808-881-4038
- US Counselor: Steve Furchner at sfurchner@hpa.edu or 808-881-4038
Residential Life
After a successful Boarding Orientation last weekend, our students are finishing up their first week of classes, and school is officially in session! Over the Orientation weekend, our students got to engage in a mix of informational sessions about HPA, our history, our policies and procedures, and general guidance on navigating life and school here on our campus; along with Outdoor Program trips around the island, fun and games on campus, bonding and ice breaker activities, and opportunities to meet our day students as well. Now that school is in session, they will expand their social circles to include the many day students that they attend classes, play sports, eat lunch, and generally mix with throughout each day. As we discussed on Opening Day last Friday, I hope you will all continue to feel comfortable reaching out if there is something you think we need to know about your child, and we look forward to connecting with you more throughout the semester.
Looking ahead, some of you may have seen the weather reports that we are under Tropical Storm watch (and by the time you read this may have developed further), and we want to assure you that we are well prepared here on campus! Not only is Waimea traditionally well protected from the worst weather from such storms, but we also are ready with emergency lighting and supplies, our dining hall has its own independent power source, and we are preparing for some good indoor activities for the weekend if things remain unpleasant throughout the weekend.
Ka Makani Athletics
Message from the Director of Athletics
Welcome to another exciting year of Ka Makani Athletics.
Our football and volleyball teams have been working hard since mid-July and the cross country and cheer squads have started their work this week.
Please come on out and support all of our programs whenever you can.
Our first HOME events are:
Girls Volleyball vs Makua Lani – Tuesday, August 18, 5:00 pm
Football vs Kalaheo – Saturday, August 22, 2:00 pm
Cross Country – Friday, October 2, 3:30 pm
This fall, we look forward to HPA hosting some big events on campus:
BIIF Girls Volleyball Championships – October 21 (D1) & October 22 (D2)
BIIF Cross Country Championships – October 24 at 8:30 am
HHSAA Cross Country Championships – October 31 at 8:30 am
Go KA MAKANI!
See you all on the sidelines,
Stephen Perry
Director of Athletics
Fall Sports Calendar
Check out the latest Fall Sports Athletics calendar here. You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar. Be sure to follow Ka Makani Athletics on Instagram for the latest updates and all the exciting action.
Ka Makani Athletics Team Shops
Our Ka Makani Athletics Team Shops are officially open, featuring apparel and gear for Football, Girls Volleyball, and Cross Country. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines, an active student-athlete, or just looking to represent HPA around town, there’s something for everyone.
All Team Shops close October 1, so don’t wait too long to grab your favorite gear.
Upcoming Schedule
Volleyball
August 18 | HOME vs Makua Lani | 6:00 pm
August 20 | HOME vs Pahoa | 5:00 pm (JV), 6:00 pm (VAR)
August 26 | HOME vs Kanu o ka ʻĀina | 6:00 pm
August 28 | Away vs Kohala | 5:00 pm
Football
August 22 | HOME vs Kalaheo | 2:00 pm
August 29 | Away vs Waiakea | 11:00 am
Cross Country
September 5 | All Schools at Keaʻau | 9:00 am
Catch the Action Live
Watch the Ka Makani action as it happens! Watch HPA sports live on Hudl and never miss a play.
Performing & Visual Arts
HPA Ensemble — Orchestra & Band (Middle School & Upper School)
Tuesdays | 6:00 – 7:15 pm | Grades 6-12 | 0.5 Art/Elective Credit
Calling All Instrumentalists! The HPA Ensemble brings together orchestra and band musicians for an exciting, collaborative ensemble experience featuring classical, concert band, jazz, film music, and music from cultures around the world.
The ensemble is open to strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and percussion, with music adapted to meet the needs, experience, and strengths of each musician.
Following a model common to collegiate-level ensembles, HPA Ensemble rehearses once a week outside the regular academic schedule, on Tuesday evenings from 6:00–7:15 p.m. Students develop their musicianship, ensemble skills, confidence, and performance experience while making music alongside fellow HPA musicians. Teacher permission required.
Grades 9–12: Full-year enrollment (Fall and Spring) is required for students receiving the 0.5 Art/Elective credit. Students receiving credit are expected to participate weekly throughout the full year. Audit and no-credit participation options are also available.
Grades 6–8: Middle School students with intermediate to advanced instrumental skills are encouraged to participate. If you are interested in joining, please connect directly with Mr. Flores at mflores@hpa.edu. Limited spots, especially for Rhythm Section (guitar, bass, piano and percussion/drums).
Ka Makani Travel
The Ka Makani Travel program is offering current HPA students travel grants for the 2026–2027 Ka Makani Travel experiences to provide opportunities for HPA students to experience the wonder of travel.
Grant Application
The grant application is due by 10:00 pm, Monday, August 17. Here is the Grant Application.
Travel Opportunities
Labor Day Weekend September, 2026
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Hilo & Enrollment Form led by Ms. White, Mr. Moltz & Ms. Scarth
Thanksgiving Break November, 2026
Southern California Itinerary & Enrollment Form led by Ms. White & Ms. Scarth, WAITLIST
Oahu Thanksgiving Itinerary & Enrollment Form chaperones TBD
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Hilo Itinerary & Enrollment Form led by Mr. Ford & Ms. Tadaki
Baja Mexico with HPA Outdoor Program led by Ms. Paulekas & Ms. Jim
January Long Weekend, 2027
Oahu Itinerary & Enrollment Form led by Ms. White & Mrs. Sebastian
February Long Weekend, 2027
Glamping on Maui & Enrollment Form led by Ms. White & Ms. Atoa
Spring Break March, 2027
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun with EF Tours led by Mrs. Inaba & Mr. Piercy, 4 Spaces Available
New Zealand Itinerary & NZ Enrollment Form led by Ms. White, Ms. Kight Mr. Ford & Mr. Moltz, WAITLIST
Spring Break March, 2028
Europe at Leisure with Sorrento Extension with EF Tours led by Ms. White
Thailand led by Ms. Jim & Ms. Scarth
Please reach out if you have any questions awhite@hpa.edu
College Counseling
Seniors
We’re looking forward to continuing our work with the Class of 2027 during this exciting time. Our Senior Workshop series kicks off next week on August 20, and our college visit schedule starts up on August 31.
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, August 22 (registration closed)
- Saturday, September 12 (August 28)
- Saturday, October 3 (September 18)
- Saturday, November 7 (deadline October 23)
- Saturday, December 5 (deadline November 20)
ACT Dates at HPA and Registration Deadlines
- Saturday, September 19 (TODAY, August 14)
- Saturday, October 17 (deadline September 11)
- Saturday, December 12 (deadline November 6)
We look forward to working with you this year. See you soon!
Dyer Library
Aloha! Are you all done with your copy of the summer all school read, Everything is Tuberculosis? If so, drop your used copy off at the library! We will pay it forward to future students!
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Upper School Family Resources tile on myHPA and scrolling down to ‘Past Email Communications, 2026-2027.
Whom to Contact at HPA
If you are unsure whom to contact regarding a specific question or issue, please refer to our Whom to Contact guide.
As a reminder, HPA is a closed campus, so if a parent or guardian wishes to come to campus during the academic day, they will need an appointment.
myHPA
myHPA is where you can find all the resources related to your child’s learning. Two key resource boards that we would like to draw your attention to are the ‘Upper School Family Resources’, and the ‘Upper School Student Resources’.
All-School
Need to know information for our entire Ka Makani ʻohana.
Isaacs Art Center
Isaacs Art Center is proud to present our newest exhibition – Mana Wahine: Celebrating the Power of Women
For centuries, women have served as the enduring muses behind some of history’s most renowned masterpieces. From Michelangelo’s Pieta to Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, and from da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, women’s influence on art is profound and undeniable. Here in Hawai’i, we honor and revere the mana, or divine power, of women in all their forms.
In this spirit, we are thrilled to present an exhibition that honors the incredible wahine who create and inspire creativity. Their ingenuity is woven into the very fabric of our beautiful ‘aina, and we invite you to experience the dynamic expressions of women in painting, sculpture, textiles, and fashion.
We warmly welcome you to immerse yourself in this celebration of creativity and empowerment, and to witness firsthand how women continue to inspire and ignite the world of art.
Join us Friday, August 21 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm for our opening reception featuring a fashion show by Kira Kamamalu ‘01 and pupu by Cecily Kimura ‘08. The exhibition runs through the end of September.
Isaacs Art Center is free and open to the public, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Gallery works for sale may also be viewed on our website. Be sure to also visit our Instagram and Facebook pages for highlights from ongoing exhibitions. Sales from gallery artwork have supported the HPA Financial Aid program since its opening in 2004.
Admissions
It has been wonderful to welcome our new and returning students and families back to campus! On behalf of the entire Admission Office, we wish you and your ʻohana a joyful and successful 2026–2027 school year.
As a new school year begins, so does a new admission season! Our application for the 2027–2028 academic year is now open. If you’re considering HPA for a sibling, we encourage you to apply early. We’re also excited to share that registration is now open for our fall Admission Events, including campus tours, virtual events and Open Houses. If you have friends, family, or colleagues who may be interested in HPA, we’d love for you to invite them to attend an event and experience our community firsthand.
Thank you for being such an important part of the HPA ʻohana. Your referrals and support help us grow our community, and we look forward to another wonderful year together. Mahalo for your continued partnership and enthusiasm for Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy!
ʻOhana Association
Our ʻOhana Association hosts a variety of events and activities for our school community throughout the year. As parents of HPA, you are automatically part of the ʻOhana Association. There are many ways to participate, and we encourage everyone to get involved. It is a great way to meet your fellow parents and support our amazing Ka Makani community.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events, and be sure to email ohana@hpa.edu with any questions or to find out what volunteer opportunities are available!
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.
- Date: Monday, August 17
- Time: 5:00 to 7:00 pm
- Location: Castle Lecture Hall, Upper Campus
- Date: Monday, August 24 – November 23
- Time: 4:30 to 5:30 pm
- Location: Village Campus
- Description: Introduction to the Hawaiian Language through vocabulary, simple conversational phrases, chants and songs, and Hawaiian values. This course runs from August 24 through November 23. Registration fee: $200.
Advancement & Alumni
HPA’s Alu Mai Gala in support of Financial Aid is heading makai!
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Hale Hoʻaloha Pavilion at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection
Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration and community at the 2026 Alu Mai Gala. Held in support of financial aid at HPA, this special night helps open doors for students across our island and around the world—ensuring that the gift of an HPA education remains accessible to the next generation of ka makani. More details coming soon!
Mark your calendars and plan to celebrate together to uplift, honor, and give back. For information about early table sponsorships, please email Kim Bennett in the Advancement office at kbennett@hpa.edu.
Safety Protocols
Campus Access
Campus access is limited to current students, employees, essential contractors, and approved guests. Guests to campus will have had their hosting faculty or staff member fill out the appropriate form and will have received permission from their supervisor.
If a family member of a student needs to meet with a faculty, staff, or administrative team member, please contact them to arrange a meeting on campus. From that point, security team members will be alerted to your appointment date and time and let you onto campus.
At the Upper School, please do not park and walk onto campus without an appointment. Similarly, at the Village Campus, kindly call or email for an appointment so that arrangements can be made. Mahalo, for your understanding and respect for this process.
If you See Something, Say Something
We ask all families to join HPA in keeping our campus safe. While on the HPA campus, if you see anything out of the ordinary, we ask that you please report it to the school or local authorities immediately. This will help us maintain the safest campus for our students.
- Imminent threat to life or property: call 911 immediately. Follow up with your supervisor ASAP.
- Anything out of the ordinary: email Dan Wilkinson, HPA Security Supervisor at dwilkinson@hpa.edu
CrisisGo for Parents
It is important that all families are set up with CrisisGo, HPA’s school emergency communication tool. To set up CrisisGo SMS/Email subscription, please click on this invitation link and complete the form by adding your name, email, and cell number (this is an important step if you would like to receive an SMS message), and click on the Subscribe button. Should an emergency occur, you will be alerted by email and SMS messaging. You can also locate these instructions by logging into myHPA, clicking on the resource tab, and selecting the CrisisGo Safe2SpeakUp tile.
Safe2SpeakUp for Middle and Upper Students
Similarly, Middle and Upper School students received instructions during orientation on how to upload the Safe2SpeakUp app. This is a companion app to CrisisGo. It will allow the school to alert students of emergencies that happen on or off campus and enable students to communicate with us about their safety status. They can also use the app to alert the school about any behaviors they are concerned about. Students can also locate instructions on setting up Safe2SpeakUp in myHPA, and they were also emailed the video shown at orientation which walks them through the process of uploading the app and registering, step-by-step.
All students can also submit an Online Bully/Harassment report by clicking on this link, which can also be located on the CrisisGo Safe2SpeakUp tile on myHPA.