Week of 9/4/26
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
For those who have played basketball for me over the years, they will tell you, Iʻm pretty quick to call a timeout. Things don’t always need to be in disarray or going in the wrong direction for me to signal for a stoppage of time. The point of a good timeout is usually to refocus our intentions and our path to get there. Maybe I’m a little on the control freak side (former players will definitely agree with that), but when there are so many things to worry about that we canʻt control, owning the things we can makes sense to me.
On Wednesday, I felt it important that our Upper School students hear from me directly. While most students did not know why we were assembling out of our normal schedule, I believe they knew it was of some importance. This was my intention. It was important.
As our Upper School families are already aware, I spoke with our students this week after a swastika was discovered drawn on a picnic table in a student common area. While the table was immediately removed, the pain and negative impact on our community must also be addressed directly. As I shared with our students, a swastika carries a painful history of antisemitism, hatred, persecution, and genocide. It was important for the students to hear from me about the vandalism, about the harm it caused, and about our responsibility to one another. I also wanted to be very clear about the kind of community HPA is and is not. There is no place for hatred of any kind at HPA.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to sit with Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League. That conversation happened because of the generosity of people in our own HPA community who continue to open doors to those doing serious work in the world. That’s a gift, and I don’t take it for granted.
A foundation of something Jonathan spoke about has stayed with me. My interpretation of what he shared is that what we make intolerable in our own environment is what eventually gets weeded out of it. That’s not passive. It’s a choice a community has to keep making, out loud and again and again.
At HPA, we’ve made ours. Hate, antisemitism, and dehumanizing actions of any kind do not get to take root here. But saying what we won’t tolerate is only part of the work. The other part is building the kind of community we want our students to carry with them: one where curiosity is stronger than fear, where disagreement doesn’t require disrespect, and where looking out for one another is simply what we do.
That work matters especially for our students, who are growing up in a world where algorithms can amplify hatred and division with extraordinary speed. They need places where they can practice something different — where they can encounter people who see the world differently, learn to listen, develop the judgment to question what they’re told, and understand that their choices affect the people around them.
It feels right today to borrow from Wendell Berryʻs The Unsettling of America “…to accommodate diversity within unity—this graceful, practical generosity toward the possible and the unexpected offers reconciliation by which we might escape the endless swinging between rigidity and revolt.” It is a way of being together that makes room for both difference and belonging.
We have that place. And all of us have a hand in creating and sustaining it.
So I used a timeout: we stopped, we remembered who we want to be, and made sure our actions match our values. With a whole season in front of us and plenty of learning and loving to do, I already feel the team coming together to support one another.
Game on.
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 9/4/26
Lower School
Each week, K–5 families receive updates highlighting joyful moments, meaningful lessons, and a glimpse into what students and parents can look forward to in the weeks ahead.
News & notes
Aloha Lower School ʻOhana!
What a wonderful week of learning! Yesterday and today, our K–5 students stepped outside their regular classroom schedules and into a wide range of interdisciplinary, experiential learning opportunities led by our talented Specialist teachers. Across the Village Campus, students were moving, creating, wondering, collaborating, problem-solving, and learning together.
This year’s shift from one full K-5 Enrichment Day to two mornings came directly from feedback from our faculty and students. Our hope was to preserve all that makes K-5 Enrichment Day special while creating a pace and rhythm that better supports our young learners. It was gratifying to see that vision come to life. The mornings were full and engaging, while students were also able to return to the familiarity of their classrooms and regular routines each afternoon.
Mahalo to our Specialist teachers for bringing tremendous expertise, creativity, and passion to their work, allowing students to explore particular areas more deeply while making connections across disciplines.
At the same time, Enrichment Mornings created valuable space for our classroom teachers to sit one-on-one with students for our first benchmark reading assessments of the year. These individual reading conversations allow teachers to understand not simply how well a child reads, but how they approach a text—what they notice, how they make meaning, and where they are ready to grow. That information will help guide reading instruction in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Park for Coffee
Please join us for our first Village Campus Park for Coffee of the school year on Tuesday, September 8, 7:45-8:30 at the parking kiosk, featuring goodies from our own local Waimea Coffee Company! We will have coffee, tea, and treats to enjoy while we talk story and catch up on the school year. Class Parents will meet afterward in the dining hall to kick off the year as a new group! All parents of all grade levels, PK-8th grade are invited!
Park for Coffee is always a wonderful opportunity to slow down for a few minutes, connect with other Village Campus families, and strengthen the pilina that makes our community special. We hope you can join us!
PK- 8th Grade Book Fair
Our Pre-K – 8th Grade Village Campus Scholastic Book Fair is coming up! Thank you to the family volunteers who help make this much-loved event possible. If you are able to lend a hand, please use our Book Fair Sign Up.
And perhaps there is no better follow-up to this week’s reflection on lifelong readers than giving our keiki the opportunity to browse, wonder, and discover their next great book!
Mahalo, as always, for the many ways you partner with us. Whether volunteering at a community event, talking about a book around the dinner table, or simply asking your child what made them wonder at school that day, these everyday acts strengthen the connections between home and school and help our keiki know that their learning matters.
Me ka mahalo nui,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
Schedule
Please note that school will be closed on Monday in observance of Labor Day.
Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Tuesday, September 8.
We encourage all families to check the School Calendar in myHPA for the most up-to-date information. In addition, a list of Key Dates (school opening and closures) can also be located on the Lower School Family Resources tile located in myHPA.
Coming Up
• September 7: Labor Day Holiday, NO SCHOOL
• September 8: Park for Coffee, Village Campus Parking Kiosk, 7:45 am
• September 18: Faculty Workday, NO SCHOOL
• September 19: Paniolo Parade, Waimea Community Center, 9:00 am
• September 23: ʻOhana Day, Village Campus, 2:00 – 5:30 pm
• September 24: ʻOhana Association Parent Social, Isaacs Art Center, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
• September 27: Keiki Triathlon, Upper Campus, 9:00 – 11:00 am
Join Us for the Paniolo Parade on Saturday, September 19
Saddle up, HPA ʻohana — it’s parade time! We’re celebrating our paniolo roots together, and we’d love to see the whole school out there with us.
What to wear: Aloha wear, HPA red, jeans, and boots — keep it paniolo, keep it comfortable. Our exclusive 75th Aloha wear is on sale just in time to purchase something for the parade. Use the code PANIOLO.
Bring the whole family: All grades are walking together, so bring your scooters, strollers, wagons, and little ones — this is a walk for everyone.
Where to meet: Gather at the Village Campus by 9:00 am, where we’ll have light snacks waiting before we head out.
Fill out this form to let us know you will be there!
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Lower School Family Resources tile on myHPA and scrolling down to Past Parent Email Communications, 2026-2027.
myHPA
In addition to Seesaw, many important resources can be located on our community portal, myHPA. Check the Lower School Family Resources tile for the most up-to-date information.
Middle School
Each week, 6–8 families receive updates reflecting on recent activities and accomplishments, along with a preview of what students and parents can look forward to in the coming days.
News & notes
Aloha Middle School Families,
At the close of our fourth week of school, a strong sense of routine and wonder has settled in with our students. Iʻm a career middle school leader and teacher and I know that kids aged 11-14 can be at their most creative, collaborative and brilliant when they have gotten into the groove of a routine. Even when we embark on journeys like grade-level retreats or taking an interim assessment schoolwide, doing so together in a way that feels familiar and safe is a comfortable routine that empowers the pursuit of excellence.
Our grade-level retreats last week were not only formative as far as building relationships with our students, but they also connected deeply to our daily curriculum and essential questions. The 6th grade toured and chanted at Puʻukohala beside Spencer Beach Park, learning the history of that place with Kumu Kūwalu and our 6th grade team. Before setting out to Kiholo Bay, our 7th graders learned about the history of the bay as a fish pond and the species of sea turtle from Ms. Laura Jim. Our 8th graders prepared for their service work at Ulu Mau Puanui by engaging in a Question Formulation Technique protocol in their Capstone courses – a technique learned and internalized by our faculty. Everything has a purpose and a foundation.
As incredible as our place-based learning experiences are, sometimes those things pale in comparison with the excitement our students feel for a school dance. Next Friday, September 11 at 6 p.m., we will hold our Back-to-School Dance at the Village Campus in Hale ‘Īnana. Our theme (proposed by and selected by our students and Student Council) is Decades: 70s, 80s, 90s – dress in your favorite decade! (Iʻll need to practice tight-rolling my jeans like I did in 1994!)
Simultaneously, our Middle School ʻOhana Association will host a Middle School Parent mixer at Isaacʻs Art Center – this opportunity to mingle is particularly valuable to parents who are new to our school community. Our dances also need a strong cohort of parent volunteers to bring food and drinks, set up decorations and clean up after the event. Please sign up to help here – mahalo to our ʻOhana Association for all of their leadership and support.
These past two weeks, all students grades 6-12 took the NWEA MAP Growth Assessments for Reading and Math. These interim assessments support our faculty in their support of all learners across divisions. Once all data is collected, individual reports will be uploaded to myHPA for your review. There is no association with course grades.
A kind reminder: HPA Middle School is designed to provide exceptional in-person learning experiences for our students and families. While we understand that there are some unavoidable trips and absences, we invite you to seriously consider how important consistent attendance is for a Middle School student. Although many assignments and assessments can be made up before or after absences, students never get back the formative learning experiences that our teachers have thoughtfully designed for your students. Please try to plan absences during school breaks. You can find our policy on pre-arranged absences on pages 28-29 of our Middle School Handbook.
This past week, our Upper School students were addressed by our Head of School regarding a hateful symbol found on a picnic table at the Upper Campus. The message in response is clear: There is no place for hate at HPA. The message was accompanied by a myHPA form where parents and students acknowledged the Harassment Policy at HPA. In the coming two weeks, our Middle School students and families will be sent a similar policy with clear parameters on bullying at HPA Middle School. This will be accompanied by lessons and discussions in our advisories to support students and help them continue to build a culture of respect and belonging at our Village Campus.
Itʻs been a great week and we hope you have a fantastic weekend.
Aloha,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Schedule
Please note that school will be closed on Monday in observance of Labor Day.
Our Middle School daily schedule will continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Tuesday, September 8.
We encourage all families to check the School Calendar in myHPA for the most up-to-date information. In addition, a list of Key Dates (school opening and closures) can also be located on the Middle School Family Resources tile located in myHPA.
Coming Up
• September 7: Labor Day Holiday, NO SCHOOL
• September 8: Park for Coffee, Village Campus Parking Kiosk, 7:45 am
• September 11: Middle School Back-to-School Dance, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
• September 18: Faculty Workday, NO SCHOOL
• September 19: Paniolo Parade, Waimea Community Center, 9:00 am
• September 23: ʻOhana Day, Village Campus, 2:00 – 5:30 pm
• September 24: ʻOhana Association Parent Social, Isaacs Art Center, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Join Us for the Paniolo Parade on Saturday, September 19!
Saddle up, HPA ʻohana — it’s parade time! We’re celebrating our paniolo roots together, and we’d love to see the whole school out there with us.
What to wear: Aloha wear, HPA red, jeans, and boots — keep it paniolo, keep it comfortable. Our exclusive 75th Aloha wear is on sale just in time to purchase something for the parade. Use the code PANIOLO.
Bring the whole family: All grades are walking together, so bring your scooters, strollers, wagons, and little ones — this is a walk for everyone.
Where to meet: Gather at the Village Campus by 9:00 am, where we’ll have light snacks waiting before we head out.
Fill out this form to let us know you will be there!
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Middle School Family Resource tile on myHPA and scrolling down to ‘Past Email Communications, 2026-2027’.
myHPA
myHPA is where you can find all the resources related to your child’s learning. Two key resource boards that we would like to draw your attention to are the ‘Middle School Family Resources’ and the ‘Middle School Student Resources.’
Upper School
Each week, our Upper School leadership team provides valuable insight about campus culture while sharing updates with 9-12 students and parents on academics, athletics, and arts, and what day and residential families can expect throughout the semester.
News & notes
Aloha Upper School Families,
The Upper School celebrated Covocation at Davies Memorial Chapel on Monday, August 31. Dr. Amanda Aragon, the Upper School Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator, was the emcee. We heard from senior and student council treasurer Robert McIntosh about what responsibility (Kuleana) means to him and his experience with it while at HPA. Also, Ms. Stephanie McDowell spoke of her responsibility of working with and preparing students for the next level of education and work. She continued to encourage students to do their best, with all their might.
Mr. Flores, Jose Perezyera Gonzalez ’30, and Ty Ruderman ’31 treated the students to beautifully performed music. Jose performed on the piano, “Danza de la Moza Donosa” from Danzas Argentinas, while Ty performed on his guitar, Canarios in C, by Gaspar Sanz, and Mr. Flores led us into the event with Bach Major Prelude on the piano.
Spoken at the event was the significance of what Convocation is and means, and why HPA does it, though itʻs rarely done at schools. HPA is different by keeping traditions alive that are just one way of showing how we are a small school doing big things, because itʻs right and makes a difference. Students were also encouraged not to be spectators, but participants. Emphasized again was the recognition that we are a small school that does big things, thanks to the students’ passion and desire, combined with the care, knowledge, and guidance of a dedicated faculty. The foundation for the success HPA has had in student achievement over the years is built on very active participation by both students and teachers.
Ceramics
Also, we are excited that the ceramics wheels are turning again at the Gerry Clark Art Center, with ceramics being offered as a co-curricular activity. Stay tuned for more information about the center becoming available on weekends to community members in the future.
Welcome Back Dance
The sophomore class, headed by faculty leaders Ms. Morse, Mr. Burchell and class dean Ms. Sebastian, along with all of the sophomore class advisors, will host all students this Friday, September 11, for a dance at Kennedy Square. Drop off and parking is at the tennis court parking lot. The dance begins at 6:30 and ends at 8:30 pm.
Save the Date: ʻOhana Days 2026
Mark your calendars for HPA Upper School ʻOhana Days, September 30 to October 3, 2026! These are unforgettable days built around connection, community, and celebration.
- September 30: We will kick things off with a Pau Hana with the Head of School at Isaac’s Art Center.
- October 1: Dive into Experience HPA! You’ll sit in on classes, meet inspiring teachers, and see firsthand what makes a day at HPA so special. After lunch, catch a presentation with Noah Fakheri, co-founder of LockedIn, college admissions representatives from Tufts and Boston University, or Ian Groves, who specializes in teen health. Then finish off the day cheering on our Volleyball team as they take on Christian Liberty.
- October 2: Connect with your child’s teachers for in-person conferences. That afternoon, stay to root on our Ka Makani Cross Country runners as we host the event.
- October 3: Connect with your child’s teachers for virtual conferences. That afternoon, come on campus and watch our Football team play against Waikea.
Please RSVP and mark your calendars. Full details are coming your way next week!
Next Week
The school will be closed on Monday, September 7, to observe Labor Day. Also, student photos will be taken on Wednesday and Friday, September 9 and 11.
All the best,
Mark Noetzel
Assistant Head of School for Upper School
Schedule
Please note that school will be closed on Monday in observance of Labor Day.
Our Upper School Daily Schedule will resume with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Tuesday, September 8.
We encourage all students and families to access the School Calendar in myHPA for the most up-to-date information. In addition, a list of Key Dates (school openings and closures) can also be located on the Upper School Family Resources tile located in myHPA.
Coming Up
• September 7: Labor Day Holiday, NO SCHOOL
• September 8: Park for Coffee, Village Campus Parking Kiosk, 7:45 am
• September 9 & 11: Upper School Picture Day
• September 18: Faculty Workday, NO SCHOOL
• September 19: Paniolo Parade, Waimea Community Center, 9:00 am
• September 24: ʻOhana Association Parent Social, Isaacs Art Center, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
• 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
Join Us for the Paniolo Parade on Saturday, September 19!
Saddle up, HPA ʻohana — it’s parade time! We’re celebrating our paniolo roots together, and we’d love to see the whole school out there with us.
What to wear: Aloha wear, HPA red, jeans, and boots — keep it paniolo, keep it comfortable. Our exclusive 75th Aloha wear is on sale just in time to purchase something for the parade. Use the code PANIOLO.
Bring the whole family: All grades are walking together, so bring your scooters, strollers, wagons, and little ones — this is a walk for everyone.
Where to meet: Gather at the Village Campus by 9:00 am, where we’ll have light snacks waiting before we head out.
Fill out this form to let us know you will be there!
Residential Life
Each school year in April, the HPA student body elects Student Council members to represent each grade level, and the Executive Student Council members, for the following school year. As each grade progresses from 9th through 12th grade, the majority of their members are the same year to year. However, there are also Representative positions for each dormitory, but because each dormitory is multi-grade level, there is a minimum of 25% turnover each year, so we hold the elections for these positions early in the Fall semester each year. This allows all of the students who are new to our boarding program grades 9-12, to have a voice in who is representing them for the year. We are delighted to announce that those elections were held this week, and the Residential arm of our Student Council is now complete!
This year, we had a record number of applicants, and each dormitory hosted lively speeches from each of the candidates, with voting thereafter. We are proud of all of the students who put themselves out there as potential leaders in their community, and thank them for their passion and dedication to our community! As a group, the Dorm Representatives meet weekly with the Executive Dormitory Representative (who was elected in April of last school year along with the other Executives), and a residential life student council advisor. Together, they will plan and execute Dorm Wars events, Formal Dinners, community activities, and also propose programmatic changes for the benefit of their fellow boarding students. Please join us in congratulating the members of our Student Residential Council!
Executive: Jiyoo Byun
Carter Hall Reps: Kennedy Ervin, Yoona Kim
Perry-Fiske Hall Reps: Niklas Heilandt, Owen Smith
Robertson Hall Reps: Dylan Huang, Martí Truyols Gomez
Ka Makani Athletics
Fall Sports Calendar
Check out the latest Fall Sports Athletics calendar here. You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar. Be sure to follow Ka Makani Athletics on Instagram for the latest updates and all the exciting action.
Ka Makani Athletics Team Shops
Our Ka Makani Athletics Team Shops are officially open, featuring apparel and gear for Football, Girls Volleyball, and Cross Country. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines, an active student-athlete, or just looking to represent HPA around town, there’s something for everyone.
All Team Shops close October 1, so don’t wait too long to grab your favorite gear.
Upcoming Schedule
Volleyball
September 3-5 | Away at Labor Day Tournament | Hilo
Football
September 5 | Home vs Kohala | 2:00 pm
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.
Ka Makani Travel
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, 2 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
SAVE THE DATE: Senior Parent Night is Wednesday, September 9 at 5:30 pm (virtual)
Watch for your emailed invitation, including the link to join!
Upcoming College Admissions Visits to Campus (College Counseling Center 11:45 – 12:15)
- September 8: Oregon Institute of Technology
- September 9: University of Puget Sound
- September 10: University of San Diego
- September 11: Washington University in St. Louis
- September 14: University of Denver
- September 15: University of Rochester
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, 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 (registration closed)
- Saturday, October 17 (deadline September 11)
- Saturday, December 12 (deadline November 6)
We look forward to working with you this year. See you soon!
Juniors
Junior appointments will be held daily during lunch from 11:30 – 11:45 am August 24 – November 25.
Juniors, sophomores and freshmen take the PSAT at HPA Friday, October 16.
Free Resources for preparing for the PSAT can be found at Khan Academy Test Prep
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Upper School Family Resources tile on myHPA and scrolling down to ‘Past Email Communications, 2026-2027.
Whom to Contact at HPA
If you are unsure whom to contact regarding a specific question or issue, please refer to our Whom to Contact guide.
As a reminder, HPA is a closed campus, so if a parent or guardian wishes to come to campus during the academic day, they will need an appointment.
myHPA
myHPA is where you can find all the resources related to your child’s learning. Two key resource boards that we would like to draw your attention to are the ‘Upper School Family Resources’, and the ‘Upper School Student Resources’.
All-School
Need to know information for our entire Ka Makani ʻohana.
Isaacs Art Center
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.
The exhibition runs through the end of September. Come and be inspired!
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
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!
Upcoming Events
Park for Coffee (All School)
- Date: Tuesday, September 8
- Time: 7:45 to 8:30 am
- Location: Village Campus Parking Kiosk
- Description: Coffee and Pastries with fellow HPA parents
All Parent Social – Fall General Meeting
- Date: Thursday, September 24
- Time: 4:30 to 6:30 pm
- Location: Isaacs Art Center, Village Campus
- Description: Come meet fellow parents at our fall general meeting and social event
Wā Pilina – presented by the 'Ohana Association
The purpose of the Wā Pilina series is to connect HPA families to the culture, history, language and community of Waimea and Hawaiʻi.
Advancement & Alumni
HPA’s Alu Mai Gala in support of Financial Aid is heading makai!
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Hale Hoʻaloha Pavilion at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection
Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration and community at the 2026 Alu Mai Gala. Held in support of financial aid at HPA, this special night helps open doors for students across our island and around the world—ensuring that the gift of an HPA education remains accessible to the next generation of ka makani. More details coming soon!
Mark your calendars and plan to celebrate together to uplift, honor, and give back. For information about early table sponsorships, please email Kim Bennett in the Advancement office at kbennett@hpa.edu.
Safety Protocols
Campus Access
Campus access is limited to current students, employees, essential contractors, and approved guests. Guests to campus will have had their hosting faculty or staff member fill out the appropriate form and will have received permission from their supervisor.
If a family member of a student needs to meet with a faculty, staff, or administrative team member, please contact them to arrange a meeting on campus. From that point, security team members will be alerted to your appointment date and time and let you onto campus.
At the Upper School, please do not park and walk onto campus without an appointment. Similarly, at the Village Campus, kindly call or email for an appointment so that arrangements can be made. Mahalo, for your understanding and respect for this process.
If you See Something, Say Something
We ask all families to join HPA in keeping our campus safe. While on the HPA campus, if you see anything out of the ordinary, we ask that you please report it to the school or local authorities immediately. This will help us maintain the safest campus for our students.
- Imminent threat to life or property: call 911 immediately. Follow up with your supervisor ASAP.
- Anything out of the ordinary: email Dan Wilkinson, HPA Security Supervisor at dwilkinson@hpa.edu
CrisisGo for Parents
It is important that all families are set up with CrisisGo, HPA’s school emergency communication tool. To set up CrisisGo SMS/Email subscription, please click on this invitation link and complete the form by adding your name, email, and cell number (this is an important step if you would like to receive an SMS message), and click on the Subscribe button. Should an emergency occur, you will be alerted by email and SMS messaging. You can also locate these instructions by logging into myHPA, clicking on the resource tab, and selecting the CrisisGo Safe2SpeakUp tile.
Safe2SpeakUp for Middle and Upper Students
Similarly, Middle and Upper School students received instructions during orientation on how to upload the Safe2SpeakUp app. This is a companion app to CrisisGo. It will allow the school to alert students of emergencies that happen on or off campus and enable students to communicate with us about their safety status. They can also use the app to alert the school about any behaviors they are concerned about. Students can also locate instructions on setting up Safe2SpeakUp in myHPA, and they were also emailed the video shown at orientation which walks them through the process of uploading the app and registering, step-by-step.
All students can also submit an Online Bully/Harassment report by clicking on this link, which can also be located on the CrisisGo Safe2SpeakUp tile on myHPA.