For Vaipuarii Tapiero-Kight, returning to Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy was more than a career move; it was a homecoming. A proud member of the Class of 2005, she is now the Dorm Head at Carter Hall, HPA’s girls’ dorm, and serves as the Residential Program Travel Coordinator, guiding the next generation of Ka Makani through the same traditions and experiences that shaped her own journey.
Since rejoining the HPA community in 2022, Kight has brought warmth, energy, and a deep sense of aloha to residential life, drawing on her own experience as an international student from Tahiti to connect with boarders from around the world. With two sons now attending HPA, she’s found herself experiencing campus life from a whole new perspective — as both an alumna and a parent.
Q: What made you want to return to HPA?
When I graduated, I was like a typical teenager — ready to move on. But once I got to college, I realized how much HPA had prepared me and how much it shaped my success there. I remember telling myself that someday I’d come back so my own kids could have that same experience.
In February of 2022, one of my college friends reached out to tell me there was an open position at HPA. He remembered me saying years earlier that I wanted to return here someday. I applied that same day — and the rest is history.
I really wanted my children to experience all the special things HPA offers that they wouldn’t find anywhere else. I’ll never forget my second-grader coming home after his first day and saying, “Mom, we had music class!” He’d never had that before. My older son, who was in fourth grade, talked about Hawaiian studies. It was magical — and that’s when I knew we made the right choice.
Q: How has HPA changed since your time as a student, and what has stayed the same?
When I came back, it felt like I never left. The buildings, classrooms, even the cafeteria — everything looked and felt so familiar. The sounds, the smells, the memories — it all came rushing back.
But there have been so many wonderful changes, too. The campus feels even more diverse now, with students from so many different backgrounds and cultures. The residential life program has evolved with more activities and opportunities for students to explore the island, not just the campus. It’s amazing to see how HPA continues to grow while keeping that same spirit of community and belonging.
Q: What’s your favorite time of year at HPA?
Definitely Olympics! It’s such a fun and energetic time — seeing all the classes come together, cheering each other on, and celebrating that friendly competition. It’s also a great way to build relationships and see students step outside their comfort zones.
As faculty, it’s inspiring to see the hidden talents our students bring to light. They sign up for events, perform, and give it their all — it’s contagious. Another event that’s really special to me is our celebration of Lā Kūʻokoʻa. We haven’t done it in a couple of years, but when we do, it’s always meaningful and beautiful.
Q: What was your experience like as a student in residential life, and how does it help you connect with students now?
When I came to HPA, I was an international student from Tahiti. Back then, there was only one flight home a week — on Saturdays — so I was often one of the first students on campus at the start of the year and one of the last to leave.
Hawai‘i and Tahiti are similar in many ways — the warmth, the ocean, the sunshine — but adjusting to a new language and culture was still a challenge. I had to navigate things like my student visa and travel logistics, all while learning to speak English full-time.
Because of that experience, I can really relate to our international students today. I understand the culture shock, the homesickness, and the excitement of being in a new place. It helps me connect with them and support them in a way that feels genuine and understanding.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
My family and I love spending time outdoors — going to the beach, fishing, exploring, and just being together. I’m not much of a camper (though my family tries to convince me otherwise!), but I love our little adventures and the time we get to share outside of our busy schedules.
This story originally appeared in the HPA Boarding Report. Read the full issue here.