Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy - Review #1

HPA stands out for its remarkable sense of community, which truly feels like one big family. The connections between students, teachers, coaches, and faculty create an environment where everyone genuinely cares about each individual. This support system, otherwise known as the HPA Ohana, is something that lasts a lifetime.Another unique aspect of HPA is the capstone courses offered during senior year. I was fortunate to participate in "Migrations of Moananuiakea," where I gained invaluable insights about my home and its rich history. We learned practical skills like canoe setup and even went on a coastal sail, which deepened my connection to both my classmates and our shared heritage. This experience is one I will cherish forever.

My soccer team experienced incredible success, winning our island and state championships multiple times. We even had the opportunity to travel to Arizona, where we won the Arizona Showcase. Each victory made every ounce of hard work worth it, especially because I was able to share those moment with my best friends. Those experiences pushed me to become an even better athlete and continue to motivate me. Now, as I play soccer in college, I carry those lessons and memories with me, grateful for the foundation that HPA created for me.

I would not change a thing about my time at HPA. It was truly one of the best experiences of my life, and I will forever be grateful for it. If I could offer advice to those attending boarding school, it would be to cherish every moment and embrace new experiences. You never know what you might like until you try it. Remember, time does not last forever, so make the most of every opportunity and cherish every moment. These memories will last you a lifetime.

The thing I loved most about HPA was the incredible sense of community. I am also so thankful for how well it prepared me for my future. As a student-athlete in college, I have felt prepared to handle any challenge that has come my way, thanks to the foundation HPA provided. The support, skills, and experiences I gained have been invaluable, helping me thrive both academically and athletically in this next chapter of my life.

One of my favorite events at HPA was the annual Olympics week, where each class came together to compete in a variety of fun events. From tug-of-war on the beach to an exciting lip sync and talent show on stage. Some of my favorite moments came from this week, filled with laughter, friendly competition, and lasting memories. I encourage everyone to sign up for as many events as they can. It is all about enjoying the experience and making unforgetable memories with your classmates.

The academics at HPA are truly exceptional. Each course presents its own challenges, creating an environment where I learned and grew immensely. With a diverse array of classes offered, there is something for everyone, and the resources provided are abundant. Some of my favorite classes included anatomy, photography, and Spanish, each offering unique experiences.What sets HPA apart is the genuine care the teachers have for each student. They invest time in getting to know us as individuals. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to prepare us for college. The workload is manageable, but it ensures that we develop skills necessary for future success. Overall, HPA has a perfect balance between challenge and support.

One of my favorite aspects of athletics at HPA is the competitiveness that surrounds every sport. The variety of options offered at HPA is incredible. Everything from soccer and basketball to cross country, track, baseball, softball, swimming, and cheerleading, among others. This wide range of sports not only allows students to explore their passions but also fosters a diverse athletic community.For me, being part of a team at HPA felt like joining a family. My coaches were not just my mentors; they were my biggest supporters. Even now, as I continue to play soccer in college, many of my HPA coaches and teachers check in on me, demonstrating their unwavering support. Their investment in our growth as athletes and individuals made a significant impact on my journey.

While I was never directly involved in HPA's theatre programs, I always loved attending their shows. The dedication, talent, and hard work that went into each performance was truly remarkable. I did take a choir class during my time at HPA, and it was an incredible experience that broadened my appreciation for the arts.The school offers a wide variety of classes for those interested in performing arts, which really encourages creativity and allows people to express themselves. I also took an improv class in high school, and it ended up being very helpful when I was enrolled in a Speech Communications class during my freshman year of college. HPA truly cultivates a supportive environment, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who participates or supports.

Due to my busy schedule, attending classes until 3 PM, followed by practice at school, and then heading to club soccer every day, I did not have the opportunity to participate in some of the amazing programs like turtle tagging. However, I was fortunate enough to serve as a student ambassador, which allowed me to engage with our boarding students as they arrived at HPA. Welcoming new students gave me an opportunity to learn about different cultures and backgrounds. It was amazing to be part of their journey at HPA, and it always reminded me why our community is so special.

Although I never lived in the dorms, many of my friends did, and they all had such positive experiences. They expressed how much they missed their families back home, but they also felt incredibly fortunate to have found a new sense of family in Hawaii. It was heartwarming to see how friendships blossomed into lifelong bonds.

The food at HPA was absolutely delicious. During my time there, we had an impressive variety of options, including a pizza station, a salad bar, a panini press for sandwiches, desserts, and, of course, the main meal. The diversity and quality of the food made lunchtime something to look forward to. Everyone ate lunch at the same time, and there was no assigned seating. You could choose to sit in the cafeteria, in the student union, or anywhere outside.

HPA is located in Kamuela, also known as Waimea, a place that will always feel like my second home. Although I lived about 30 minutes away, most of my friends lived there, which made it a central part of my life. Waimea is a beautiful, quiet town with stunning views and an even more remarkable community. My favorite thing about Waimea is the people because they truly make it special.

Everyone is friends with everyone, which made the social life fantastic. Being in a small town, you quickly get to know people by name and often bump into them every time you go to town. HPA offered numerous fun social events that brought us together, from school dances to community events. These events not only strengthened friendships but also created lasting memories.