Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy

Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy Founded in 1949 by The Right Reverend Harry S. Originally the school was located on the grounds of St.

Founded in 1949, Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy is a co-educational, college-preparatory, day and boarding school that serves pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, plus a postgraduate year. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy (also known as HPA) is a coeducational, boarding, independent school in Kamuela, Hawaii teaching kindergarten through the twelfth grade. Kennedy, E

piscopal Bishop of Honolulu, the school came of age under the leadership of James Monroe Taylor II, Headmaster from 1954-1974. James Episcopal Church in Kamuela in buildings that were built as barracks for the United States Marines during World War II. Currently, the nationally recognized high school features three dormitories- Carter Hall's for girls, Perry-Fiske Hall for boys, and Robertson's Hall, the co-ed and smallest of the dorms. As a side note, Kamuela, the town where HPA is located, is usually called Waimea by the locals. Kamuela is adopted since there are three towns called Waimea in the state of Hawai'i, and Kamuela is used to distinguish locations by USPS. HPA is now divided into a lower school, middle school and upper school. The lower and middle school together compose one campus in the ranch region of the Hawaiʻi Island. The upper school is located at the foot of the Kohala Mountains. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The upper campus has a fully functioning weight room, pool, school library, a state-of-the-art indoor tennis facility, baseball field, gym, bookstore, as well as a brand new (2008) softball field, a newly repaired football/soccer field and a brand new, state of the art rubber track. The school also is host to one of the most challenging Cross Country Courses in the State. Along with state of the art classrooms, a multi functional art building, multiple Mac equipped computer labs and a world class theater, and an Energy Lab, the only of its kind in the world. There is also a church on the property built before the school moved to its presents site.

A weekend at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a weekend well spent 🌋📷 Georgia H. ‘27
09/10/2026

A weekend at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a weekend well spent 🌋

📷 Georgia H. ‘27

A weekend at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a weekend well spent 🌋
09/09/2026

A weekend at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a weekend well spent 🌋

Classic Ka Makani weather has been keeping campus cool lately.Hope you’re all having a great Wednesday!
09/02/2026

Classic Ka Makani weather has been keeping campus cool lately.

Hope you’re all having a great Wednesday!

Last Friday, our middle school students ventured beyond campus for their annual class retreats.Our eighth graders spent ...
09/02/2026

Last Friday, our middle school students ventured beyond campus for their annual class retreats.

Our eighth graders spent the day with Ulu Mau Puanui, learning how Hawaiians cultivated and cared for rain-fed agricultural lands for generations. Students explored how these practices sustained communities in the past and what they can teach us about caring for our land and resources today.

Mahalo Puanui for sharing your knowledge and place with our students!

09/02/2026

Convocation marks the official start of a new school year at HPA.

This year, we heard from faculty and student council treasurer, Robert M. ‘27 as they reflected on our word of the year, kuleana, and what it means to embrace the responsibilities we have to ourselves, one another, and our community.

The afternoon also featured performances by student musicians Jose G. ’30 and Ty R. ’31.

A meaningful start to the year ahead.

Another season of wiffle ball is underway for our boarding students, with our Head of School taking the mound as usual.A...
09/01/2026

Another season of wiffle ball is underway for our boarding students, with our Head of School taking the mound as usual.

A favorite residential life tradition bringing a little friendly competition, plenty of fun and our boarding community together.

Last Friday, our Upper School students took part in the tradition of class retreats, but this year, the day took on a di...
08/26/2026

Last Friday, our Upper School students took part in the tradition of class retreats, but this year, the day took on a different meaning.

Students joined our HPA maintenance and housekeeping crews to help clean up and care for our campus, while our seniors headed to the coast to support cleanup efforts at Mahukona Ecological Reserve and Kawaihae Canoe Club.

There was still plenty of time for connection and fun, but also an opportunity to work together and give back to the places and people that care for us every day.

Contributing photographers include Makana L. ‘28, Finlay M. ‘27, Brooke H. ‘27, Ema P ‘27, Ivy R. ‘27, Bella P. ‘27

08/14/2026

It’s our favorite school too Rye

We’re keeping this energy all year long!!

Happy Aloha Friday! Heading to class on a wet and windy morning — quintessential Ka Makani!
08/14/2026

Happy Aloha Friday!

Heading to class on a wet and windy morning — quintessential Ka Makani!

Address

65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road
Kamuela, HI
96743

Telephone

+18088814002

Website

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