BOARDING REPORT
Campus Connections
Director of Residential Life, Hamilton Ford ‘05
Aloha residential students and families!
We are now deep into the 2025-2026 School Year, and our community is strong! Like all boarding school communities, we start each year welcoming new students and faculty to the ways that our community functions, from the essential practices of schedules, policies, and rules; to the softer expectations around decorum, traditions, participation, and involvement. This process always takes time, but I am confident that our on-campus community this year is formed, connected, and fully engaged in the business of life at school!
Some of the traditions that we have already engaged in this year include the start of annual Dorm Wars competition, planned and executed by our elected student leaders; Formal Dinner, which has shifted to a more accessible and culturally relevant “Aloha Attire” dresscode; our Outdoor Program has already been on two major overnight backpacking trips to Waimanu Valley and Halapē beach; our Tuesday Night Intramural League has finished up a Wiffle Ball season and begun our outdoor Basketball season; and much, much more!
Returning families may have noticed some changes in our program from last year, specifically with the addition of the full-time Dorm Head position. By designating one person per dormitory whose primary focus and responsibility is the care for and attention to that dormitory and its residents, we are hoping for even greater awareness around how each student is connecting to our community, and performing in school. Each Dorm Head also oversees other essential functions of residential life, with Carter Dorm Head, Mrs. Vaipuarii
The ‘Why’ Behind the Residential Life Program
Tapiero-Kight, serving as our student travel and leave coordinator; PerryFiske Dorm Head, Mr. John Moltz, serving as our student activities coordinator; and myself, Robertson Dorm Head, serving as director of residential life. As a team, we work with our faculty and the various faculty and staff in support positions to meet the needs of our students, families, and community.
This is an exciting time for us as a school and program as we spend time trying new things, stretching our systems, and building a stronger program. We have started our first effort of having more regular and consistent communication with the families of our students. By this time, every family should have heard from their child’s dorm head at least twice, and with the addition of photos of your child when they are available.
While we still have much to learn and try, we are excited that this first effort has been going well! We look forward to continuing to stay in touch with all of you more often, and for more programmatic updates to come!
The purpose of the Residential Life Program at HPA is to promote the development of students as ethically sound individuals and responsible community members in an enriching environment where students from Hawai‘i and the world come to live and learn with each other. The program focuses on the growth of the whole student while striving to positively affect the intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and philosophical aspects of each student.
Residential Life Goals
• A safe, healthy, and nurturing community designed to enhance the continual learning process that takes place intentionally and naturally.
• Competent learners who are independent, resourceful, inquisitive, and creative.
• Sophisticated and perceptive thinkers.
• Effective communicators who listen objectively and critically.
• Culturally-aware individuals who respond to cultural differences with understanding, knowledge, and consideration.
• Responsible individuals with sound ethical foundations.
• Wholesome young students who set high standards for themselves while also leading lives that are intellectually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually balanced.
Carter Hall
Dorm Head, Vaipuarii Tapiero-Kight ‘05
As we reach the midpoint of the first semester, I cannot help but feel grateful to be a part of this community. With 56 girls from a variety of countries, Carter Hall is a vibrant blend of cultures, languages, and personalities. It is inspiring to see how well everyone has come together to create a welcoming and inclusive environment in this home away from home.
Since Opening Days in August, Carter Hall has been alive with energy and connection. Our residents have made a remarkable effort to get to know one another, which shows in the easy laughter that fills our common areas and can be heard throughout the dorm. There are often small groups gathered, sharing snacks, helping each other with homework, or just watching movies together. Some of our students will come together and spend time doing each other’s nails (with impressive creativity and skill!), filming TikTok videos, or going into town together on the weekends.
Carter Hall has also been a hub of community events this semester, for
our own dorm as well as the rest of the boarding community. We have hosted a game night, several movie nights, an ice cream float social, and a crowd-favorite pizza and s’mores evening. These gatherings have been wonderful opportunities for students from all 3 dorms to come together, unwind, and connect. Within our dorm, we have enjoyed a lively BBQ and a few impromptu grilling sessions, filled with music and laughter. One of our favorite activities is definitely our
monthly dorm birthdays celebration, complete with cake and ice cream. These moments, big and small, highlight the sense of belonging in our dorm.
Looking ahead, our Carter residents are preparing for our inter-hall Halloween decorating competition, where their creativity and enthusiasm are sure to shine. Our next friendly decorating competition will be for the holiday season. Each hall will come together as a group with our dorm faculty and spend an evening decorating. This fun moment is the perfect occasion for everyone to connect with each other and share stories or aspects of their culture around the different celebrations they are familiar with.
Overall, this semester has been all about connection, creativity, and care. Our Carter residents not only work hard academically, but also contribute meaningfully to the warmth and positivity of our shared space. We are proud of the community that has taken shape here and excited for all the memories yet to come.
Perry-Fiske Hall
Dorm Head, John Moltz
As we move into the second quarter of the fall semester, Perry-Fiske Hall continues to be a never-ending source of energy and camaraderie. With nearly sixty students, the boys’ dormitory is rarely a quiet place; there’s always an impromptu event going on. Whether it’s a lively game of foosball, a movie in the common room, grilling steaks on the lanai, competitive videogaming, playing pick-up soccer down on the athletic fields, or just hanging out with friends and catching up on the day, these boys are always involved in something in the dormitory itself. And on top of all of that, they still manage to be focused during their study hall times and participate in sports and co-curricular activities.
So far this semester, we have celebrated many birthdays, had hallspecific trips to Hāpuna Beach, invited a professional barber to the dorm to cut hair, and many more communal events. Just recently during ʻOhana Days Weekend, a dorm faculty spent over 24 hours smoking three whole briskets for the boys and we fed everyone that night who had stayed on campus over the long weekend.
Many of our international students had never tasted real, home-made barbecue and it was a smashing success! Along with the food, we had plenty of activities going on, like cornhole, dominoes, and even a competitive 8-player poker game (with no real money being spent, of course!) As we all know, food is the great equalizer and brings everyone together.
Earlier this semester, the students
from each dorm elected their own two representatives who work directly with the Dorm Heads and the Director of Residential Life. These representatives are key figures in creating and implementing community-wide events as well as providing valuable feedback to the administration on important issues about which students care. We look forward to working with them throughout the year!
As always, we are grateful that you have entrusted us with caring for your children, especially when some families are thousands of miles away, and this responsibility is a guiding tenet in HPA’s Residential Life Program. As the head of PerryFiske Hall, I am always available to connect with you about your child and the program in general. With your support and by working together, we will be able to continue to provide the memorable experiences that make this school and the boarding program such a unique and special place. Mahalo!
Robertson Hall
Dorm Head, Hamilton Ford ‘05
Robertson Hall is made up of a vibrant collection of students hailing from fifteen different countries and nine U.S. States, representing a great crosssection of HPA, including former day students who joined boarding later, freshmen, post-graduates, Hawai’i Island residents, single-semester study-abroad students, and everything in between. Robertson Hall itself is unique in our boarding community in many ways; it is the smallest of the three dormitories; has boys and girls wings of the dorm; is partially made up of the oldest building on campus (a transplant from the original campus at St. James Circle in Waimea); and with a sprawling lawn protruding from the common room, it sits at the center of the boarding community.
While the other dormitories may more regularly host scheduled events and planned activities, the common room at Robertson Hall is undoubtedly the unstructured central gathering space
of our boarding community. Nary a Friday or Saturday night may pass when students from across all three dorms do not congregate to watch a movie, play a lively game of cards (or a recent favorite, Rummikub), cook together, sing and play music together, or hit a volleyball around the yard.
Truly, the students here feel at home, and work together to make a caring and supportive community.
Our community in Robertson is undoubtedly led by an excellent team of student leaders, our dormitory prefects. Aided by our residential faculty, they have acted as stewards of culture, community, and kindnessmaking sure that incoming students “learn the ropes” of HPA, form connections with other students, support one another, and always act with kindness towards each other. They have also helped plan and execute many of our dorm activities, including our all-Robertson sunset beach picnic, and leading the charge in our annual Dorm Wars competition, in which Robertson are the defending champions! The Robertson Faculty are very grateful to them for their ongoing leadership and dedication to our community, and are proud to support them in their efforts!
OUTDOOR PROGRAM
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO
Adventure Required
Through the Outdoor Program, HPA students learn to challenge themselves, connect deeply with place, and discover what it truly means to live and learn on Hawai‘i Island
For students at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, some of the most important learning often begins where the classroom ends. The Outdoor Program continues to exemplify what it means to call HPA a place to learn like nowhere else — where the island itself becomes teacher, classroom, and inspiration.
A group of Ka Makani adventurers recently embarked on a three-day backpacking expedition to Halapē, a remote campsite deep within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The journey was more than a hike — it was a full immersion into the raw power and beauty of Hawai‘i Island.
Over the course of 20 miles, students crossed vast lava fields and rugged coastline to reach a desert oasis surrounded by vibrant tidepools and hidden freshwater ponds. They cooked meals together, explored the shoreline, and fell asleep beneath a sea of stars — all while learning lessons in teamwork, resilience, and self-discovery.
The Outdoor Program is built around experiences like these — where challenge meets wonder, and the natural world becomes a catalyst for growth. Beyond Halapē, students have learned to ride the waves during surfing lessons, trekked through the lush wilderness of Waimanu Valley, and explored the many ecosystems that make Hawai‘i Island one of the most inspiring places to live and learn.
Each adventure deepens their connection to place and to one another — reinforcing the simple truth that at HPA, learning happens everywhere, and lessons from the trail often last a lifetime.
Vaipuarii Tapiero-Kight | Carter Hall Dorm Head Ka Makani Questions
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 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 nav-
igate 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.
Honoring Tradition and Togetherness
On formal dinner nights at HPA, the dining hall transforms into something more than a place to eat — it becomes a space for connection, reflection, and community.
From the perfectly set tables to the hum of conversation and laughter, these evenings have long been a cherished tradition for the boarding community, offering students and staff a moment to slow down and come together.
For Christophe Ticarro, director of dining services for FLIK Independent School Dining, formal dinner represents one of the most meaningful parts of campus life.
“I think for me, one of the most special things that we do here on campus is our formal dinners for the boarding community,” Ticarro said. “What makes it so special is
the interaction between the student body and our FLIK team — exposing the students to a professional work environment, especially a kitchen — and to see what it all entails to feed the population here at HPA. I think that is one of the most endearing, special things that we can show them: what we do for a living and how it translates to a happy face.”
That spirit of connection is echoed by the students who gather for each formal dinner. For many, it’s about more than the meal itself.
“What formal dinner means to me is connectedness, meeting new people. Really just enjoying HPA, learning more about the community and eating great food,” Valeria G. ‘26 said.
For others, the evening represents excitement and anticipation.
“I’ve loved dressing up since I was a little girl, and it’s such a fun way to do it as a teenager, being around my friends and new people that I might not know yet,” Sage M. ‘26.
And of course, it’s just plain fun.
“I think formal dinner is really fun because you get to socialize with other people, dress up, and eat some good food,” Josh C. ‘27 said.
Whether it’s a student’s first formal dinner or their final one before graduation, the experience captures what it means to live and learn together at HPA — sharing good food, good company, and timeless traditions that make the community stronger with every gathering.
Ka Makani Pride: HPA Talking Points
4 Questions with a Making Waves
HPA made its debut in the MATE ROV competition — an international event challenging students to design and build underwater robots capable of performing complex mission tasks.
4 Questions with a 75 Years of Wonder
Kona Coast Magazine spotlights HPA for celebrating global culture while staying rooted in Hawai‘i.
Magazine
Published twice a year, Ma Ke Kula shares the stories, spirit, and achievements of our HPA ʻohana—parents, students, and friends from Hawai‘i and beyond. Read the latest issue and see what’s happening across campus and in our community.
Before You Go!
News, notes, and important announcements
Thanksgiving Travel Information
Travel itineraries for Thanksgiving Break are due by November 6, 2025, and must include your return information. If you have not done so already, please submit your travel information using this Google Form. Make sure to forward the confirmation email from your airline with your confirmation code to travel@hpa.edu
Departures: Flights should not depart before 6:00 pm on Tuesday, November 25.
Transportation starts after 3:00 pm on Tuesday, November 25, through Wednesday, November 26.
Arrivals: Transportation from the airport will be available all day on Sunday, November 30. Residential students are expected to return to the dorms on Sunday, November 30. Classes will resume on Monday, December 1.
If your travel plans require your passport, please stop by the Office of Student Life to pick it up on Monday, November 25, or Tuesday, November 26, between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.
As a reminder, students electing to leave campus for the break must sign out to the care of a present, supervising adult. HPA considers an adult to be someone 25 years of age or older. Students may not sign themselves out to hotels, AirBnB’s, or other accommodations without the presence of an adult.
Prior to Departing CampusThanksgiving Break
Whether you are staying with friends or family on Hawaiʻi Island
or traveling off-island, if you are planning to leave campus for the duration of Thanksgiving Break, we ask that the students submit their Orah pass using the Thanksgiving option no later than Wednesday, November 19, by 12:30 pm. This leave option will be available in Orah starting on Monday, November 17. Please do not fill out a Weekend Leave request for Thanksgiving before the Thanksgiving option is available.
More info on travel dates Breaks Information
Ka Makani Travel
Spring Break March, 2026
The Alps and the Mediterranean Coast with EF Tours
Led by Ms. White & Mrs. Piercy, application deadline Monday, October 27th.
Additionally, we have one of our trips confirmed for the 2026-27 School year.
Spring Break 2027
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun with EF Tours led by Mrs. Inaba
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.
‘Ohana Days Feedback
We were so grateful to welcome our boarding families to campus for ʻOhana Days! Parents and guardians had the opportunity to step into their child’s daily life — joining classes, connecting with teachers and advisors, visiting dorms, and sharing meals together. It was a wonderful reminder of the strong sense of community that makes HPA feel like home, even for those far from it.
As we continue to strengthen ʻOhana Days each year, we’d love your feedback. Please take a few moments to fill out our ʻOhana Days Feedback Form to help us make next year’s experience even more meaningful.
Give now and UNLOCK $25,000 for the HPA Fund
Our annual fall participation effort for the HPA Fund just got a whole lot more exciting! An anonymous donor has stepped forward with an incredible challenge: for every class that reaches at least 80% participation, the HPA Fund will receive $25,000. That’s right — $25,000 per class!
This generous gift adds a fun, friendly layer of inter-class competition and makes your participation more powerful than ever. Whether you live near or far, your gift directly supports the HPA experience that makes boarding life—and every part of our school—so special.
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Kamuela, Hawaiʻi 96743
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Want more info on HPA?
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