The programs offered at summer boarding schools are as diverse as each school. Most boarding schools go to great lengths to develop educational, yet fun programs for students and have formed some tantalizing educational options from whichto choose. When your child attends a summer program, you can be assured that it’s meaningful and well-designed, as well as designed to challenge your son or daughter on many levels during their unique journey through life.

At Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy, we offer our summer boarding students entering grades 6 through 12 an exceptional four-week boarding school experience designed with academic enrichment in mind, yet also to take advantage of the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Hawaiʻi Island.

The Island of Hawaiʻi!

In addition to our beautiful beaches, beautiful weather and tropical breezes, HPA is located in one of the most diverse locations on earth. The island of Hawaiʻi boasts 8 of 13 different climate zones in the world, each with its own unique ecosystem. From snowy alpine deserts to subterranean lava tube systems, Hawaiʻi is a world of wonder.

This island also offers many wide-open spaces with breathtaking, ever-changing views. The Village Campus is home to our Middle School (grades 6-8). It sits on eight beautiful acres in the rural setting of Waimea on the northern side of the island. Nearby, the Upper Campus (grades 9-12) is located on 220 acres at the base of the Kohala Mountains. It has an impressive view of Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and Hualalai.

Hawaiʻi is home to 80 percent of the world’s ecosystems, which provides amazing opportunities for students to study most of the Earth’s diversity in one location. Our summer boarding students come from all over the United States and the world. We happily have hosted children from more than 20 nations.

Summer at HPA

In addition to our thought-provoking academic sessions, our summer students have opportunities to take hikes into the mountains and through tropical forest and ocean habitats. Additionally, our Ulu Malama and Ulumau gardens provide our school with wonderful community and cultural resources. There, students can plant and harvest their own food. Our Energy Lab is the first K-12 school building in the world designed to be entirely green: that means zero water, energy, and waste. Here students of all ages can immerse themselves in science research or robotics.

Outdoor Sports

Sports are a given at HPA during summer. All students participate in an afternoon sport and take part in our Summer Olympics during the summer session’s last week. In addition to participating in intramural sports such as softball, swimming, ultimate Frisbee, and a host of other organized sports, our students can opt to choose horseback riding or beginning or intermediate tennis.

Our summer boarding program is designed to encourage each student to move outside his or her comfort zone and develop intellectually, socially, and physically—and all of this takes place in paradise. Choosing a summer boarding school should be based on many factors, but don’t forget location!