We moved to Kauai from the highly regarded CVUSD in California. I was very concerned about my…read morechildren's academic education, especially after rumors that Hawaiian schools were well behind mainland standards. My husband and I visited every school from Kalaheo to Hanalei, both public and private. St Catherine appeared to be the best fit for our 4th & 6th graders, so we gave it a whirl (Hanalei Elementary came in second, with Island School third). The school is unpretentious. In fact, it is modest in every way. The principal, Celina Haigh, was warm and welcoming. The staff here is really good and the administration (props to Laura Lindsey) is amazing. Academically, the curriculum is quite challenging. Chef Gilly makes amazing hot lunches too. Parent involvement is encouraged and welcomed. Tuition is super reasonable, with every consideration given to affordability of families. My kids are better for their time here. They learned the most important skills in life: love, acceptance, encouragement, and humility. They are down to earth and enjoy serving others. When we moved back to California after four years (insert huge sigh here) I was still kind of worried they would be behind in their academics. But, not only wasn't this the case, but they were actually ahead of the game in science (kuddos Sam Henriques), math (John Rowell), and history (John Rowell). Not to mention, they had some killer stories/experiences to share- Kokee field trip, the on-site garden, and raising chickens. SCS offers a wide variety of after school enrichment programs (track, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Service Club, Lego Robotics, dance, ukulele, and more) that are really quite fun. Bus service is provided by Larry & the kids LOVED him!!!! St. Catherine was the best decision I made while living Kauai. They offer a warm, loving, morally sound and stimulating environment.

The school admin does not take responsibility for their teachers poor actions. There was a gunman…read moreon campus last year by the preschool and kindergarten classes. They have inmates who are incarcerated working at their childrens carnival on work release walking around unattended and didn't notify the public of their presence. Extremely expensive school meals, if they serve them (which is not consistent). They keep on staff teachers who have gotten multiple complaints against them from previous years then when you experience and file a complaint yourself they blame it on previous admin. All together a really expensive daycare (can't call it a school) with a great art program.

The good: - friendly and dedicated faculty who focus on…read moreteaching and preparing students - picturesque campus with Chinese gazebo - hub of community activity and not far from really anything on island - free parking...and lots of it given the size of the school - affordable way for students to get a college education without breaking the bank or leaving Kauai The bad (not really bad but something to think about): - because of it's size and the community it serves, the choices at KCC are limited and the facilities are on par with most high schools. What the faculty are able to do with those facilities is amazing. But if a student is looking for the widest range of choices as far as classes/degree fields they are going to have to go off island. The ugly: - none that I can think of

Hey good morning everybody, my name is Joseph Estacio, and i wanted to leave a 5 star review…read morebecause i never believed i was good or smart enough to go to college, this review is for all my Teachers- Duke Lang, Gigi Drent, James Andrews, what i like is how topics are explained by relating things of interest, being a straight forward person, Mrs. Drent tries to break things down so i understand, and admissions and Kcc's Financial Aid team Jeff Anderson, Kuulei Palomares, Carna Brown, there isanother person that helped but his name isn't on the website, you guys helped me get into college, i never thought id make it here, thank you for the opportunity, you all should get a raise- im not so educated so it took awhile for me to comprehend, and you all gave me patience, good job and thank you. p.s give them a raise

Met Kelley swimming in the water! Best decision of the day. I see all the other reviews that he…read moredoesn't spend a lot of time on land teaching you how to stand up. I didn't pay to stand on land I paid to be in the water. Kelley pushes you for a few waves so you can get a feel for. Then encourages you to try and catch your own waves. I loved it! Super cool and chill local dude who knows how to surf.

Kelley got my 11 year old son up surfing the waves within minutes of his lesson. I couldn't believe…read morehow well he did and Kelley has the most patience and positive attitude!!

This lovely school is located along the highway and across from a beautiful surfing break,…read more"Davidsons", of the Pacific Ocean. The school is named after a French Carmelite nun famous for her "Little Way" of spiritual childhood. She sought holiness through small, daily acts of love rather than grand gestures. The students are preschoolers through 8th grade. The church is next door.

This surf school is run by professional surfer Chava Greenlee and his big personality comes through…read moreall aspects of the school. Chava goes out of his way to make his surf lessons better than the rest. First, the technique that he uses is clearly well-thought out and effective for beginners. Second, he and his instructors are there for the students (not to surf between students's waves). He provides water shoes for each student. Finally, his lessons on Poipu Beach are at a great break that is very good for beginners to learn. While on Kauai I noticed other surf schools doing all of these wrong, but not Aloha Surf Lessons. If you take your lesson early in your stay, be sure to come back and rent a board from Aloha and practice. Chava and the other instructors will continue to give you advice and feedback when they're in the water.

Had a great experience with Aloha Surf! I signed up by myself and the instructors were all so…read moreawesome! One of the highlights of my trip. My instructor was great. He really make me feel comfortable especially it being my first time and by myself. I asked him to take a picture and video for me and he was super cool about it. After my lesson Chava was gracious enough to take me around to a couple stops before dropping me off back at the hotel. He is so proud of this Island and rightfully so. The whole experience in itself was amazing. All amazing people! Excellent company!! Thanks for such a great experience!!!

My 9 yo daughter and I did the Island Art Night with Dallin while staying at the Koloa Landing…read moreResort last month.This was hands-down the best experience of the trip, even for my pool-loving daughter. It is amazing what you can do, even if you have never picked up a paintbrush! Dallin is an amazing teacher who clearly loves painting and has a lot of patience. Every class he picks a scene and gives detailed instructions with demonstration and individual help on how to create the scene step-by-step. There were about 10 people in the class, from kids to seniors, and everyone obviously loved it. My daughter and I enjoyed doing it together so much! And we got to take our paintings home that we will hang side-by-side to impress family and guests! I highly recommend doing this even if you have never done it before - you will be surprised at what a great artist you are!

I had a great experience with Hearts4Kauai! Jamie is extremely nice and knowledgeable about what…read moreshe does. She is the best instructor for CPR/First aid course I've had. Not only does she go through with you the skills you learned through the online course to prepare you, she is extremely precise and clear on the guidelines. I chose the heart saver CPR Blended option so I was able to do the first portion of the class online. I've taken CPR courses in the past for childcare, but it has been a few years so it was a good refresher. Jamie was really flexible about the date and times available to do the Skills portion in person which were required for the certification. She had her space set up perfect, since I'm sure there are COVID requirements. I will definitely use her service again and recommend to friends and family.