My experience: I attended HPA beginning my sophomore year through senior year and the school was definitely an experience that changed my life in a positive way. I love that the school has many international students and offers countless opportunities to learn from a diverse group of students and faculty. I was a varsity athlete of the dive team for three years with Mrs. Kassis and Mrs. D and we were the first divers in a long while to make the team well-known for diving. Although the dive team was always small, I loved competing at meets on the Big Island and on O'ahu. In addition to diving, I was part of the cheer team my senior year which was super fun and that year we became HPA's first competitive cheer team. I also participated in dance for my third trimester of sports/activities and always looked forward to performing on the Kahilu Theatre stage every year. Another activity I loved from HPA was the Olympics that was held every year before spring break. This event brought the students together and helped us create connections with other classmates. I was also able to go on a study abroad trip to China and Taiwan during my senior year for spring break, which was a trip of a lifetime and an amazing experience. This school broadened my perspective of different cultures and gave me many opportunities that I couldn't have acquired at a public school on the Big Island. HPA gave me memories that I will cherish forever.
Suggestions: Although I had an amazing time at HPA, I feel that the school needs to provide more opportunities to connect the students to the Hawaiian culture. I think they should require 'Ōlelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian Language) courses, especially to those born and raised in Hawai'i. I also think HPA should celebrate May Day, as it is a highly important holiday in Hawai'i. I suggest that the students should be required to do work with the island community to learn more about Hawaiian culture and to find ways to change the school's reputation on the Big Island. One thing the school definitely needs improvement on is the bus system to and from Kona. Kona students have to wake up extra early everyday to make the bus to school, which is great to have transportation to school; but there is no bus going back to Kona at 5:30pm when sports are over. Most parents have to carpool to pick up students and it's A LOT of extra work and gas money.
Overall, I loved HPA and I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend HPA and for the countless experiences the school has given me. read more