Upper School (grades 9-12) Dorm Information

Upper Campus DormatoriesThe campus is comprised of three dorms that are separated by gender. Most students live in a double room and some senior students are assigned single rooms. All rooms have high-speed Internet access and the dorms' common area include computers, table games, TVs, DVD players, and fireplaces.

Boys dorm common areaThe HPA experience is enhanced by the presence of senior prefects who assist the dorm parents and act as big brothers and sisters to the younger students. Students benefit from the availability of their teachers in the dorms and develop important Common computers in girls dormrelationships with their dorm parents because of the multiple connections in the classroom, on the playing field, and in the dorm halls. The small average number of students per dorm parent (8:1) means that dorm parents can focus on each student individually to help ensure a successful academic and social experience at HPA.

Inside a dorm roomInside a dorm roomTo encourage a larger world view, international students are paired with students who do not speak the same native language. This provides a unique opportunity to learn about another culture first hand.

Common area in the girls dormThe community-oriented residential life curriculum focuses on healthy socialization and personal responsibility. Students participate in campus community service tasks, such as cleaning the dorms, classrooms, or helping in the dining hall. There are various opportunities for residential students to gain valuable leadership skills at HPA as a dorm prefect or a dorm representative for the Student Council and by participating in the many ongoing leadership training sessions in the dorms throughout the year.

Kahua ranch activityStudents enjoy a robust, engaging, and fun student-run activities program. A variety of activities are available to students on and off campus and take advantage of the cultural, social, and natural opportunities available on the island. In addition, every Wednesday and weekend, there are regular shuttles to Waimea (Kamuela) where there are several restaurants and shops. There are regular weekend vans to the beach and trips to Kona or Hilo for movies or shopping at the larger department stores. One Monday each month, students attend a traditional formal dinner with faculty families at each table and students in formal attire.

The daily schedule provides structure for students with opportunities for interaction between students and dorm faculty/dorm parents. After classes end, the typical boarding student schedule would include:

  • Scuba divingAfternoon sports and activities
  • Free time
  • Dinner
  • Supervised study hall (2 hours)
  • Dorm chores
  • Free time
  • Mandatory lights out