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KONA CAMPUS

HAWAI‘I ISLAND

grades K-12

Thanks for stopping by. Please take a look around to see how we do school differently on the Kona campus. From K through 12, we embrace the culture of our Island home, and we are proud of our supportive values and hands-on opportunities.
Open for admissions for SY 2026-27
APPLY NOW
240
STUDENTS
IN GRADES K-12
staff/teacher : student
1: 1
Makala.jpg
Makala Paakaula

KONA CAMPUS DIRECTOR mpaakaula@myhta.org

Aloha mai kākou, ‘O au ‘o Makala Paakaula. 

Here at HTA Kona, we pride ourselves on a holistic approach to learning. We balance both indigenous cultural practices and ‘ike (knowledge) with the 21st century skills surrounding us every day. It is important to bridge the past with our present, so that our future is one of an independent, sustainable island community. Cultural practitioners are an important part of our school. They share their ‘ike with our students and engage them in hands-on practice, problem-solving, and solution-oriented outcomes to increase the wellbeing of the whole kaiāulu (community).

Mahalo for your interest in our school.

WHAT MAKES HTA KONA AWESOME

FIELD STUDIES

We learn by doing. Our students are regularly spotted in the field as they connect their learning to the real world. We focus on ‘āina sustainability, learning how to plant and tend crops and prepare traditional foods. We learn Hawaiian protocols and oli. Our students can also be found studying kāheka (tide pools), conducting water quality surveys, or learning Hawaiian wayfinding practices. 

STUDENT SUPPORT

Our blended schedule gives teachers the time to support each student whether they need some extra help or an extra challenge.

For elementary students, support days and times vary by grade level. For middle school students, it is during Momentum Lab Mondays. And for high school, it is during virtual office hours on Fridays. There may be times when students are required to attend support sessions.

Weekly schedules

MOMENTUM LAB MONDAYS

Momentum Lab offers optional open-campus time on Mondays for middle and high school students — it’s a focused place to work, catch up, or push ahead. Students can get one-on-one support from their teachers, collaborate with peers on group projects, or find a quiet zone to focus on assignments. We also offer an array of enrichment opportunities.

CLUBS & ENRICHMENT

After-school clubs are formed each semester based on student interests. Think climbing, drone soccer, esports, crafts, science, sports, or student leadership. Clubs are a great way to socialize and learn new skills.

Our middle school students also greatly enjoy their elective choices on Wednesdays and Fridays.

OUR ISLAND CULTURE

Our students learn the content and skills necessary to thrive at college or in the workforce, but we know it is important to integrate our culture. Our Kona students interact with the wahi pana, or sacred places, and learn from cultural practitioners who share their ‘ike and engage them in hands-on practice, problem-solving, and solution-oriented outcomes to increase the wellbeing of the whole kaiāulu (community).

MORE THAN A PARENT.
A LEARNING COACH

One of the key differences at HTA is the close relationship between family and school. All HTA students must have a Learning Coach. This is typically a parent or guardian, but can be another designated adult. 

Learn more

A QUALITY EDUCATION

HTA has been WASC-accredited since 2013 and we are aligned with all Hawai‘i Common Core standards. Our core classes are math, language arts, science, and social studies. We place an emphasis on hands-on, place-based learning that really connects students to their communities and their futures. We also live by our five cores: communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and character.
 
View our curriculum guides for elementary, middle, and high school.

CAREER-BASED LEARNING

Our innovative high school Career-Based Learning program allows students to gain skills and experience out in the community — while earning credit. Our students are environmental stewards, media mavens, entrepreneurs, scientists, and more. Through partnerships with local organizations, mentorships, and hands-on projects, they learn what professionals do, and how they think, collaborate, and solve problems that don’t have a clear answer.

Explore

COLLEGE & CAREER

HTA’s College and Career team works with students and their families to map out a best-fit plan for each individual, whether you’re on a career track or a college route.

Students can get ahead by taking Running Start classes, which allow them to challenge themselves and earn both high school and college credit. They can also participate in student leadership, community service, and the National Honor Society. And our graduation ceremony on O‘ahu rocks!

A CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY

We are proud of our positive, inviting, inclusive culture. Our small size and blended model allow us to truly focus on our students’ social and emotional development. 

92 percent of HTA parents and teachers reported a positive and safe school culture in the School Quality Survey (SY 23-24).

We offer a range of social events throughout the year, including movie and game nights, spirit weeks, school dances, a boo-ti-ful Halloween celebration, and loads of senior year celebrations.

FROM OUR

‘OHANA

I feel more connected with the faculty and staff at this school than I ever did when my son attended public school. Communication between the teaching staff and administration with parents is second to none and unlike anything you will find at any public school.
Shawn Lathrop, Kona Learning Coach
I love that HTA focuses on the whole student with an emphasis on real world experiences and not just a strict emphasis on academics alone.
Alex Mevs, Kona Learning Coach
I drive 3 hours 5 days a week to bring my Keiko to HTA. I am supported by my family and friends, teachers and staff to make it all work. It isn’t easy but it’s worth it.
Maile Tavares, Kona Learning Coach
Each person is not just allowed to be themselves, but celebrated in a community that feels welcoming.
Morgan Sparber, Kona Learning Coach
(Students) must be self-motivated, need to be ready to take on tech. Students who need high school interaction each day would not do well. Families must also be ready to assist their student on Zoom days and project days.
Kara Osada-D’Avella, Kona Learning Coach
Having the assignments on the online calendar when they are due help him manage his time. Also the variety of clubs and electives are great.
Carrie Colmenares, Kona Learning Coach
HTA strikes the perfect balance between traditional school and full online instruction. It allows your child to be independent (online days) with a safety net (face-to-face) that prepares students for continuing education.
Maile Tavares, Kona Learning Coach
It does require a parent to check in more frequently and be involved in making sure your child is engaged and logging onto classes.
Morgan Sparber, Kona Learning Coach
Field Studies allow parents and students to get to know each other.
Kara Osada-D’Avella, Kona Learning Coach
(HTA parents need) time, patience, and a desire to be involved in your kids’ schooling.
Alex Mevs, Kona Learning Coach

Our schedule is UNIQUE

How and where HTA students learn is different than a traditional brick and mortar school or homeschool.

SCHOOL IS FIVE DAYS A WEEK, BUT IT’S NOT ON CAMPUS EVERY DAY.

Blended learning enables students to follow their passions, it enhances relationships between students, families, and school, and allows students to engage in hands-on, experiential learning. Our unique model fosters independence and equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century.

IN CLASS

There are days when our blended program students are on campus and in class working with their teachers and peers.

ONLINE

Other days they are zooming into live virtual classes with their teachers and peers. Learning Coaches are there for support as needed. 

INDEPENDENT

And there are days when students are engaged in independent assignments or out in the real world engaging in Field Studies, experiential opportunities, or career-based learning.

LEARN MORE

WEEKLY SCHEDULES

Check out what a blended week looks like — what days students are on campus or online or learning independently.

EXPLORE
LEARNING COACH ROLE

Parents/guardians play a vital role at HTA. Learn more about what a Learning Coach does and read advice from our families.

LEARN
DOING SCHOOL DIFFERENTLY

See how we do school differently so you can make the best decision for your child’s education.

ELEMENTARY
MIDDLE & HIGH
GOT HTA QUESTIONS?

Read about our computer loan program, school lunches, social opportunities, special education support, and more.

FAQs

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NAVIGATE TO HTA KONA

75-5580A Kuakini Highway

Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740

808-676-5444 option 3, 6

info@myhta.org

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