Signature Programs at HPA

In this episode, HPA’s admission team explores the school’s signature academic programs, including Marine Studies and the Energy Lab, and how HPA’s people, programs, and place create extraordinary learning opportunities.

Hear from faculty experts and current students as they share how hands-on experiences — from sea turtle research and SCUBA diving to cutting-edge collaborations with organizations like NASA and UCLA — bring learning to life. The conversation also highlights advanced coursework such as AP Cybersecurity and Computer Engineering, student access to specialized facilities, and how HPA’s unique setting in Hawaiʻi enriches every aspect of education.

Hosts

• Maria Mora, International Admission Counselor
• Janet Kalaniopio, Senior Associate Director of Admission
• Tayler Wang, Assistant Director of Admissions

Panelists

• Dr. Bill, Director of the Energy Lab, Science Teacher
• Laura Jim, Marine Studies Educator, Co-Director of the Sea Turtle Research Program & Director of SCUBA
• Anna M. ʻ27, Current Student
• Dominik R. '27, Current Student

Episode Chapters

• 0:00 – Introductions
• 3:32 – Marine Studies: Sea Turtle Research, SCUBA & Marine Biology
• 13:13 – Student perspective on Marine Studies
• 14:34 – What makes HPA and Hawaiʻi a special place to learn
• 18:22 – Energy Lab collaborations (NASA, UCLA & more)
• 19:16 – AP Cybersecurity & Computer Engineering
• 19:53 – Access to facilities and advanced courses
• 21:40 – Student perspective: Cybersecurity & Island Science
• 24:00 – Advice for future HPA students