Huakailani School for Girls

Posted: November 14, 2024

We love Huakailani! This school has offered a warm, supportive learning environment for our daughter over the last several years. She looks forward to school days, shares about things she learns, and gets excited for the different electives the teachers offer each year. The students are like one big family - they play together and look out for and help each other. And I've always seen them welcome new students with open arms. It's really special. While the curriculum hits all the major age-appropriate academic goals, I love that the lessons and work are creative, fun, and tailored to where our daughter's at in the moment, as it helps her build confidence across different subject areas. The teachers really make learning a fun and positive experience here and our daughter is developing great confidence and social-emotional skills as she learns all the core subjects.

Posted: November 14, 2024

Posted: November 14, 2024

Posted: November 14, 2024

Posted: November 14, 2024

Posted: November 14, 2024

Posted: November 14, 2024

Posted: November 14, 2024

Posted: February 24, 2023

We switched to Huakailani for kindergarten this year after starting at a public school. It is a magical little place. So far it’s been very nurturing, academically challenging and incorporates tons of dynamic, integrated learning. From ballet to swimming to STEM and age appropriate social studies, my daughter loves to go to school. They offer lots of 1:1 and help kids reach their potential. I never thought I would choose a girls school but the benefits and ability to uninhibitedly sink into learning and navigate social issues together as young girls is awesome! So far, it’s a great fit and housed
In the sweetest green cabins over at the YWCA on Kaneohe bay. Come check it out!

Posted: February 24, 2023

Posted: April 12, 2022

This is our daughter's second year at the school and we are all so happy about our decision to switch schools and attend Huakailani. The small class sizes ensure that she can challenge herself academically with support from her amazing teacher. She has built strong friendships with her classmates and we really enjoy the supportive vibe from all of the other families. For a small school they manage to offer so many extra-curricular activities from athletics to art , scouting, performances and robotics (they even made it to the state championships in Hilo!). They are truly producing thoughtful, well-rounded young ladies. Very grateful to be a part of it

Posted: April 12, 2022

Posted: April 12, 2022

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Posted: January 28, 2018

Due to my husband’s job we have moved all over the world and have experience many different school systems— and Huakailani has been our favorite. My daughter has grown so much academically and socially in such a short period of time. Our move to Hawaii was supposed to be temporary, but we have now decided to stay until my daughter can complete the Huakailani program. I’ve never seen my daughter so motivated and eager to learn.

Posted: January 28, 2018

Posted: January 28, 2018

Posted: January 28, 2018

Posted: January 28, 2018

Posted: January 28, 2018

Posted: April 29, 2017

Advisory lessons and classes are completely integrated into the school curriculum for all ages. We have found this to be the most effective way to deal with bullying in a proactive way.

Establishing and maintaining healthy relationships is an important developmental skill to learn. For our girls ( ages 9 - 12).

It is critical to lay the foundation now, so they make the right choices as teenagers. Our students are fortunate to be in an all-girl setting that will support them to explore, reflect, make mistakes, practice, learn and grow.

Advisory lessons focus on relationship behaviors: verbal aggression and relational aggression. The girls learn to identify verbally aggressive behavior (put downs and spreading rumors) that are intended to hurt someone.

They also learn about relational aggression behavior that is intended to hurt someone's relationship with others.

Group activities help the girls explore and identify behaviors. Our girls learn how to identify these types of behaviors and explore the roles of aggressor, bystander or victim.

Posted: April 29, 2017

A strong new Board of Directors is in place to provide extra support to the school director and teachers as Huakailani School for Girls begins its 10th year.

Take a look at the recent school survey data posted on the school website to see how our current families rate the school.

Posted: April 29, 2017

For girls ages 4-14, lessons on character education and emotional wellness are just as important (if not more) than academic lessons.

As the components of learning connect together, we want our students to become balanced, caring, communicators who are inquisitive, resilient, and knowledgeable.

Huakailani girls are open-minded with a growth-mindset, principled, reflective and know how to think wisely. The road to embedding these values into our lives is not always easy, even as adults. That is why practicing these skills are valued at our school.

It is no secret that students perform better academically when they have social-emotional competence.

We teach self-awareness and social awareness, so our girls are more focused and better equipped to handle the day-to-day social and emotional obstacles that occur.

Students with healthy friendships have higher self-esteem, a more positive body image, they get involved in more leadership roles, maker wiser decisions in future relationships, and perform better academically. This is the foundation and our ultimate goal for our students.

Our families value and understand the importance of laying this strong core foundation now - academically, physically, emotionally, behaviorally, and physically.

The time to develop and fine-tune these skills is now before the teenage years that has been further complicated by social media and technology.

Girls now mature earlier than they did when we were kids. The world also has become quite a complicated place for our children with smartphones, e-mail, texting, social media and so much more; making it critical to lay that foundation now at home and school.

These are the day to day attitudes we use and practice: appreciation, commitment, confidence, cooperation, creativity, curiosity, empathy, enthusiasm, independence, integrity, respect, and tolerance.

These focus areas are woven into daily school life— the classroom, during lunch and at recess.

When reinforced at home these attitudes become second nature for our children and provide them with life-long girl power skills.

Navigating the social girl world is not easy, but Huakailani girls will make mistakes and learn from them, gain life lessons, skills & tools to better navigate their journeys, and possibly will even be able to help a peer in need.

Posted: April 29, 2017

The school Board of Directors and leadership has identified "teacher recruitment and retention" an area that needed to be improved and has revised the teacher recruitment and vetting process.

This new process supports the school to hire the most qualified teachers who support the all-girls and differentiation philosophy of the school for the 2017-2018 school year and beyond.

Posted: April 29, 2017

So what does it this mean @ Huakailani School for Girls?

At Huakailani we have taken steps to stay current on homework research and studies and to focus on the most essential objectives of homework.

We reflect the latest studies that show homework, in general, has been found to have little effect on a student's achievement, especially for elementary students.

Therefore, homework at Huakailani focuses on giving students the opportunity to practice work skills and to learn and practice study skills.

Homework assigned will reinforce learning in the classroom which serves a dual purpose of independent practice for your child and communication to you as a parent regarding what your child is learning at school.

The type of homework and projects assigned will be based on your child's developmental and academic learning needs.

We use the homework hour guidelines used by most schools which is 10 minutes per grade level.

Being a small private school that tailors its program to meet the individual needs of its students, we can also offer the customization of taking the time to learn a family's homework expectations. Since homework is completed at home, it is a critical element that must be taken into consideration. This element is usually missing from most school homework policies.

Add this unique last element to the mix, and you have Huakailani's Homework Policy which equals meaningful, harmonious homework time for your child and your family.

After all, the main purpose of homework is for it to have a beneficial and positive effect on your child's overall learning experiences.

Posted: April 29, 2017

We are for families who understand the value of exceptional early years education as a foundation for life-long success.

Families who are a match for our school value an "ohana-based" program that is anchored in a strong home-school partnership, and do not want the assembly line, cookie-cutter style school setting for their daughter.

Huakailani differentiates itself from more traditional larger, branded educational institutions by providing one of a kind personalized education and services only otherwise available in a homeschool or personal tutor setting.

Our families understand that the greatest window of opportunity for core learning is in the early phases of a child's life.

Amazing things happen at Huakailani School for Girls! We invite you to come and see us in action!

Our long-term families support and value, the school's philosophy and programs and find the experience is priceless.

Posted: April 26, 2017

As recent as 2017, the teachers were young and unable to handle the active girls. The school doesn't have a playground and the space is small. The response to bullying "she didn't mean it" or "stop it".... not exactly effective.

Posted: April 26, 2017

My daughter was told to "stop asking questions" and to "just skip it" when she didn't understand something. Instead of learning multiplication the children were encouraged to use a multiplication chart to look up the answers. My daughter was a full year behind when we left Huakailani.

Posted: April 26, 2017

There was very little accountability at the school when concerns were raised - such as a group of second graders not being able to read. The leadership had so many things going on there was no actual attention to the day to day running of the school.

Posted: April 26, 2017

I really wanted to like Huakailani. The theory behind the school is amazing. The problem is the implementation. The character development program sounded good on paper - it was inconsistently offered and even more inconsistently applied. There was no uniform discipline policy.

Posted: April 26, 2017

Very young, poorly trained teachers. I witnessed several teachers on their smart phones instead of paying attention to their students. At recess the teachers often sat on the bench in the shade instead of being able to see the children play at the public park. I did not believe my daughter when she told me this and stopped by the park several times to witness this for myself.

Posted: April 26, 2017

I disagree with the concept of homework overall.
I hoped my experience at Huakailani would be different. The homework was supposed to be individualized for each child. In my experience, the individualized plans did not work to the strengths of my child. The assessments at the beginning of the school year were unrelated to the level of work assigned. Homework was inconsistently graded and the lack of clear communication resulted in a lot of confusion about what my daughter was learning. The homework was more arts and crafts than project-based learning. Technology was often used as a babysitter or bandaid for poorly trained staff.

Posted: April 26, 2017

Every child is different. What works for my child might not work for yours. Every school is different - what didn't work for my family might work for yours. This is my experience and I hope it helps you find the right space for your daughter to thrive.
-High staff turn over (4 lead teachers in 4 years), a disorganized curriculum, and overemphasized technology.
-Young, inexperienced teachers with very poor classroom control. Additionally, while teacher certification is not required at private schools several of the teachers lacked the patience and energy to deal with young children.
-My daughter loved going to school because nothing was expected of her.

Posted: May 23, 2016

We wanted a school that would nurture our daughter's strengths while offering an educational environment in which she can grow as an individual. Huakailani provides that safe and creative environment to foster her love of learning as well as helping her to grow in confidence and character.

Posted: May 23, 2016

Posted: May 23, 2016

Posted: May 23, 2016

Posted: May 23, 2016

Due to the small class sizes, the children get extra attention that is specialized for them.

Posted: May 18, 2016

Posted: May 18, 2016

Posted: May 18, 2016

Posted: May 18, 2016

A creative school that is a safe place for girls to express themselves, learn and grow in a positive atmosphere.

Posted: May 23, 2015

Posted: May 23, 2015

The teacher to student ratio is low, so the students get individualized education. The child advances at her own pace.
Communication between the teacher and parents is great.
Huakailani is a wonderful school!

Posted: March 1, 2013

We have 2 daughters that attended Huakailani School.I currently homeschool since we are a military family on the move. I must say that their time at Huakailani proved to be an invaluable educational experience. My youngest (who started there in K) is supposed to be in 2nd gr., but she works at almost a fourth grade level in math, and she works at a 3rd grade level in all areas of language arts. My oldest (who started at the school in 3rd grade) works easily at grade level in math, and excels at language arts as well; especially writing. Both girls reminisce on the cool experiments they got to do and neat ways they learned specific concepts.My oldest learned valuable computer technology skills that i'm sure she would not have been exposed to at other schools (she especially loved working on a community service project in which she learned claymation!).Focus on the community was a big draw for us.The school strives to have students be stewards of their community.They experienced an environment in which they learned according to their strengths, and the director and staff are open to changing things that may not be working for a particular student.Great school for esteem building!

Posted: February 26, 2013

Our daughter has attended Huakailani from K through 2nd grade. Originally we only intended to have her there for K because she was very, very shy with speech delays, and we knew she needed more attention than she would get in public schools. She made such huge strides in every aspect of her education, confidence and strength of character almost immediately, we decided it is definitely worth it to keep her at Huakailani for as long as we could afford to. The teachers are really amazing with the girls, her education is very individualized to her, she loves going to school everyday and regular online and in person updates let us know how to support Kaia's growth as well as our family needs. Huakailani constantly amazes us with very creative projects, field trips and opportunities to learn. I love the degree of parent support and the wonderful rapport that both students and parents have with the staff. The school even makes interpersonal relationships an important focus, they often help the girls to effectively resolve any disagreements in a respectful manner. I would absolutely recommend this school to anyone. It has been an amazing experience for our family.

Posted: February 2, 2012

My daughter was begging to be home schooled. She needed a small size classroom as she was quiet and was not getting the attention she needed at her previous school. When we found Huakailani, it was just what we were looking for. Their small class room size allows each girl to get the attention she needs. When our daughter was having a problem with long division, her Huakailani teacher spent several individual sessions with her until it clicked. The all girl environment is supportive and inclusive. Our daughter went from a shy and reticent child in the classroom to an outgoing leader! This school is technologically advanced, inspiring, creative and a find! Check it out and see if it's a good fit for your daughter.

Posted: September 17, 2011

Huakailani is an excellent school!!! The individual curriculum that they provide for each girl in invaluable. Our daughter was technically kindergarden last year, but all of her areas of studies were first grade. This allowed her to continuously be challenged at a level that was appropriate for her. Unfortunately, we moved this summer because we are a military family and we miss Huakailani very much! We would recommend this school to anyone. The tuition is high, but is still cheaper than other schools on the island especially for the small size and individual attention that each girl receives. The school uses the latest technology which keeps the girls in touch with the changing world. The curriculum is also well-rounded which gives the girls the opportunity to learn about many different subjects other than the traditional ones. We would definitely encourage parents who are looking into a private school for their daughter to take a serious look at Huakailani.

Posted: September 6, 2011

We invite you to contact us for a tour of our school. We strive to create a learning environment where students thrive. The Journey for Learning Begins Here...

Posted: May 30, 2011

In April we looked at this school for possible enrollment for the fall for my 8 year old daughter, we were so impressed with it that we decided to let our daughter transfer in right away. Although it is expensive, it is still less costly than the other major private school in this area and the small class ratio of teachers to students has helped our daughter make positive gains both academically and emotionally in a relatively short period of time. The teachers and principal are very caring and each girl and her parents are considered to be part of this school's extended family. I would definitely give this school a 5 star rating.

Posted: May 2, 2011

The school has a caring environment. However, tuition is very high, for the level of education provided and lack of a traditional school campus/offerings. There has been very large and consistent turnover of teachers and students (both local and military), not only a result of people moving. For some, though, it might be a good match. Look carefully.

Posted: April 12, 2011

We chose Huakailani for our kindergarten-age daughter while we were temporarily relocated to Hawaii. We worried about transitioning her in mid-year, but the individual attention, flexible academic program and wonderfully supportive teaching staff and students made it easy. The atmosphere of this school is positive and the kids are happy to be there. The PE, art, dance and language add to a great foundation of learning on the basics. We have moved back to the mainland now and find ourselves searching here for a school just like Huakailani. It is a gem!

Posted: April 11, 2010

We have two girls at Huakailani and I always say: 'This is what a school is supposed to be.' Each child is on their own journey. This is a very loving and supportive environment. The multi-grade level teaching works so well. It helps the older girls develop empathy and gives the younger girls a role model to look up to. A small school gives the director the ability to be flexible and make adjustments as needed. Both our girls are flourishing at Huakailani. You are welcome to check us out on Facebook and the Huakailani website. Parents are always happy to answer any specific questions you may have.