RECREATION

An all-day trip to spectacular Volcanoes National Park is included and should not be missed. The entire group attends at least three beach picnics at nearby beaches; additional beach time is built into the schedule. Included also are two guided hikes, a visit to an ancient Hawaiian temple, plus shopping in Waimea and Kona. Sightseeing to the Place of Refuge, the Waipio Valley Overlook and the historic town of Honoka'a round out the program.

TRANSPORTATION

Hawaii is the largest of all the Hawaiian Islands. In order to enjoy the island to the fullest and attend all festival events, you will need a car. If you are unable or unwilling to rent a car, every attempt will be made to line you up with another student interested in sharing. The Festival provides transportation in vans and buses for underage participants. The cost for transportation, including transfer to and from the Kona airport, and transportation to all official festival events, shopping and beach, is $14 per day, payable to the festival by June 15, 2008.  Students should arrive and depart from the airport in Kona, not Hilo.  The festival cannot be responsible for transit to and from the airport in Hilo.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why Hawaii ?
Summer music festivals seek beautiful, inspirational settings where participants gather to practice their art. After many years of visiting Hawaii, taking in its beautiful scenery and meeting its friendly residents, the festival decided on the Big Island. The facilities at Hawaii Preparatory Academy are excellent. Students from all over the world combine a fabulous tropical vacation experience with an often life-changing intensive study and performance program.

When should I arrive and what should I bring?
You should arrive in Kailua-Kona on Wednesday, July 9. Airport transfer will take approximately one hour. Dinner will be at the HPA Dining Hall that evening, and music starts the next morning. In addition to all your music gear (please bring a music stand if you have one), bring all the things you need for a tropical vacation—swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, beach shoes, small flashlight and the like. Waimea is centrally located at a higher elevation than the coastal areas, and the weather in the evenings can be cool, so bring a sweater or light jacket.  You will receive more detailed instructions about what to bring as the festival approaches.

What do students do when they aren’t working?
The Festival offers organized recreation activities as outlined above. In addition, students have access to an Olympic pool, a full gym, basketball courts, horseback riding, student union, laundry facilities and of course, the dining hall. Each dormitory floor has a common area with computer, games and television.

Is HPA a safe and secure place?
The safety of all festival participants is paramount. HPA has full 24-hour security. When in town, students need to be aware, use the buddy system, take cell phones and use common sense, as you would in visiting any town.