Our Location: The Big Island of Hawai’i
Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival takes place in one of the most breathtaking and inspiring locations in the world — Hawai‘i Island, also known as the Big Island. Based in the town of Waimea at an elevation of 2,700 feet, HPAF is nestled in the heart of Parker Ranch, the largest privately owned cattle ranch in the United States, and surrounded by dormant volcanoes, including the majestic Mauna Kea, rising 14,205 feet above sea level.
Our home base is the renowned Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, a world-class boarding school offering top-tier facilities for our artists. These include classrooms, practice rooms, our administrative offices and library, and two exceptional performance venues: Gates Performing Arts Center and Davies Chapel. In addition to on-campus events, HPAF presents performances at a variety of venues across the island, reaching diverse local communities.
Life at HPAF is uniquely immersive. Daily walks between rehearsals, classes, and lessons wind through lush, green hills with panoramic views of Mauna Kea, often under a sky painted with rainbows. This sacred mountain, significant in Hawaiian culture, also hosts the world’s most advanced astronomical observatories.
Just 15 minutes down the hill lies the stunning Kohala Coast, home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. A short drive in the other direction leads to tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and the legendary Waipiʻo Valley along the Hāmākua Coast. While our program is intensive, we make space for rest and recreation, with regular beach outings and excursions to explore the island’s natural beauty — a vital part of the HPAF experience.
Hotel Recommendations
The Fairmont Orchid – Kohala Coast
A luxurious oceanfront resort inspired by Hawaiian culture and the spirit of aloha, The Fairmont Orchid offers an unforgettable stay just minutes from our main campus. Amenities include the award-winning Spa Without Walls, a 10,000-square-foot oceanfront pool, Hui Holokai Beach Club, six dining venues, golf, fitness center, tennis pavilion, and year-round programs for children. Click here to explore The Fairmont Orchid. Discounted Festival rates may be available, subject to availability. Please contact Genette Freeman for more information.
