Overview

Nestled on six beautiful acres in Mililani, Hanalani Schools has nurtured, challenged, and prepared students for success in both college and life for over 70 years. Hanalani seeks to enrich the whole child—mentally, physically, and spiritually—and develop successful leaders by offering high-quality programs focused on three foundational pillars: core knowledge, critical skills, and Christian character. We believe that these three pillars best equip students to become successful leaders in their future careers, communities, and families.

Here at Hanalani, we describe our approach to teaching core knowledge as Academics Plus. Through this approach, our students develop their academic foundation by focusing on STEAM (STEM + Arts). However, we also believe that in order to effectively meet the challenges that they will face post-graduation, students need more than just academics—they need to engage in learning that takes place beyond the classroom. Our students regularly enjoy off-campus learning in places and events around the island, as well as on trips abroad. Additionally, co-curricular opportunities, especially through various teams—athletics, arts, and activities—provide our students with rich life and leadership lesson opportunities. The athletic field/court, drama production stage, and student government headquarters all serve as essential classrooms for developing leadership skills.

Equally foundational as core knowledge to the development of successful leaders are what we define as critical skills—creativity & adaptability, critical & analytical thinking, citizenship, collaborative leadership, effective communication (written, oral, digital, and arts), digital citizenship, and cultural competence. These skills are taught to our students both in the traditional classroom setting and through co-curricular activities.

The last foundational pillar, Christian character, addresses the hearts and character development of our students. They are taught to love God and others, which translates to dealing with others through compassion, kindness, empathy, integrity, honesty, and other relational virtues critical to successful leadership.