FAQ
2025 Program Questions
Will there be boarding this summer?
Yes, we are pleased to offer residential programming for summer 2025. Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i participants will reside at the dormitories on our Kapālama campus for the duration of their assigned week.
Now that boarding has been added back to Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i, will the program be the same as it was when I attended?
Our program has evolved over its 50+ years of serving keiki Hawai‘i. We bring back the boarding component of Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i in a new environment, with new resources and guidelines. With safety as our top priority, we have partnered with our KS Kapālama Residential Life team for the overnight component of our program. Updated dormitory facilities as well updated policies will impact the dorming experience as many rooms will be single occupancy rather than double. Our Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i curriculum is also something that we regularly review and refresh to ensure alignment to our KS E Ola! Learner outcomes, so, another change you might notice at our end of week Ho‘olaule‘a is the addition of student presentations to share their learnings with ‘ohana.
My child was unable to attend Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i last summer. Can they attend this summer?
We recognize how much our families look forward to their child experiencing our Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i program. Unfortunately, because of the limited number of seats, we are unable to accommodate additional applicants this year. We are currently accepting applications for those entering grade 6 next school year only.
Why are you requiring a physical exam and immunization records?
The safety and well-being of keiki in our care is a top priority. As we return to residential programming, with keiki in this type of overnight, dormitory living situation with each other and our staff, this is a step we must take to ensure our keiki and kumu have a happy, healthy Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i experience.
Medical requirements:
Physical Examination dated after January 1, 2024 & current immunization records. If your child is invited to attend our Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i program, he/she will be required to have a physical examination completed after January 1, 2024. Please schedule an appointment in advance with your keiki’s medical provider to avoid delays as all medical requirements and forms will be due within 14 days of receiving an invitation. (If your keiki has had a physical after January 1, 2024, the exam is valid and your physician will need to complete the KS Physicians’ Examination form.)
Notification emails will be sent in April 2025.
Submission of medical forms does not confirm enrollment to the program.
Application Questions
How do I apply?
Applications for Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i will be available on January 2, 2025, in the Admissions Application ‘Ohana Portal. For admissions information, including a link to the portal, please visit the Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i Admissions page.
Can I apply for multiple programs with one application?
Aʻole. Unfortunately, each program requires a separate application.
Do I need to create a different account for each keiki?
Aʻole. Under one account, you can have multiple students.
How many parents/legal guardians need to sign the application?
Only one parent needs to sign the application. However, if your keiki is selected to participate, then ALL legal guardians need to sign the Enrollment Agreement Form by stated due date.
What are the preferred internet browsers to complete this application?
Chrome and Firefox are the preferred browsers.
Can I use my mobile device to complete the online application?
‘Ae. The admissions application can be completed on a mobile device.
What if I don't have a computer to complete my application?
Kamehameha Resource Centers have computers available to use for application completion and submission. For locations: https://www.ksbe.edu/resourcecenters/
If I already have a login for the new Admissions Application ‘Ohana Portal can I use the same login for Summer Programs?
‘Ae. If you already used the new Admissions Application ‘Ohana Portal to apply a child for preschool or campus program (Grades K-11) for SY 25-26, please use the same login information. All other applicants must create an account.
How do I know I have completed my application?
Your application is considered complete when you electronically sign and submit your application in the Admissions Application ‘Ohana Portal. You will immediately receive a confirmation email that your application has been submitted. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact the Admissions Office at 808-842-8800 to inquire about the status of your application.
Now that my application has been submitted, what's the next step?
Refer to your application confirmation email for the link to download the medical packet or go to the Admissions Application ‘Ohana Portal and click on the “Next Steps” tab to download and print the Medical Form Packet. Submission of medical forms will be required upon receipt of program invitation.
Who can apply to these programs?
Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i is for haumāna (students) who will be entering grade six (6) in the DOE, charter schools, Nā Kula Kaiapuni, home-schoolers, and other private school students.
