Enrichment programs are classes and activities that take place after the afternoon school bell has rung. These programs are designed to offer each child a fulfilling childhood experience whether it be classes in horseback riding, dance, volleyball, swimming, modeling or tutoring to complement academic learning.
Many of our most cherished childhood memories occur during these experiences. Children may find their hobbies or even careers through enrichment activities. Exposure to music may ignite a lifelong passion for piano, or taking a workshop on marine life could excite a future marine biologist.
In addition to learning about and acquiring new interests, children will have the chance to obtain skills that will benefit them in the classroom and throughout their lives. Enrichment programs provide a goal-setting environment. Children will learn that something worth having comes from hard work, dedication and perseverance. They will learn to be patient as they improve and will eventually celebrate their accomplishments. Knowing that they worked for their successes instead of receiving instant gratification will boost their confidence. Through enrichment programs, children will achieve more than they ever thought possible, and they will have fun doing it!
After-School Care
After-school enrichment opportunities are perfect for families with two working parents. After-school programs provide a few extra hours of supervised, organized activity.
These programs offer a host of activities for students. Activities vary depending on location, but many involve sports, homework time, arts and crafts, dance and swim classes. It also gives students a time to socialize and have fun while they are still learning. Instead of coming home to an empty house, children will be able to participate in meaningful activities, and you will have peace of mind knowing that they are being taken care of and being productive.
Athletics
With Hawaii’s temperate climate year round, many families choose to enroll their child in a sport, especially outdoor sports. Sports are a great choice because they not only teach children about the game, but they emphasize discipline and hard work. Keep an open mind when trying to pinpoint which sport to choose. Maybe your child likes the competitive, team atmosphere that volleyball delivers, or maybe she prefers an individual, non-competitive sport like swimming lessons. She can master her swimming skills and not feel the pressure of having to compete against fellow swimmers.
Emphasis on positive physical health is another bonus that athletics offers. Children probably won’t even realize it, but while they are having fun, you will find comfort in the fact that your child is developing strength, agility, stamina and flexibility. Many coaches also urge children to make healthy food choices, which will lead to a healthy lifestyle beyond the childhood years.
The Arts
Some children gravitate towards the arts. Common activities include playing an instrument, singing, dance, theater and visual arts.
Music stimulates parts of the brain associated with reading, math and emotional development. When embarking on musical endeavors, children must visualize elements coming together like keys, patterns, themes and scales. This ability has been proven to translate to problem solving, which can be used in mathematics. Children must also learn what it means to be a multitasker when it comes to music. Musicians must learn to control the fine motor skills needed for their instruments, control their breath and read and process music while keeping time.
Dance is a great choice for children who are physical and musical as dance embodies the successful marriage between technique and musicality. Dancers acquire flexibility, strength, discipline and spatial and body awareness. They are given the chance to set goals and work towards those goals during classes or rehearsals. Many dance locations provide students with the opportunity to perform in front of an audience. This teaches dancers to have confidence and stage presence. Dancers will feel proud to display their accomplishments that they worked hard for.
No matter what class one takes in the arts, there is no doubt that your child will have the opportunity to get his or her creative juices flowing! There are no right or wrong answers, and creativity is encouraged.
Academic and Tutoring
There are many different reasons why tutoring may be the best enrichment choice for your child. If your child is behind in a certain subject, remedial help might be just the thing to get him back on track with the rest of the class. This is important because in addition to the consequences bad grades bring, students can also take a blow to their confidence if they realize they do not have the ability to keep up with the class. This may start to affect other areas of their lives. Tutoring plans can be customized to fit exactly what your child needs. Other students might be above grade level and need a challenge while some may need preparation for standardized tests.
Tutoring offers a variety of benefits. Perhaps your child’s learning style is different than that of his peers, or maybe his teacher moves through content at a pace that leads to misunderstanding. Whatever the case is, tutors work one-on-one or in small groups to ensure that each student understands the material. Tutoring also relieves any friction that may arise between parent and child. Also, tutoring offers a fun and exciting environment, so students will have a positive association with learning.
Instead of the typical reading and math tutoring, consider a foreign language for your child. Many schools offer foreign languages during the intermediate years, but studies show that early exposure to language leads to easier acquisition and a more native-like pronunciation. Foreign language centers focus on activities that make learning a new language fun.
Choosing the Right Activity
When choosing an activity, do not assume that your love of basketball will automatically be passed on to your child. She might be more interested in gymnastics or karate. Keep an open mind, and if your child shows a lack of interest or even displays feelings of anger, anxiety or sadness, do not force her to stay in the class.
Instead, dabble in a few types of enrichment activities to see which one your child likes best. Maybe he enjoys the flexibility of after-school programs since they typically offer a range of activities instead of focusing on one. Perhaps your child would prefer the creative nature of an instrument to the competitive atmosphere that soccer offers. Keep the lines of communication open, and ask your child what he enjoys about each activity.
With such a wide range of enrichment opportunities offered in Hawaii, there is sure to be an area that sparks his interest. Enrichment classes become part of our identities as we grow older, so greatly consider which to choose. Even if the type of activity does not blossom into a lifelong passion, you will be glad to know that your child took away many skills that will aid him throughout his life. As long as your child is having fun and has a smile on his face at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.
The following are profiles of various locations around Oahu that offer enrichment services. They are devoted to making a difference in the lives of Hawaii’s children.
Ballet Hawaii
Ballet Hawaii has been enriching Hawaii’s cultural environment by teaching, promoting, presenting, and producing dance since 1976. Their non-profit organization provides opportunities to all ages for self-development, self-esteem, creativity and improved well-being for students, patrons, and audiences. Classes are focused on building self-confidence through accomplishment and opportunities to perform in presentations, including the annual Nutcracker (Dec. 14-15, 2024).
With two locations in Honolulu and Waikele, Ballet Hawaii offers dance classes starting at age three up to adult classes, in addition to weekly open classes and frequent master classes with world-renowned teachers from all corners of the globe. For more information, please visit www.ballethawaii.org.
Camp Mokuleia
Located on the beautiful North Shore of Oahu, Camp Mokuleia has provided children and youth with enriching camp experiences since 1947! Their “Ohana Stay Cays” (Oct. 25-27 and Dec. 6-8) provide the perfect weekend getaway the entire family can enjoy. A flat rate per person is charged for the whole weekend and includes lodging, meals, and various optional activities built in over the weekend (movie night, paddle boards and kayaks, zip line, and much more). Camp Mokuleia is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii, however, campers of all or no faith backgrounds are welcome! Visit www.campmokuleia.org to learn more.
DVG Jiu Jitsu
DVG Jiu Jitsu, located in Aiea, HI, stands out as Oahu’s top choice for jiu jitsu training. Renowned for its friendly, relaxed environment and knowledgeable instructors, this premier academy offers personalized instruction for all experience levels. With clean facilities, flexible schedules, and a central location near Aloha Stadium, DVG Jiu Jitsu ensures a supportive and engaging learning experience. Celebrated as Hawaii’s Best Martial Arts Academy, they are dedicated to helping you achieve your jiu jitsu goals, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grappler. Join the Ohana and discover how jiu jitsu can transform your life! For more information, visit dvgjiujitsu.com.
Gunstock Ranch
Looking for a unique outdoor adventure? Look no further than Gunstock Ranch! With activities for children as young as two, the whole family can enjoy the experience of horseback riding. Kids can enjoy pony rides, complete with petting and brushing the horse after a 25-minute walk around the ranch. Older children (7+) and adults are welcome to choose from many options, including a scenic horseback ride, sunset ride, picnic ride, and more!
If you’re interested in learning the fundamentals of horseback riding, their horsemanship experience is perfect for you. You’ll work with a Gunstock wrangler to learn about horses and get hands-on experience. They even offer group horsemanship experiences for those who want to learn with family and friends. For more information, visit www.gunstockranch.com.
Hawaii Academy
Hawaii Academy is a private fitness school for the advancement of lifetime wellness, gymnastics, and human sciences for ALL ages and abilities. Trampoline-tumbling gymnastics, gymnastics for ninjas, and fitness classes are the largest and most popular programs offered in this 2,600-student school. Movement education for children 1-5 years old starts the youngest of learners on the road to lifelong fitness. They also offer classes for children (ages 6-12), teens (13-18), adults (19-49), and kupuna (50-100+).
Activities offered include trampoline (flipping and twisting), gymnastics, tumbling, acrobatics/cirque, ninja/obstacles, fitness, movement education, and more. For more information, contact the Honolulu Office at 808-842-5642, the Pearl Harbor Office at 808-422-2223, the Waipahu Office at 808-676-2222, or visit their website: www.hawaiiacademy.com.
Hawaii Dance Bomb
Hawaii Dance Bomb is a community dance school focused on nurturing each child’s experience in a safe, playful and non-judgmental environment. They don’t tell the kids what to wear, who to be, or how to dance; instead, instructors focus on developing self-confidence, personal style and creativity. Hawaii Dance Bomb offers seasonal dance classes, weekly themed events, silent disco parties, intersession camps and more. Children can practice wiggling, being themselves, laughing, learning names, figuring out their own movement style, and having fun. For more information, visit www.hawaiidancebomb.com. See you on the dance floor!
Hawaiian Island Twisters (HITS)
Located above Regal Theatre on Iwilei Road, Hawaiian Island Twisters offers a variety of enriching gymnastic classes, such as homeschool, preschool, parent and tot classes. They also offer girls and boys recreational classes, tumbling classes for dance and cheerleading, and competitive girls’ and boys’ teams.
With over 1,000 students currently enrolled, HITS strives to ensure each and every student has a safe and positive gymnastics experience. They accomplish this through versatile coaching staff, continuously improving facility, and structured dynamic recreational and team programs. For more information, please visit www.hawaiianislandtwisters.com.
Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus (HYOC)
Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus, Oahu’s longest running premier children’s choir, offers a full spectrum of music education for K-12 students from any school. HYOC’s mission is to build a foundation of excellence in choral performance, to guide Hawaii’s youth to establish a life-long appreciation of the performing arts, and to provide leadership in music education. HYOC continues to grow tomorrow’s leaders through music by providing the perfect venue for students to meet, develop friendships and important life skills, gain performance experience, and learn from experts in music education.
HYOC has two semesters per year: Fall (August-December) and Spring (January-late May). Enrolled students will get the chance to polish their vocal skills and perform as they average about 20 to 30 concerts per year! Visit www.hyoc.org to learn more.
Keiki Kicks
Keiki Kicks is a fantastic soccer program for kids that emphasizes fun and learning through play, with a focus on developing children’s motor skills, coordination, and love for the game – all while building confidence and promoting teamwork. With experienced coaches and a supportive environment, Keiki Kicks is the perfect place for kids to learn and grow as both athletes and individuals. For keiki ages 1 to 8 years old, players of all skill levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) are welcomed to join. Check out www.keikikicks.com to learn more and sign up for a session today!
Keiki Kingdom
Keiki Kingdom is the newest and largest indoor playground in Hawaii, offering a multi-level play structure, party rooms, slides, climbing walls, ball pits, sand box, a separate area for younger children, and much more. Their mission is to provide a safe and enriching space for free play so that children can develop their creativity, imagination, dexterity, and physical strength. Keiki Kingdom’s main indoor playground is for children 13 years old and below. However, they have a special gated toddler section with fun activities specifically designed for them! The facility is fully air-conditioned and supervised by trained staff to keep your children safe and happy. For more information, go to www.keikikingdom.com.
Keiki O Ka Aina (KOKA)
The mission of Keiki O Ka `Aina Family Learning Centers is to educate children, strengthen families, enrich communities, and perpetuate culture. This is reflected in KOKA’s curriculum and programs offered to keiki and families. By participating in activities of the Native Hawaiian culture, the community maintains its distinctive character and personality. Being shared amongst various members of a community, the culture is learned and passed on from the older generations to the newer ones, thereby keeping the traditions alive and fresh. KOKA infuses the Hawaiian culture into all its programs, and several offer an exceptionally strong cultural connection. Please visit www.koka.org for more information.
King’s Music Academy
King’s Music Academy offers premier musical instruction for students of all abilities and skills (ages 4 and up) in piano, vocals, guitar, drums, and bass, all under one roof for your convenience. Teachers are friendly and dedicated to learning about your personal musical goals and helping you to achieve them. They believe in fostering creativity, nurturing talent, and instilling a lifelong love for music in all of their students.
Centrally located near Aloha Stadium in Halawa’s industrial area, King’s Music Academy offers a wide and flexible range of lesson times available, including online programs, in order to serve the needs of Oahu’s busy families. Because lessons are on a month-to-month basis, there are no large upfront payments required, no complicated contracts, and no annual performance fees. Go to www.kingsmusicacademy.com for more information.
Kosasa Academy
Kosasa Academy is where effective, engaging learning and fun come together! From tutoring and test prep to full or part time schooling, intersession camps, and more, each program offered is custom designed to meet each student’s needs. All of Kosasa’s tutors are experienced in finding creative ways to make confusing concepts and topics come alive, giving students a conceptual understanding of topics that are usually taught procedurally in schools.
Recently relocated to the Kailua Assembly of God Church campus, Kosasa Cottages of Kalaheo Hillside is where your child’s learning experience can start to get better! For more details, please visit www.kosasa.org.
Kumon Math & Reading Centers
The Kumon Method has helped millions of children achieve more than they ever thought they could. At Kumon Math & Reading Centers, your child can build the skills necessary to lead them to success inside and outside the classroom. Their math and reading programs help children of all ages and levels become eager and independent self-learners. Unlike most tutoring sessions, Kumon teachers help children learn how to learn on their own and to love the process. Students gain a sense of confidence that will help them in the classroom and beyond. Locate your nearest Kumon Center today at www.kumon.com.
Leahi Swim School
Leahi Swim School has been successfully teaching Hawaii to swim for over 50 years! They offer programs for students of all ages, from 6 months to adults, in both group and private lessons. At Leahi Swim School, the focus is on quality instruction. That’s why classes are small, with many offering a 5:2 student-to-teacher ratio. Additionally, instructors are extensively trained and certified lifeguards. Leahi is the only swim school in Hawaii with specially designed pools that feature gradual water depth from 6 inches to 8 feet at all three of their locations. Please visit www.leahiswimschool.com for more details.
Mo’olelo Performing Arts Studio
Mo’olelo Studio is Oahu’s premier theater-focused performing arts program, offering classes in musical theatre, dance, creative drama, acting and more for students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re trying to get your keiki to break out of their shell, looking for a new extracurricular activity, honing your young performer’s skills, or just wanting to give yourself an extra hour in the afternoons, Mo’olelo is the perfect place for your child.
Experienced instructors provide an encouraging and collaborative environment to cultivate and develop each student’s artistic and creative interests. Mo’olelo Studio produces four musical productions a year, giving auditioning opportunities to all within an appropriate age group. Become a part of the Mo’olelo family and learn more at www.moolelostudios.com.
Pas De Deux
At Pas De Deux (which means ‘step for two’ in French), the owners, directors, teachers and staff are all about love, passion, and commitment to preserving dance culture and the performing arts in Hawaii’s local community by helping young performers to achieve the highest level of performance skill in their desired genre of dance, music or theatre. Conveniently located behind Costco in Waipio, Pas De Deux offers dance classes in creative movement, ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, hip-hop, breakdancing, Tahitian, hula, musical theatre, and private voice lessons for children ages 3 and up. For more information, please visit www.pddhi.com.
Quicksets Volleyball Club
Quicksets Volleyball Club offers an encouraging and nurturing environment for your child to learn and build their volleyball skills while making new friends and having fun. Experienced coaches seek to build character and self-awareness in their players by challenging them to believe in their strengths, provide opportunities of hope and be mindful of others through the game of volleyball. Quicksets volleyball program is open to boys and girls ages 5-18 years old. Scholarship opportunities are available. For more information, contact the club director at QuicksetsVBC@gmail.com or visit www.quicksetsvbc.com.
Royal Academy Of Ballet
As the first and only Royal Academy of Dance (England) certified ballet school in Hawaii, Royal Academy of Ballet offers unparalleled dance training for students as young as 3.5 years. Experienced instructors are dedicated to upholding the esteemed RAD syllabus, enriching the lives of their students through the art of ballet, and fostering a deep appreciation for dance in our community.
Classes at the Royal Academy of Ballet provide technical training, rhythm, dance notation, musicality, artistic self-expression, discipline, a nurturing environment, and performance opportunities to enhance each dancer’s abilities and confidence. Royal Academy of Ballet also offers examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance (England), which is part of the European Qualifications Framework. For more information, please go to www.rabhawaii.com.
Sounds Of Success Learning Center
Speech and language skills are critical to academic success, as the ability to communicate with peers, teachers and others in an educational setting is essential for every student’s success in school. Providing an integrated program of early childhood education, Sounds of Success Learning Center offers individual speech-language therapy services with a certified licensed speech pathologist for children ages 2 and up.
A speech-language pathologist can do an assessment and determine how many sessions per week are optimal for your child. Individual speech therapy is also offered in an all-day preschool setting for ages 2.5 to 5. Visit www.sospreschool.org/speech-therapy for more details.
Sylvan Learning Center
As Hawaii’s premier provider of supplemental education, Sylvan Learning Center of Mililani provides instruction and homework support in math, reading, writing, SSAT prep, SAT/ACT prep, study skills and college prep. Sylvan’s state-certified instructors’ personal approach helps students Stay Ahead, Keep Up or Catch Up.
Sylvan Learning is conveniently located at Mililani Town Center, next to Zippy’s with satellite locations for instruction in Waipio and Ewa. Individualized instruction is provided in a 3:1 setting with each student working on their own personalized program, created through a four-step approach in which they Assess, Plan, Teach and Apply. For more information, call 808-623-0808, or visit www.sylvanlearning.com and search for Mililani.
Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii (THH)
Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii offers fun, safe and low-stress riding lessons at its beautiful facility in Waimanalo. Riders above the age of four learn to groom, tack and ride horses while building their strength and confidence. Instructors are certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), and THH is the only premier accredited facility in the state! They have a wide variety of horses and tack to suit riders of all levels.
Watch as your child’s self-esteem skyrockets while they master the skills needed for riding and caring for the animals! For more information, including regulations and registration, please visit www.thhwaimanalo.org.
USTA Hawaii
The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) Hawaii Pacific Section offers a spectrum of tennis programs for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Choose from tennis lessons, cardio tennis, flex or regular leagues, and tournaments to help both you and your child enjoy the lifetime sport of tennis with the benefits of fitness, friends and fun!
USTA features affordable group lessons at more than 25 public park sites across Oahu through its Play and Learn Tennis or cardio and drill programs. Loaner racquets and balls are provided to each player. Whether you are just starting, interested in playing with a team, or just looking for a fun and healthy outdoor activity, there are opportunities available for the whole family to enjoy. Visit www.ustahawaii.com for more information and to sign up today!
Wiki Wiki Swim School
Founded in 2014 with a mission to make learning to swim more convenient, effective, safe and consistent, Wiki Wiki Swim School provides private swim instruction at client-provided homes and community pools across all of Oahu. Their certified and patient instructors are highly qualified professionals who must pass an intensive screening and interview process, with a minimum of 2 years’ experience teaching children. All Wiki Wiki Swim School instructors are First Aid certified, CPR certified for infants and adults, and most are certified lifeguards.
After discussing your needs, the dedicated staff at Wiki Wiki will match you with your handpicked instructor who will contact you to schedule lessons according to your availability. For more information, go to www.wikiwikiswimschool.com. Dive in and begin reaching your swimming goals!
YMCA of Honolulu
The YMCA of Honolulu offers diverse enrichment programs tailored to kids’ various interests. From martial arts and ballet to hula, ukulele, and sports, each child can pursue their passion. Even babies as young as six months can begin swimming lessons, and older kids have the option to join the swim league when they graduate out of swim lessons. New additions like Hip Hop classes for ages six and up, sports clinics, and Biddy Sports for ages 2-5 have expanded the array of available activities. Youth basketball clinics also help young athletes enhance their skills and teamwork.
For families, the YMCA offers various amenities and activities to promote fun and togetherness. Y Family memberships provide access to heated pools, fitness centers, and open court times for basketball and pickleball. Out West, Waianae Y features covered sports courts, while the Leeward Y’s Family Fit Fun program encourages families to stay active together. Families can also enjoy staycation weekends at YMCA Camp Erdman.
Pro Tip: Y Family memberships offer up to 20% off programs, classes, and camps and include up to six hours a week of free child care while you work out. Financial aid ensures that every family has the opportunity to participate. Ready to make lasting memories? Visit www.YMCAHonolulu.org or stop by your local Y Branch.
