At Pacific Buddhist Academy, we offer a wide range of extracurriculars classes.  

Classes include taiko, sado, music, and fine-arts. Other classes include athletics and fitness, visual arts such as photography and filmmaking, yearbook, and knitting just to list a few. To receive a full list of extracurricular activities on offer, please email Blanche Yarnell. 

TAIKO

 

request a taiko performance 

 

SADO / Tea Ceremony

Sado is the art of Japanese tea ceremony, specifically the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha. During the class, students learn and practice ‘Wakei Seijaku’, which directly translates to harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility in Japanese. They learn and study discipline and patience while also enjoying a good cup of tea.

The design of our tea room follows the Omotesenke tradition and was made possible by the Hiroaki Elaine and Lawrence Kono Foundation and the Morikubo Family in honor of Michio and Michiko Morikubo. 

In 2022, a segment about sado filmed by students in Beginning Film and Photography aired on PBS Hawai`i as a part of the program, HIKI NŌ Hawaii`i's New Wave of Storytellers.  Click here to view the video and tea room.

 

 

Music

PBA’s music program includes classes such as Rock Band, Guitar Group Lessons, and Music Appreciation. 

Rock Band allows the students to hone in their musical skills by learning, practicing, and playing songs with their peers. Guitar Group lessons are split between a Beginner Guitar class and an Advanced Guitar class. Students in this class learn fundamental chords, rhythms, and are able to apply them directly to songs. Lastly the Music Appreciation class is a mandatory class for freshmen. This class covers music exploration, songwriting, and playing instruments.

Fine Arts

Our Fine Arts program includes courses such as Drawing, Murals, Pastels, Art Through the Ages, and Watercolor.

Film and Photography are also offered at PBA. Students learn how to control their DSLR camera's aperature, ISO, and shutter speed. View another sample of the student film project that aired on PBS Hawai`i’s HIKI NŌ news show below.

Robotics

Drawing from science, engineering, and technology to create machines that replicate human tasks, the PBA Dragon Mechs compete in VEX V5 Robotics competitions. VEX V5, or VEX VRC, is a nationwide program that brings students together to design, program, and build robots. Since the program's challenge changes annually, students learn to think critically and adapt to new obstacles. Led by Mr. Curry, the PBA Dragon Mechs earned the Judge's Award at the 2024 West Oahu VEX Robotics Tournament.

 

Additional Electives

  • Beading
  • Beginning Drama
  • Buddhist Club
  • Ceramics
  • College Readiness
  • Digital Citizenship
  • Eco-Interact Club
  • Fiber Arts
  • Film & Photography 
  • Fitness 
  • French Conversation & Culture 
  • German Conversation & Culture
  • Human Sexuality 

 

  • Japanese Videoconferencing & Conversation  
  • Jewelry Making 
  • Karma Chronicle (Creative Writing & Journalism) 
  • Korean Conversation & Culture
  • Knitting & Crochet
  • Sculpture Art 
  • Social Media Ambassadors
  • Speech & Debate Club
  • Urban Gardening 
  • Wilderness Survival
  • Yearbook  
  • Yoga