A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
HO'OAMU FIRE ACADEMY
WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE
HO'OMAU
FIRE ACADEMY
Embrace the spirit of Aloha as you train to protect our islands, lead our communities, and safeguard our ʻohana.
This non-profit organization states that it does not discriminate based on any of the following factors: race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status. This policy applies to all activities, including hiring, firing, and selecting volunteers and vendors
YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS
HO’OMAU FIRE ACADEMY is a “Qualified Youth Entity” in accordance with Department of the Interior’s code 16 USC Ch. 37: YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS AND PUBLIC LANDS CORPS From Title 16—CONSERVATION as defined under §1722. Definitions (11) Qualified youth or conservation corps
The term "qualified youth or conservation corps" means any program established by a State or local government, by the governing body of any Indian tribe, or by a nonprofit organization that—
(A) is capable of offering meaningful, full-time, productive work for individuals between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger in a natural or cultural resource setting;
(B) gives participants a mix of work experience, basic and life skills, education, training, and support services; and
(C) provides participants with the opportunity to develop citizenship values and skills through service to their community and the United States.
110+
Years Experience
10+
6+
100+
Cities Served
Trained Staff
Recent Graduates
SELECT A CLASS
UPCOMING CLASSES
and easily enroll
019
Class
Location
Kailua-Kona, HI, USA (CLOSED)
From
January 12, 2026
To
January 16, 2026
Notes
Fall Break
Details
THIS IS A CLOSED CLASS! Cadets will be submitted by Kealakehe High School. Not open to the public!
020
Class
Location
Honolulu, HI, USA
From
February 14, 2026
To
March 21, 2026
Notes
Fall Break
Details
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Cadet Selections will be made in December 2025. Attendance is MANDATORY for all class and New Cadet Orientation. NEW Cadet Orientation is scheduled for January 26th (Monday) at 5pm @ Palama Settlement. Class dates are subject to change without notice.
021
Class
Location
Honolulu, HI, USA
From
April 11, 2026
To
May 16, 2026
Notes
Fall Break
Details
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Cadet Selections will be made in February 2026. Attendance is MANDATORY for all class and New Cadet Orientation. NEW Cadet Orientation is scheduled for March 23rd (Monday) at 5pm @ Palama Settlement. Class dates are subject to change without notice.
022
Class
Location
Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus (CLOSED)
From
June 15, 2026
To
June 19, 2026
Notes
Fall Break
Details
More details will be provided as it becomes available. Applicants will need to meet the age requirements in order to be considered. Potential applicants should follow us on Instagram (hfa_808) to get the up to date details.
023
Class
Location
Kea'au High School (CLOSED)
From
June 22, 2026
To
June 26, 2026
Notes
Fall Break
Details
THIS IS A CLOSED CLASS! All applicants must be enrolled by Kea'au or Pahoa High School. Applicants who don't meet this requirement will be deleted.
024
Class
Location
Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus (CLOSED)
From
June 29, 2026
To
July 3, 2026
Notes
Fall Break
Details
More details will be provided as it becomes available. Applicants will need to meet the age requirements in order to be considered. Potential applicants should follow us on Instagram (hfa_808) to get the up to date details.
025
Class
Location
Wailuku, HI 96793, USA
From
August 10, 2026
To
August 14, 2026
Notes
Fall Break
Details
This is an OPEN Class on Maui. Location to be determined.
026
Class
Location
Lihue, HI 96766, USA
From
October 5, 2026
To
October 9, 2026
Notes
Fall Break
Details
Open to the PUBLIC! Reminder that this class is during FALL BREAK. Class is subject to change without notice.
PERSEVERANCE SERIES
Perseverance is a Ho'omau Fire Academy docuseries that highlights the challenges and dedication of those training to become firefighters, showcasing their journey and commitment to service.
HO'OMAU FIRE ACADEMY
OUR VISION
OUR MISSION
To listen, learn, implement and inspire our future generations.
WHO WE ARE
The Ho’omau Fire Academy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supported by volunteers from relevant professions who mentor and guide young adults for a career in Public Service.
HFA focuses on a personalized Academy experience for each cadet by enhancing their strengths and identifying their challenges to sharpen the necessary tools in pursuing any career trade.
WHAT WE DO
We invest in our communities, our families and our youth. Solid leadership and sound mentorship will shape a foundation for future generations to thrive in Hawaii.
What’s proven successful in our organization is structure and discipline. We instill core values such as Perseverance, Integrity, Honor, Respect and Tradition.
WHY WE DO IT
As we see the forecast for our future, we are focused on supporting generations in Hawaii. The notion of “greener pastures” is luring our future leaders to seek options elsewhere, but we intend to help open more opportunities here.
We are passionate about launching our cadets into a life-long career that provides options for a bright future and lifestyle.
OUR WHY
CAPTAIN
DOUGLAS C. BARBIETO
Captain Douglas Barbieto served the Federal Fire Department Hawaii as a Firefighter, Lieutenant, Paramedic and Fire Captain. He also served as the Union Secretary for over 10 years. Capt. Barbieto’s mission to fix a broken hiring process was to “Invest in our Youth”. His vision to start a Fire Academy has quickly become Hawaii’s premier career development Academy. Doug passed away on March 13, 2022 just months before the Academy opened.
FIREFIGHTERS
AT THE READY
Our Impact Since our founding, Ho'omau Fire Academy has proudly trained and graduated cadets who are now serving in fire departments and emergency services throughout Hawaii and beyond. We believe that by empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills they need, we are contributing to the safety and well-being of the communities they serve.
ABOUT US
At Ho'omau Fire Academy, we are dedicated to shaping the next generation of firefighters and public service leaders. Rooted in the values of perseverance, integrity, and honor, our mission is to train individuals who are prepared to serve and protect their communities. Through hands-on experience and comprehensive education, we equip our cadets to face the challenges and responsibilities of a career in fire service.
Whether you're starting a career in firefighting or seeking advanced training, Ho'omau Fire Academy is the ideal place to hone your skills and contribute to your community. Join us on the journey toward making a lasting difference.
Our Mission
Our Vision
We aim to be a leading institution that not only produces exceptional firefighters but also contributes to the betterment of the community. By fostering a culture of resilience and service, we seek to build a safer and more prepared future for Hawaii and beyond.
Why Choose Ho'omau Fire Academy?
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Rigorous Training: Our academy offers state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum designed to meet the evolving needs of modern firefighting and emergency services. Our cadets gain real-world experience in a controlled, supportive environment.
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Experienced Instructors: With decades of combined experience, our instructors are industry professionals dedicated to mentoring and guiding our cadets through every step of their journey.
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Community Focused: At Ho'omau Fire Academy, we believe in giving back. Our cadets are involved in various community outreach programs, from fire safety education to disaster response initiatives.
Our Core Values
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Perseverance: The strength to push through adversity.
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Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct.
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Honor: Serving with pride, respect, and a commitment to doing what's right.
Join Us
Whether you’re looking to start a career in firefighting or seeking advanced training, Ho'omau Fire Academy is the perfect place to develop your skills and serve your community. Join us on the journey to making a difference.
TESTIMONIALS
“I got the chance to learn about the great man my papa was before he passed and how hard he worked for the fire department through stories from some of the Ho’omau instructors who worked with him”
Kia’i Ramos (Now Federal Firefighter)
HFA Graduate