The Niaulani campus is designed to be environmentally sensitive to the unique upland rain forest of the Volcano area. The giant koa, fern, and 'ohi'a tree forest has been preserved and is a teaching resource for classes and workshops on native plants and an inspiration for artists.

The Administration Building now houses our administrative offices, with a reception area and a cozy Great Room where faculty, artists, staff, and students can come for information on local activities and the rich Volcano culture and environment. The Great Room is also used for classes, workshops, readings, lectures, small performances, and other special events.

Beyond the Administration Building will be walkways that wind through native greenery to the Education Center, a multi-purpose and small performance building with an atrium, two classroom spaces, and a kitchen. Writing workshops, Hawaiian cultural arts, painting and drawing, fiber arts, slide presentations, and small exhibitions will also use this facility.

Walkways will continue to the "hot and noisy" and "wet" Art Studios for glass arts and ceramics, respectively, with possibilities for wood working and metal sculpture on the studios' lanai. Studios will have extensive views of the Niaulani forest.

Buildings will incorporate the Volcano "look" with covered wooden verandahs, stonework, and tin roofs. Large windows and skylights will take advantage of natural lighting and ventilation.

With plenty of room for expansion, the campus will continue to grow to meet future needs. At the same time, nearly two thirds of the 7.4 acre Niaulani site will continue to be preserved in native rainforest, to serve as a source of creative inspiration.