Our experienced Italian teachers offer private lessons during the course breaks, tailored to help you catch up or move forward with your Italian. All teachers are native Italian speakers, hold Italian university degrees, and bring solid teaching experience. Design lessons that suit your goals and interests, from conversational skills to advanced grammar.

Flexible Topics & Format: Customize your lessons by choosing the topics, learning format (in-person or online), and setting (indoors, outdoors, walks, even the beach!).

Rates: $60 per hour for individual lessons. Discounts for groups: $50 per person/hour for two students; $40 per person/hour for three students. Directly to the teacher.

Duration: Minimum three-lesson commitment, paid in advance as a package.

Location: Lessons available in Honolulu, Hawaii Kai, or online, with ample neighborhood parking options.

Optional Book: "Italian Grammar in Practice" by Susanna Nocchi (2022, interactive ebook version available). Purchase online from Alma Edizioni, Libreria Pino, or other retailers.

Dates: March 11-31, June 3-July 9, November 5-January 5

Note: Lesson arrangements, including scheduling and cancellations, are directly managed between student and tutor. The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii assumes no responsibility for any liability, costs, or damages related to these private lessons, and refunds are not available.

Questions: Contact us at info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org.

Join our membership so you can attend our language courses! All Italy lovers are welcome!

Discover Italy as it is lived oggi — today. This engaging course brings together curious adults to explore contemporary Italian language, culture, and everyday life. With three levels — Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced — everyone can learn at their own pace.

We will learn Italian through the lens of cultural connection and personal relevance. Grammar and vocabulary will be applied to real-life conversations shaped by students’ interests—lifestyle, events, and the many ways Italy continues to captivate our hearts today. Students will engage with authentic materials and connect Italian to what matters most to them. From practical phrases to cultural insights, each class offers tools to communicate, connect, and understand Italy in a deeper way.

No stress, tranquilli! Just real learning in good company. Our classes are flexible and welcoming: join when you can, participate as you are, and enjoy the journey. Whether you study between sessions or simply show up, you will always be able to learn, contribute, and enjoy the experience. Our members come from diverse backgrounds and professional fields, united by curiosity and a love for Italy. Join us for real learning and real connection, right here in our community!

REGISTRATION: Required. Max 12 students, classes often sell out, and walk-ins cannot be accommodated. All students must be members, no guests are allowed, not even for Dual members.

DATES: Eight Tuesdays, with a Pizza Party at the end and field trips during the course.

LEVELS: Sign up for the class that you think fits you best. On the first day of class, you can try other levels and change class if you wish. In addition to your level, you can also audit other levels throughout the whole course (listening only, no talking).

• Beginner Level 1 (4:30-6pm): For students who have no or minimal grasp of the Italian language—we’ll cover up to chapter 10.
• Intermediate Level 2 (6-7:30pm): For students who have mastered all grammar and vocabulary of Level 1—we’ll cover chapters 11-20, with a primary focus on conversation.
• Conversation Level 3 (7:30-9pm): For students who have mastered all grammar and vocabulary of Level 2— we will use Italian exclusively in student-led conversations, across a range of topics and genres chosen by the students. Textbook exercises from Chapter 21 onward are used only at students’ request, and only briefly, to review specific grammar points as needed.

BOOK: “Italian grammar in practice” by Susanna Nocchi (2022, Alma Edizioni, English edition)--includes an interactive e-book which allows you to access all contents, audio files, and exercises with self-correction online.

PARKING: Abundant free parking on site.

INSTRUCTOR: Chiara Logli is originally from Bologna (Italy) and holds a Ph.D. in international/cross-cultural education from the University of Hawaii and East-West Center. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor and Institutional Assessment Specialist for the Honolulu Community College. In the past, she worked for the University of California Berkeley's International House, University of California Santa Barbara's Multicultural Center, Arts Council for Monterey County, and USAID in Indonesia. She also received the Peace Fellowship from Rotary International in Thailand and collaborated with UNICEF, UNDP, as well as International Baccalaureate Schools. She started teaching Italian language when she was 23 years old and never stopped, including for the Dante Alighieri Society in Santa Cruz and the Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco. In her free time, she dances hula with Hālau Kaulakahi, loves the ocean, and enjoys traveling by boat around small islands or by foot on high mountains.

NOTE:  The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii is not responsible for any liability, cost, and damages which could arise from the programs; and does not provide any refunds, except if it cannot deliver the program, for instance in the case of insufficient enrollment.

QUESTIONS: Please contact info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org.

Join us for an exciting and energetic Tarantella dance lesson, where tradition meets fun! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a beginner, this lively Southern Italian folk dance is sure to get your feet moving and your heart racing. The Tarantella, with its twirling movements and fast rhythm, has been celebrated for centuries as a symbol of liberation and celebration.

You will learn the basic steps and a full choreography in a welcoming and friendly environment for all skill levels. As a moving archive of language and culture, the Tarantella will take you on a journey through history that is still very much alive today.

Bring your energy for a great time and meet new friends who love to have fun!

Francesca Linden is a passionate performer with formal training in dancing, acting and singing and is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dance Certificate of Teaching Studies, The National Ballet School of Canada as well as a certified personal trainer. She has been active and involved in the global dance community including, dancing formally in Toronto Canada as well as Honolulu, Hawaii in addition to freelancing in Malawi, Japan and Italy. Although her love of and training in ballet began at the age of two, she has expanded beyond dance itself to being cast in musical productions and films alike. Francesca has had the huge privilege of teaching dance for just short of 12 years, in varying forms from classical ballet to Latin Salsa and everything in between! “When a teacher stops learning, so do the students.” She is a member and Italian language student of Friends of Italy Society of Hawai'i.

RSVP: Mandatory by January 18, maximum 26 students. The registration form will also ask if you'd like to join us for dinner afterward! (Each person pays for personal bill—bring cash.) 

Payment: RSVPed guests will receive an email with payment directions. Payment of $20 per person is due by January 20 to secure your spot.

Bring: White clothes (long skirt for women), red scarves, dance shoes or barefoot, tambourines if possible. Or just come as you are!

Parking: Street parking.

Note: The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii is not responsible for any liability, cost, and damages which could arise from the programs; and does not provide any refunds, except if it cannot deliver the program, for instance in the case of insufficient enrollment.

Questions: Email us at info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org.

Discover award-winning contemporary Italian authors with our curated book club series. Featuring celebrated titles available in English translation, each selection brings you inspiring stories set against Italy’s rich cultural and historical landscape. Join us for meaningful discussions and a deeper connection to Italian literature and culture.

In honor of the Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, we selected The Naked Mountain (La Montagna Nuda), the finest book by the greatest living mountaineer: Reinhold Andreas Messner. Look at his six museums in the Italian Alps, including Corones by Zaha Hadid.

Messner is an Italian climber renowned for his extraordinary achievements. He completed the first solo ascent of Mount Everest, became the first person to climb all fourteen eight-thousanders without supplementary oxygen, and carried out unsupported crossings of Antarctica and Greenland, as well as a solo crossing of the Gobi Desert. He is widely regarded as the greatest mountaineer of all time.

The book takes readers far from Italy to the Himalayas and recounts a life-changing expedition. During this climb, Messner’s brother, Günther, was lost and presumed dead—an event whose memory would never leave Reinhold Messner. The tragedy and the decisions made during the expedition subjected him to intense criticism and controversy, giving rise to one of the most bitter and protracted disputes in modern mountaineering history. The conflict generated numerous lawsuits, public attacks and counterattacks, and Messner’s relentless efforts to recover his brother’s remains and defend his name. Only thirty-five years later, when Günther’s body was discovered, confirming Messner’s account and clearing his reputation, did Messner decide to recount his version of the events in full in this book.

LOCATION: In person in Honolulu. Registered guests will receive an email with address prior to the event. You must have read the book to participate.

TIME: 4pm mingling; 5pm book discussion.

RSVP: A week prior to program.

NOTE: The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii is not responsible for any liability, cost, and damages which could arise from the programs; and does not provide any refunds, except if it cannot deliver the program, for instance in the case of insufficient enrollment.

QUESTIONS: Email us at info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org.

Become a member to enjoy this Member-Only event!

Join us for a private tour of the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) by Dr.Nancy Miwa, FOISOH member and HoMA docent. She will lead us on a tour of a special exhibit featuring a new galley, the Samuel H. Kress Foundation Collection. Samuel H. Kress (1863–1955) was a businessman and collector of primarily Italian Renaissance works who gifted portions of his collection to regional and academic art museums throughout the United States. The Honolulu Museum of Art’s collection, established in 1961, features 16 paintings dating from the early 14th century to the late 18th century. Works include landscapes by Carlo Bonavia, portraits by Francesco de’ Rossi and Giovanni Battista Moroni, as well as paintings of the Madonna and Child and other religious subjects by artists such as Francesco Granacci and Piero di Cosimo.   

Nancy Miwa: After spending several years in the political and nonprofit arenas, Dr. Miwa returned to graduate school to study the history, theology, iconography, and literature of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. She moved to Honolulu ten years ago and immediately trained as a docent at the Honolulu Museum of Art. Her travels have taken her all over the world, but she particularly enjoys her visits “home” to Italy.

RSVP: Mandatory and only if you’re completely sure and committed to the event because there are only 20 spots available due to the gallery size.

COST: Registrants will pay the museum’s entrance fee directly to the museum at the time of the event: free for HoMA members and minors; $15 for Hawai‘i residents with ID; $25 for others.  

TIME: The tour will start at 5:00pm punctual and will continue at 6:00pm in the museum café to enjoy pupus and drinks (self-paid, cash).

PARKING: Visit the HoMA website for direction, parking.

NOTE: The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii is not responsible for any liability, cost, and damages which could arise from the programs; and does not provide any refunds.

QUESTIONS: Please contact info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org.

Join our membership so you can attend our language courses! All Italy lovers are welcome!

Get prepared for your Italian adventure! In this language class, you'll learn essential phrases and vocabulary for traveling to Italy. From booking reservations and buying tickets to navigating hotels, restaurants, shops, and handling important documents—this course has you covered for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

REGISTRATION: Required. Max 12 students, classes often sell out, and walk-ins cannot be accommodated. All students must be members, no guests are allowed, not even for Dual members.

DATES: Eight Tuesdays. Pizza party at the end of the course.

LEVELS: Sign up for the class that you think fits you best. On the first day of class, you can try other levels and change class if you wish. In addition to your level, you can also audit other levels throughout the whole course (listening only, no talking).

• Beginner Level 1 (4:30-6pm): For students who have no or minimal grasp of the Italian language—we’ll cover up to chapter 10.
• Intermediate Level 2-3 (6-7:30pm): For students who have mastered all grammar and vocabulary of Level 1—we’ll cover chapters 11 on but mainly focus on conversation.

BOOK: “Italian grammar in practice” by Susanna Nocchi (2022, Alma Edizioni, English edition)--includes an interactive e-book which allows you to access all contents, audio files, and exercises with self-correction online.

PARKING: Abundant free parking on site.

INSTRUCTOR: Daniela Rocco Minerbi pursued classic studies at the Liceo Classico where she studied Latin for eight years and ancient Greek for five years. She earned a 5th Year Piano Diploma at the Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi, and obtained her Doctoral Degree in Architecture at the Polytechnical University in Milano. She has been Italian Court interpreter, hospital interpreter, and translator for the Government and for private firms. She has taught Italian language and culture at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa (UHM) and Kapiolani Community College outreach programs. At UHM, she also taught Painting in Italian and co-taught in Psychology, Architecture, and Peace studies. Daniela has organized peace seminars and is the co-author of the book “Macrohistory and Macrohistorians: Perspectives on Individual, Social, and Civilizational Change” (Galtung et al., 1997). As an artist, she has won prizes and awards, has had art exhibitions, and has been curator of several art shows in both Italy and Hawaii. She loves to perform piano four hands and two pianos. Daniela provides consulting services in Architectural Design.

NOTE:  The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii is not responsible for any liability, cost, and damages which could arise from the programs; and does not provide any refunds, except if it cannot deliver the program, for instance in the case of insufficient enrollment.

QUESTIONS: Please contact info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org.

Join our membership so you can attend our language courses! All Italy lovers are welcome!

Learn Italian through a detective story. Over eight sessions, we will explore themes of city life, memory, personal heritage, and personal connections to Italy, blending language practice with cultural reflection. Students of Intermediate and Advanced levels may choose to download the kindle version or paperback of Un Attimo Prima di Morire (One Moment Before Dying), a detective story by Armando Guarino, a Naples-based author. The teacher will have a paper copy, which includes a QR code with songs and poetry, and will provide copies of an extract to Beginners level. Each class will feature:

• Guided reading with explanations of vocabulary, syntax, and idiomatic expressions.
• Grammar workshops focused on practical structures and appropriate verb tenses: present for beginner level, past for intermediate level, and conditional/subjunctive for advanced level.
• Creative activities to develop natural spoken and written Italian.
• Cultural insights on Naples and its surroundings, including Capri and the Amalfi Coast, and other Italian cities as narrative settings, with references to music, film and poetry.
• Meet the author: a live online conversation with Armando Guarino, offering students the chance to engage directly with a native speaker.
• This program welcomes learners at all levels—from new explorers to longtime students and those seeking to rediscover the language in a literary context. Our shared goal is to develop the ability to narrate personal stories, to remember and imagine in Italian, guided by a novel that speaks of life, death and rebirth.

REGISTRATION: Required. Max 12 students, classes often sell out, and walk-ins cannot be accommodated. All students must be members, no guests are allowed, not even for Dual members.

DATES: Eight Tuesdays. Pizza party at the end of the course.

LEVELS: Sign up for the class that you think fits you best. On the first day of class, you can try other levels and change class if you wish. In addition to your level, you can also audit other levels throughout the whole course (listening only, no talking).

• Beginner Level 1 (4:30-6pm): For students who have no or minimal grasp of the Italian language—we’ll cover up to chapter 10.
• Intermediate Level 2 (6-7:30pm): For students who have mastered all grammar and vocabulary of Level 1—we’ll cover chapters 11-20 but mainly focus on conversation.
• Advanced Level 3 (7:30-9pm): For students who have mastered all grammar and vocabulary of Level 2—— we will use Italian exclusively in student-led conversations, across a range of topics and genres chosen by the students. Textbook exercises from Chapter 21 onward are used only at students’ request, and only briefly, to review specific grammar points as needed.

BOOK: “Italian grammar in practice” by Susanna Nocchi (Alma Edizioni, 2022, English edition)--includes interactive e-book which allows you to access all contents, audio files, and exercises with self-correction online.

NOVEL: Un Attimo Prima di Morire, Kindle version or paperback.

PARKING: Abundant free parking on site.

INSTRUCTOR: Iolanda Marinelli, friends and family call her Iole, is one of our Italian Language Teachers.Iole grew up in Italy where she received her Laurea Magistrale (M.A.) in Foreign Languages and Literatures from the University of Naples “L’Orientale”, and a Teaching Certification in English Secondary Education from Italy Department of Education. In 2006 she made Hawai’i her home. Here she began to teach Italian at Saint Anthony School in 2016, and in 2017 she completed her Hawai'i Certification as Substitute Teacher K-12 and started substitute teaching at public schools on Oahu. She continued to teach Italian and Spanish for the After School Malama Program at Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School, and Kailua Elementary School. Iole also served three terms on the Board of Directors of the Hawai’i Association of Language Teachers as Italian Representative. In 2023 she left the Hawai'i Department of Education and started a new job with the Naval Pacific Command. She brings her experience working with children and adds fun to the Italian classes.

NOTE: The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii is not responsible for any liability, cost, and damages which could arise from the programs; and does not provide any refunds, except if it cannot deliver the program, for instance in the case of insufficient enrollment.

QUESTIONS: Please contact info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org.

The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii is hosting an open house for its language program in celebration of the Week of the Italian Language in the World. Every October, we join the diplomatic-consular network and the Italian Cultural Institutes to celebrate the Italian language. Join us for an informal and fun adventure with Professoressa Iole Marinelli. You will have the chance to observe a lesson from her Fall course, which started the week prior and runs through November. This is a great opportunity to get a taste of our language courses and decide whether to join future classes—offered once per season!

LEVELS: All levels of language learners are welcome, including those who are simply curious.

• Beginner Level 1 (4:30–6:00 PM)

• Intermediate Level 2 (6:00–7:30 PM)

• Advanced Level 3 (7:30–9:00 PM)

PARKING: Available on site. 

RSVP: Required by October 1st. No walk-ins, and there are only 6 spots available per level.

INSTRUCTOR: Iolanda Marinelli, friends and family call her Iole, is one of our Italian Language Teachers.Iole grew up in Italy where she received her Laurea Magistrale (M.A.) in Foreign Languages and Literatures from the University of Naples “L’Orientale”, and a Teaching Certification in English Secondary Education from Italy Department of Education. In 2006 she made Hawai’i her home. Here she began to teach Italian at Saint Anthony School in 2016, and in 2017 she completed her Hawai'i Certification as Substitute Teacher K-12 and started substitute teaching at public schools on Oahu. She continued to teach Italian and Spanish for the After School Malama Program at Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School, and Kailua Elementary School. Iole also served three terms on the Board of Directors of the Hawai’i Association of Language Teachers as Italian Representative. In 2023 she left the Hawai'i Department of Education and started a new job with the Naval Pacific Command. She brings her experience working with children and adds fun to the Italian classes.

NOTE: The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii is not responsible for any liability, cost, and damages which could arise from the programs; and does not provide any refunds, except if it cannot deliver the program, for instance in the case of insufficient enrollment.

QUESTIONS:  Contact info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org