Join our membership so you can attend our language courses! All Italy lovers are welcome! Learn Italian language and culture through the lens of Italy’s rich visual arts. Starting from your current language level, we will build the grammar and vocabulary needed to converse about Italian beauty with fun. Week by week, sentence by sentence, we will explore our favorite Italian masterpieces—paintings, sculptures, architecture, design, and everything in between. From famous icons to hidden gems, we will relive past memories and plan future trips, taking an unforgettable journey through Italy’s vibrant cultural landscape. COURSE STRUCTURE: Students prepare at home by studying the textbook, completing exercises, and writing a few talking points. In class, we will review some exercises and enjoy some interactive activities to put Italian into practice. 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 optional 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).
BOOK: “Italian grammar in practice” with interactive ebook by Susanna Nocchi (2022, English edition). You can find it at Alma Edizioni, Libreria Pino, and other websites. The paper copy includes an interactive e-book which allows you to access all contents, audio files, and exercises with self-correction online. PARKING: First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, 2500 Pali Highway, Honolulu. 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: *All students must be members, no guests are allowed, not even for Dual members.* 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.
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.
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.
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.
NOVEL: Our next pick is the bestseller “Eva Dorme” (Eva Sleeps) by Francesca Melandri, a sweeping modern story about family, nation, conflict, and forgiveness. At its heart is Eva, a woman searching for the truth about her childhood and homeland. Set in the border region between Italy and Austria, where the cultures and histories of two nations intertwine, the novel weaves together personal and historical narratives. In Alto Adige, Italy’s northernmost region, Eva receives an unexpected message from Calabria, Italy’s southernmost region: Vito, her mother’s former partner and Eva’s father figure, is ill and wants to see her. Over thirty years earlier, Vito had been a young police officer stationed in Tyrol during a time of unrest over disputed land. Despite the tension, he fell in love with Gerda--a local woman, accomplished chef, a terrorist's sister, and Eva’s single mother. One day, without explanation, Vito abruptly left. Why did he return to Calabria, and what secrets from the past remain buried? As Eva journeys from the northern Alps to the southern tip of Italy, she revisits memories of fractured history, cultural divides, and personal stories that shaped her life. Along the way, the novel explores Italy’s regional contrasts—its diverse languages, traditions, and landscapes—as Eva pieces together the puzzle of her family’s past. “There are few Italian novels that so successfully and surprisingly combine broad themes like local and national history, or the relationship between the north and the south, together with the personal dramas linked to family, love, ambition. This is an epic novel!” —Solo Libri “A powerful lyrical fresco in which personal and public histories are intertwined.”—Elle “Gerda’s story is a fascinating look at the political and cultural transformations within Alto Adige...Melandri captures the tension, loss, and patriotism of this region splendidly.” —Historical Novel Society AUTHOR: Born in Roma in 1964, Francesca Melandri started writing as a screenwriter for documentaries, films, and television series. She published Eva Dorme in 2010, Più Alto del Mare in 2012, Sangue Giusto in 2017, and Piedi Freddi in 2024, winning important prizes and nominations, such as Premio Rapallo Carige and Premio Campiello. 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.
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 optional 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).
BOOK: “Italian grammar in practice” with interactive ebook by Susanna Nocchi (2022, English edition). You can find it at Alma Edizioni, Libreria Pino, and other websites. The paper copy includes an interactive e-book which allows you to access all contents, audio files, and exercises with self-correction online. PARKING: First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, 2500 Pali Highway, Honolulu. 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 us for a private tour of the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) by Drs. Nancy Miwa and Salvatore Lanzilotti, FOISOH members and HoMA docents. They will lead us on a tour of a special exhibit featuring a selection of prints from the series Carceri d'invenzione (Imaginary Prisons) by architect, engineer, archaeologist, and stage designer Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778). Known as one of the greatest printmakers of the 18th century, Piranesi considered himself first and foremost an architect whose love of Roman antiquity inspired his etchings of both conventional and fantastical reconstructions of Rome's ancient structures. Realistic settings are stretched with whimsical imagination in his unusual series of prints, Carceri d'invenzione.
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 eight 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.
Salvatore Lanzilotti: Due to his lifelong interest in, and love of art, Dr. Lanzilotti is currently in docent training at the Honolulu Museum of Art. His travels in China, India, and Italy have generated thousands of photographs, mostly focused on art and architecture. When in Italy he never passes up an opportunity to visit with a work by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. His goal as a docent is to help others experience the wonder of art, in any artwork.
RSVP: Mandatory and only if you’re completely sure and committed to the event because there are only 14 spots available due to the gallery small size. COST: Registrants will pay the museum’s entrance fee directly to the museum at the time of the event: HoMA members (free); age 18 years and under (free); Hawai‘i residents ($15 with ID), others ($25).
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! “Con l’Italiano creo: Crea, impara, divertiti!”: “With Italian, I create: Make, learn, have fun!” Express yourself through your favorite creative activities. Whether it’s writing, drawing, cooking, knitting, ceramics, room renovations, or any other hands-on project, you’ll build your vocabulary, master phrases, and understand grammar in a dynamic and enjoyable way. COURSE STRUCTURE: At home, you’ll study the textbook, complete exercises, and create a personalized vocabulary list, along with a few talking points to support your project. In class, we’ll review selected exercises and primarily focus on conversational practice as you discuss your project with your classmates. 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 Thursdays. Pizza party optional 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):
BOOK: “Italian grammar in practice” with interactive ebook by Susanna Nocchi (2022, English edition). You can find it at Alma Edizioni, Libreria Pino, and other websites. The paper copy includes an interactive e-book which allows you to access all contents, audio files, and exercises with self-correction online. PARKING: First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, 2500 Pali Highway, Honolulu. Abundant free parking on site. INSTRUCTOR: Originally from Naples, Italy, Iolanda Marinelli, affectionately known as "Iole," holds an M.A. in Foreign Languages and Literatures from the University of Naples "L'Orientale," as well as a Teaching Certification in English Secondary Education from the Italian Department of Education. She also holds a K-12 Substitute Teacher Certification from the state of Hawai'i. In 2006, Iole made Hawai'i her home and has taught Italian at various schools, including Saint Anthony School, Waimanalo Elementary School, and Kailua Elementary School’s After-School Malama Program enrichment classes. Iole has also served three terms as the Italian Representative on the Board of Directors of the Hawai'i Association of Language Teachers (HALT). With over a decade of experience teaching Italian to students of all ages, Iole brings a unique blend of passion, expertise, and creativity to her classes. Drawing from her experience working with children, she infuses her lessons with fun and engaging activities that make learning Italian both enjoyable and effective. 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 contemporary culture: the latest music, cinema, literature, fashion, science, and much more! At home, you will study the textbook, complete the exercises, and review a cultural assignment. In class, we will go over a few exercises and mainly focus on conversation. You will have the opportunity to contribute comfortably to group discussions, based on your interests and passions, learning from both teacher and peers. Immerse yourself in Italian culture while building language skills in a supportive and engaging environment! 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 optional on October 14 (no class). 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).
In celebration of International Women's Day, our next book is Oliva Denaro (The Unbreakable Heart of Oliva Denaro) by Viola Ardone, available in Italian and English.NOVEL: The historical book is inspired by the true story of Franca Viola, a young Sicilian girl whose courageous stand shaped the new family law in Italy, from marriage traditions to children’s rights. It celebrates personal resiliency, social change, cultural evolution, political inspiration, unwavering friendship, true love, and the profound bond between father and daughter. Positive and uplifting, the novel brings everyday heroes to the forefront while historical figures and events frame the story. In 2023, on International Women’s Day, Franca Viola was awarded the title of Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic by President Giorgio Napolitano. Accepting the honor, she remarked, “I must thank my father, who supported me, and my husband, who married me despite knowing his life was in danger.”
AUTHOR: Born in Napoli in 1974, Viola Ardone is a high-school teacher of Latin and Italian Literature, and collaborates with educational publishers. Her historical novel “Il treno dei bambini” (The Children's Train), about Italy’s Trains of Happiness initiative, has been translated into 36 languages and adapted into a film by renowned Italian filmmaker, Cristina Comencini. Her next novel, Oliva Denaro (the Unbreakable Heart of Oliva Denaro), is also translated internationally and is inspired by Franca Viola’s life, an Italian woman known for her courage and resilience. 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.
Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii is a 501(c)7 non-profit organization | P.O. Box 1376, Honolulu, HI 96807 | info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org
