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!

“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):

• Beginner students (4:30-6pm): This level covers chapters 1-10. You’ll learn Italian in a fun and interactive way through creative activities that allow you to explore the language hands-on. Whether you’re writing short stories, creating recipes, or even making artwork, you’ll practice speaking, understanding, and enjoying Italian. In this course, learning Italian isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary—it’s about bringing your ideas to life and having fun in the process!
• Intermediate and advanced students (6-7:30pm): This level covers from chapter 11 and beyond. Take your Italian skills to the next level by combining creativity with language learning. As you work on creative projects—such as writing, cooking, or crafting—you’ll expand your vocabulary, refine your grammar, and practice speaking Italian in real-world contexts. This course is designed to help you express your ideas confidently in Italian, all while enjoying a dynamic and creative learning environment.

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 us in celebrating Ferragosto, a time to spend with family and friends; to forget about work and obligations! Gelato by Il Gelato Hawai'i will be served! 

Saturday, August 16 from 4:00 pm - 7:00pm at (Kapi'olani)

It's a potluck extravaganza. Bring your favorite summer Italian dish and drink to share (table provided), and your own chair, picnic blanket or towel for casual lounging together. Come and enjoy a summer day with your fellow FOISH members, play bocce, and join in our Italian conversation corner with Italian instructor Iole Marinelli. Buon Divertimento! 

Location: Kapiolani Park. Registered guests will receive an email with exact location and directions.

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.

Become a member so you can attend this event! All Italy lovers are welcome!

Take a break, grab your coffee (or lunch) and join our wonderful language teacher, Iole Marinelli, for an hour of relaxed conversation in Italian, and Italian newspaper and magazines reading. Relax and sharpen your Italian skills with “la professoressa”

Pausa Caffè’ is designed for learners at multiple levels. To ensure that everyone can fully enjoy the conversations, participants should have at least the equivalent of our Level 2 Italian class. This allows for engaging discussions on a range of topics from the magazines provided by the host.

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.

What Guests Should Bring: Tablet for on-line News sources, purchase drink and/or food at the coffee shop. Italian magazines will be provided by the organizer.

RSVP: By a week prior to event. Maximum 10 attendees. Please commit 100% to the event to honor the teacher's time and others' wish to attend.

Location: Specific location in Hawaii Kai to be provided to registered guests.

Members: Due to limited capacity, this event is for members only. No guests are allowed for Dual members.

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, credits, swaps, 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!

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).

• 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’ll cover from chapter 21 to the end of the book but mainly focus on conversation.

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.

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 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.