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.
UPDATED DATE: Tuesday December 2nd. 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.
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.
Become a member so you can attend this event! All Italy lovers are welcome!
Take a break, grab your coffee (or lunch), and sharpen your Italian skills with our wonderful language teacher, Iole Marinelli! Join our professoressa for an engaging hour of Italian conversation, featuring lively discussions and readings from Italian newspapers and magazines. Participants should have at least the equivalent of our Level 2 Italian class and be comfortable conversing in Italian. This will allow for meaningful and enjoyable discussions on a wide range of topics drawn from the materials provided by the host.
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.
Prepare: Purchase drink and/or food at the coffee shop (mandatory). Bring tablet for on-line news sources (optional). Italian magazines will be provided by the organizer.
Location: Specific location in Hawaii Kai to be provided to registered guests.
RSVP: Required, by a week prior to event. Maximum 10 attendees. Members only. No guests are allowed for Dual members.
Cancellation: If you need to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible. Space is limited and we can accommodate members on the waiting list if notified in time.
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.
Become a member to attend this event! All Italy lovers are welcome!
You are invited to the Friends of Italy Society of Hawai’i holiday gathering “Festa di Capodanno” a New Year’s celebration on Monday, December 29, 5pm-9pm at Outrigger Canoe Club. Buffet dinner served. Drink tickets are available for purchase at door. Games, prizes, and dancing with DJ Bo!
Menu
Bread and Antipasti Roasted tomatoes, anchovies, pesto, and etc. Salads Arugula Salad with Pear, Parmesan, and Lemon Oil, House Salad with Ranch, Celery Seed, Vinaigrette Entrées OCC Mahi Mahi Beef Bolognese Penne Vegetarian Pesto Cream Pasta Sides Bread Roll + Butter Balls
Bread and Antipasti
Salads
Entrées
Sides
Dessert: Tiramisu in a Cup Lemon Meringue Tartlet
Dessert:
Beverages:
A cash-only, No-Host bar offering a variety of drinks which are $10–$15 per ticket.
Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Aperol Spritz, Negroni
• $85 — Members (solo or dual with 1 guest) • $95 — Non-members (limited to 20)
• $85 — Members (solo or dual with 1 guest)
• $95 — Non-members (limited to 20)
Parking: Limited guest parking or metered parking (until 6pm) on Kalākaua Avenue.
Time flow: Guests are welcome to arrive at 5PM. Ends at 9PM.
RSVP: Registration required by December 15.
Attire: Festive New Year’s Cocktail, bring your dancing shoes!
Members: Login to register for events or renew your membership (if you have any issues, contact the Help Desk)
Notes: 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.
We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you!
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. Pizza party optional on nineth Tuesday. 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” 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.
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 on nineth Tuesday. 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” 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:
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 on nineth Tuesday.
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” 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.
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.
QUESTIONS: Contact 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
