The school's stated mission is "To prepare students for college through academic excellence, enrich their lives with Buddhist values, and develop their courage to nurture peace.

Pacific Buddhist Academy's curriculum aims to combine traditional college preparatory content with group projects and a global, applied approach to learning.

They enroll in courses such as taiko (Japanese drumming), kendo (swordsmanship), and judo that foster self-awareness and the unity of mind, body and spirit.

In their sophomore and junior years, students focus on interpersonal communication, mediation, and conflict resolution skills that directly apply to their developing and intensifying relationships with peers and parents.

Finally, in their senior year, their attention moves to clarification and application of their personal values at the community, national and international levels as they engage in peace projects.

Pacific Buddhist Academy students can compete on the Interscholastic League of Honolulu's Pac-Five teams in baseball, girls’ softball, judo, swimming, tennis, track and field, water polo, and wrestling.

As of 2010, the academy has launched a capital campaign for the construction of a new classroom building along the Lusitana Street side of its campus, as part of a plan to expand to a maximum of 240 students over the next 10 years.