For the 2026 school year, there are 55 public schools serving 27,203 students in Hawaii County, HI (there are 18 private schools, serving 4,260 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in Hawaii County, HI are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 81%).
The top-ranked public schools in Hawaii County, HI are Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Innovations - Pcs and Waiakea High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hawaii County, HI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Hawaii public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Hawaii County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Hawaii public schools.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Hawaii public school average of 89% (majority Asian).
Best Public Schools in Hawaii County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
278 Ainako Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4855
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4855
Gr: PK-6 | 422 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #22.
Innovations - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
75-5815 Queen Kaahumanu Hwy
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 331-3130
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 331-3130
Gr: K-8 | 241 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #33.
Waiakea High School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
155 W Kawili St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4888
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4888
Gr: 9-12 | 1,183 student Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #44.
Kona Pacific - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
79-7595 Mamalahoa Hwy
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 322-4900
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 322-4900
Gr: PK-8 | 177 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #55.
Waiakeawaena Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2420 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7200
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7200
Gr: PK-5 | 669 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #66.
Ke Ana Laahana - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
160 Baker Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-6228
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-6228
Gr: 7-12 | 33 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Rank: #77.
Haaheo Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
121 Haaheo Rd
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4111
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4111
Gr: PK-6 | 122 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #88.
Kaumana Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1710 Kaumana Dr
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4190
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4190
Gr: PK-6 | 238 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #99.
Waiakea Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
180 W Puainako St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7215
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7215
Gr: PK-5 | 706 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #1010.
Hilo Intermediate School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
587 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4955
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4955
Gr: 7-8 | 560 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #1111.
West Hawaii Explorations Academy
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
73-4500 Kahilihili St
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 327-4751
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 327-4751
Gr: 6-12 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #1212.
Kahakai Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
76-147 Royal Poinciana Dr
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 327-4313
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 327-4313
Gr: PK-5 | 507 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #1313.
Konawaena High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
81-1043 Konawaena School Rd
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 323-4500
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 323-4500
Gr: 9-12 | 955 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #1414.
Holualoa Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
76-5957 Mamalahoa Hwy
Holualoa, HI 96725
(808) 322-4800
Holualoa, HI 96725
(808) 322-4800
Gr: PK-5 | 438 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #1515.
Konawaena Elementary School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
81-901 Onouli Rd
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 323-4555
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 323-4555
Gr: PK-5 | 505 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #1616.
Kealakehe High School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
74-5000 Puohulihuli St
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 327-4300
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 327-4300
Gr: 9-12 | 1,401 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #1717.
Honokaa Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
45-534 Pakalana St
Honokaa, HI 96727
(808) 775-8820
Honokaa, HI 96727
(808) 775-8820
Gr: PK-6 | 378 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1818.
Waikoloa Elementary And Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
68-1730 Hooko St
Waikoloa, HI 96738
(808) 883-6808
Waikoloa, HI 96738
(808) 883-6808
Gr: PK-8 | 732 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #19 - 2019. - 20.
Hookena Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
86-4355 Mamalahoa Hwy
Captain Cook, HI 96704
(808) 328-2710
Captain Cook, HI 96704
(808) 328-2710
Gr: PK-5 | 98 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #19 - 2019. - 20.
Kanu O Ka Aina - New Century Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
64-1043 Hiiaka St
Kamuela, HI 96743
(808) 887-8144
Kamuela, HI 96743
(808) 887-8144
Gr: K-12 | 696 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #2121.
Hilo Union Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
506 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-0900
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-0900
Gr: PK-6 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #2222.
Hawaii Academy Of Arts & Science Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
15-1397 Post Office Rd
Pahoa, HI 96778
(808) 965-3730
Pahoa, HI 96778
(808) 965-3730
Gr: K-12 | 738 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #2323.
Waiakea Intermediate School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
200 W Puainako St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7231
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7231
Gr: 6-8 | 857 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #2424.
Paauilo Elementary & Intermediate School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
43-1497 Hauola Rd
Paauilo, HI 96776
(808) 776-7710
Paauilo, HI 96776
(808) 776-7710
Gr: PK-9 | 180 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #2525.
Kohala High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
54-3611 Akoni Pule Hwy
Kapaau, HI 96755
(808) 889-7117
Kapaau, HI 96755
(808) 889-7117
Gr: 9-12 | 259 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #2626.
Hilo High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
556 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4021
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4021
Gr: 9-12 | 1,170 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #2727.
Volcano School Of Arts & Sciences - A Community Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
99-128 Old Volcano Rd
Volcano, HI 96785
(808) 985-9800
Volcano, HI 96785
(808) 985-9800
Gr: PK-12 | 325 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #28 - 2928. - 29.
Keaukaha Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
240 Desha Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4181
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4181
Gr: PK-6 | 341 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #28 - 2928. - 29.
Kohala Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
54-3609 Akoni Pule Hwy
Kapaau, HI 96755
(808) 889-7100
Kapaau, HI 96755
(808) 889-7100
Gr: PK-5 | 381 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #3030.
Waimea Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
67-1225 Mamalahoa Hwy
Kamuela, HI 96743
(808) 887-7636
Kamuela, HI 96743
(808) 887-7636
Gr: PK-5 | 474 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #3131.
Honokaa High & Intermediate School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
45-527 Pakalana St
Honokaa, HI 96727
(808) 775-8800
Honokaa, HI 96727
(808) 775-8800
Gr: 7-12 | 695 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #3232.
Konawaena Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
81-1045 Konawaena School Rd
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 323-4566
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 323-4566
Gr: 6-8 | 614 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #3333.
Waimea Middle - Pccs
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
67-1229 Mamalahoa Hwy
Kamuela, HI 96743
(808) 887-6090
Kamuela, HI 96743
(808) 887-6090
Gr: 6-8 | 188 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #3434.
Keaau Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
16-680 Keaau-pahoa Rd
Keaau, HI 96749
(808) 982-4210
Keaau, HI 96749
(808) 982-4210
Gr: PK-5 | 829 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #3535.
Kua O Ka La - Ncpcs
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
345 Makalika
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-5866
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-5866
Gr: PK-9 | 185 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Show 20 more public schools in Hawaii County, HI (out of 55 total schools)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Hawaii County, HI?
The top-ranked public schools in Hawaii County, HI include Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Innovations - Pcs and Waiakea High School.
How many public schools are located in Hawaii County?
55 public schools are located in Hawaii County.
What percentage of students in Hawaii County go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in Hawaii County are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 81%).
What is the racial composition of students in Hawaii County?
Hawaii County public schools minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Hawaii public schools average of 89% (majority Asian).
Which public schools in Hawaii County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Hawaii County include: Konawaena High School vs. Kealakehe High School, Waiakea High School vs. Hilo High School, Waiakeawaena Elementary School vs. Waiakea Elementary School
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