Serving 432 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Kalihi Waena Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Hawaii for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 32% (which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35% (which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Hawaii state level of 14:1.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 432 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in HI
- Math Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Kalihi Waena Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Hawaii for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Kalihi Waena Elementary School's student population of 432 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
432 students
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
School Motto
Strive High with PRIDE That's the Lion Way!
School Rankings
Kalihi Waena Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 292 schools in Hawaii (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Kalihi Waena Elementary School is 0.62, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.80. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#215 out of 292 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
42%
24%
Hispanic
4%
19%
Black
n/a
1%
White
n/a
11%
Hawaiian
44%
25%
Two or more races
10%
20%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
54%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Hawaii Department Of Education School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kalihi Waena Elementary School's ranking?
Kalihi Waena Elementary School is ranked #215 out of 292 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Hawaii.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
32% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% HI state average), while 35% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% HI state average).
How many students attend Kalihi Waena Elementary School?
432 students attend Kalihi Waena Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Kalihi Waena Elementary School students are Hawaiian, 42% of students are Asian, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Kalihi Waena Elementary School?
Kalihi Waena Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Hawaii state average of 14:1.
What grades does Kalihi Waena Elementary School offer ?
Kalihi Waena Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Kalihi Waena Elementary School part of?
Kalihi Waena Elementary School is part of Hawaii Department Of Education School District.
In what neighborhood is Kalihi Waena Elementary School located?
Kalihi Waena Elementary School is located in the Kalihi Palama neighborhood of Honolulu, HI. There are 10 other public schools located in Kalihi Palama.
School Calendar
View the Kalihi Waena Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Quarter 1 First Day
August 04, 2026 (Tuesday)
Fall Break-No School
October 05, 2026 (Monday)
Thanksgiving Break- No School
November 26, 2026 (Thursday)
Spring Break-No School
March 15, 2027 (Monday)
School Reviews
1 10/10/2025
This school is against parents. No support towards helping or caring for your child. Since half of the kids come from public housing the staff could careless. I had thought this school was great for my kids but boy was I wrong. If your child is 2nd grade and below, then your child is not able to part take in any school sports. It is only available to higher grades. They don't go by age, its done by grades. Such a bummer. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO ATTEND HERE!
Review Kalihi Waena Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
