Waimea High School is a public high school in Waimea on the island of Kauaʻi in the state of Hawaii. It was established in 1881 and serves grades 9 through 12. It is the westernmost high school in the United States of America. The school mascot is the Menehune, and the school colors are blue and white.
Serving 711 students in grades 9-12, Waimea High 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 10-14% (which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to the Hawaii state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Hawaii state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 89% (majority Asian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 711 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 20% in HI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Waimea High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Hawaii for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Waimea High School's student population of 711 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 48 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
711 students
Total Classroom Teachers
48 teachers
Year Founded
1881
Colors
White, Blue
School Motto
He wa’a, he moku; he moku, he wa’a. The canoe is an island, the island is a canoe.
School Rankings
Waimea High 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 Waimea High School is 0.77, 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
#214 out of 292 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
30%
24%
Hispanic
18%
19%
Black
n/a
1%
White
8%
11%
Hawaiian
29%
25%
Two or more races
15%
20%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
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
School Notes
- School Mascot: Menehune
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waimea High School's ranking?
Waimea High School is ranked #214 out of 292 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Hawaii.
What schools are Waimea High School often compared to?
Waimea High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Kauai High School, Kapaa High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% HI state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% HI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Waimea High School?
The graduation rate of Waimea High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 86%.
How many students attend Waimea High School?
711 students attend Waimea High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
30% of Waimea High School students are Asian, 29% of students are Hawaiian, 18% of students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Two or more races, and 8% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Waimea High School?
Waimea High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 14:1.
What grades does Waimea High School offer ?
Waimea High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Waimea High School part of?
Waimea High School is part of Hawaii Department Of Education School District.
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