For the 2025 school year, there are 16 public schools serving 7,991 students in Hilo, HI (there are 4 private schools, serving 613 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Hilo, HI are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 80%).
The top ranked public schools in Hilo, HI are Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Waiakea High School and Ke Ana Laahana - Pcs. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hilo, HI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Hawaii public school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Hilo have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Hawaii public schools.
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Hawaii public school average of 89% (majority Asian).
Best Public Schools in Hilo, HI (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
278 Ainako Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4855
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4855
Grades: PK-6
| 465 students
Rank: #22.
Waiakea High School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
155 W Kawili St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4888
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4888
Grades: 9-12
| 1,217 students
Rank: #33.
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
Grades: 7-12
| 26 students
Rank: #44.
Waiakea Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
180 W Puainako St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7215
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7215
Grades: PK-5
| 725 students
Rank: #55.
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
Grades: PK-6
| 228 students
Rank: #66.
Waiakeawaena Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2420 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7200
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7200
Grades: PK-5
| 672 students
Rank: #77.
Haaheo Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
121 Haaheo Rd
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4111
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4111
Grades: PK-6
| 132 students
Rank: #88.
Hilo Intermediate School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
587 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4955
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4955
Grades: 7-8
| 486 students
Rank: #99.
Hilo High School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
556 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4021
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4021
Grades: 9-12
| 1,192 students
Rank: #1010.
Hilo Union Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
506 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-0900
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-0900
Grades: PK-6
| 446 students
Rank: #1111.
Waiakea Intermediate School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
200 W Puainako St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7231
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7231
Grades: 6-8
| 854 students
Rank: #1212.
Keaukaha Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
240 Desha Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4181
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4181
Grades: PK-6
| 358 students
Rank: #1313.
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
Grades: PK-8
| 185 students
Rank: #1414.
Ka Umeke Kaeo - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1500 Kalanianaole Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-0470
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-0470
Grades: PK-12
| 275 students
Rank: #1515.
Connections - New Century Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
174 Kamehameha Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-3664
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-3664
Grades: K-12
| 346 students
Rank: #1616.
Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
966 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4160
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4160
Grades: PK-6
| 384 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Hilo, HI?
The top ranked public schools in Hilo, HI include Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Waiakea High School and Ke Ana Laahana - Pcs.
How many public schools are located in Hilo?
16 public schools are located in Hilo.
What percentage of students in Hilo go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Hilo are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 80%).
What is the racial composition of students in Hilo?
Hilo public schools minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Hawaii public schools average of 89% (majority Asian).
Which public schools in Hilo are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Hilo include: Waiakea High School vs. Hilo High School, Waiakeawaena Elementary School vs. Waiakea Elementary School, Waiakea Intermediate School vs. Hilo Intermediate School
Recent Articles
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.
