For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public preschools serving 3,870 students in Hilo, HI.
The top-ranked public preschools in Hilo, HI are Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Waiakeawaena Elementary School and Haaheo Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hilo, HI public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the Hawaii public pre school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 51% statewide average). Pre schools in Hilo have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Hawaii public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Hawaii public preschool average of 89% (majority Asian and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Hilo, HI (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 | 465 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #22.
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 | 672 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #33.
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 | 132 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #44.
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 | 228 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #55.
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 | 725 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #66.
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 | 446 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #77.
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 | 358 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #88.
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-8 | 185 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #99.
Ka Umeke Kaeo - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1500 Kalanianaole Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-0470
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-0470
Gr: PK-12 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1010.
Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
966 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4160
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4160
Gr: PK-6 | 384 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Hilo, HI?
The top-ranked public preschools in Hilo, HI include Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Waiakeawaena Elementary School and Haaheo Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Hilo?
10 public preschools are located in Hilo.
What is the racial composition of students in Hilo?
Hilo public preschools minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Hawaii public preschools average of 89% (majority Asian and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Hilo are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Hilo include: Waiakeawaena Elementary School vs. Waiakea Elementary School, Haaheo Elementary School vs. Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Waiakea Elementary School vs. Waiakeawaena Elementary School
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