For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 3,286 students in Lihue, HI (there are 2 private schools, serving 549 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in Lihue, HI are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 80%).
The top-ranked public schools in Lihue, HI are King Kaumualii Elementary School, Elsie H Wilcox Elementary School and Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lihue, HI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the Hawaii public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Lihue have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Hawaii public schools.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Asian), which is more than the Hawaii public school average of 89% (majority Asian).
Best Public Schools in Lihue, HI (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
King Kaumualii Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4381 Hanamaulu Rd
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3150
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3150
Gr: PK-5 | 524 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #22.
Elsie H Wilcox Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
4319 Hardy St
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 274-3150
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 274-3150
Gr: PK-5 | 743 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #33.
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4431 Nuhou St
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3200
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3200
Gr: 6-8 | 826 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #44.
Kauai High School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3577 Lala Rd
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 274-3160
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 274-3160
Gr: 9-12 | 1,016 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #55.
Kawaikini - Ncpcs
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3-1821 J Kaumualii Hwy
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 632-2032
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 632-2032
Gr: K-12 | 177 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Lihue, HI?
The top-ranked public schools in Lihue, HI include King Kaumualii Elementary School, Elsie H Wilcox Elementary School and Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Lihue?
5 public schools are located in Lihue.
What percentage of students in Lihue go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in Lihue are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 80%).
What is the racial composition of students in Lihue?
Lihue public schools minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Asian), which is more than the Hawaii public schools average of 89% (majority Asian).
Which public schools in Lihue are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Lihue include: King Kaumualii Elementary School vs. Elsie H Wilcox Elementary School, Elsie H Wilcox Elementary School vs. King Kaumualii Elementary School
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