Hilo High School is a public, co-educational high school of the Hawaii State Department of Education, and serves grades nine through twelve. Established in 1906, its first class graduated in 1909. Hilo High School is near the Wailuku River in Hawaii County on the Big Island of Hawaii, United States.
Serving 1,170 students in grades 9-12, Hilo 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 15-19% (which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 52% (which is equal to the Hawaii state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Hawaii state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 89% (majority Asian).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,170 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 83% (Btm 50% in HI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 52% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Hilo High School serves the southeast part of Hilo, HI, covering an area of approximately 762.6 square miles. Families typically drive 15-20 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 41.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
School Overview
Hilo High School's student population of 1,170 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 74 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,170 students
Total Classroom Teachers
74 teachers
Year Founded
1906
School Motto
Once A Viking... Always A Viking
School Rankings
Hilo 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 Hilo High School is 0.75, 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
#202 out of 292 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
13%
24%
Hispanic
23%
19%
Black
n/a
1%
White
7%
11%
Hawaiian
38%
25%
Two or more races
19%
20%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
83%
85.5%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)35%
33.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
44%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Blue, Gold
School Mascot
Viking
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hilo High School's ranking?
Hilo High School is ranked #202 out of 292 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Hawaii.
What schools are Hilo High School often compared to?
Hilo High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Waiakea High School, Keaau High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% HI state average), while 52% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% HI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Hilo High School?
The graduation rate of Hilo High School is 83%, which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 85.5%.
How many students attend Hilo High School?
1,170 students attend Hilo High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of Hilo High School students are Hawaiian, 23% of students are Hispanic, 19% of students are Two or more races, 13% of students are Asian, and 7% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hilo High School?
Hilo High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 14:1.
What grades does Hilo High School offer ?
Hilo High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Hilo High School part of?
Hilo High School is part of Hawaii Department Of Education School District.
School Calendar
View the Hilo High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Fall Break
October 03, 2026 (Saturday)
Election Day (School Closed)
November 03, 2026 (Tuesday)
Veterans Day (School Closed)
November 11, 2026 (Wednesday)
Thanksgiving (School Closed)
November 26, 2026 (Thursday)
Christmas (School Closed)
December 25, 2026 (Friday)
School Reviews
Review Hilo High 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
School Leadership Matters: Evaluating a Principal
Learn how to evaluate a public school principal before enrolling by examining leadership stability, teacher support, communication, school culture, instructional priorities, discipline, family engagement, and measurable improvement efforts.
Comparing Before- and After-School Programs
Learn how to compare before- and after-school programs when choosing a public school, including hours, costs, staffing, safety, activities, enrollment rules, transportation, meals, and daily convenience for families.
Choosing a Public School During Budget Uncertainty
Learn which questions parents should ask when choosing a public school during budget uncertainty, including staffing, programs, class sizes, transportation, reserves, enrollment trends, and planned reductions ahead.
