Serving 507 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Kahakai Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Hawaii for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40% (which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 49% (which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Hawaii state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 89% (majority Asian).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 507 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 88%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in HI
- Math Proficiency: 40% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Kahakai Elementary School serves the southeast part of Kailua Kona, HI, encompassing an attendance area of approximately 8 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 2.2 miles from the school to the edge of the zone.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
School Overview
Kahakai Elementary School's student population of 507 students has declined by 23% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has declined by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
507 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
Kahakai Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 292 schools in Hawaii (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Kahakai Elementary School is 0.78, 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
#146 out of 292 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
39%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
52%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
13%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
23%
19%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
White
12%
11%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
34%
25%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
18%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)53.3%
33.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
50%
37%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kahakai Elementary School's ranking?
Kahakai Elementary School is ranked #146 out of 292 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Hawaii.
What schools are Kahakai Elementary School often compared to?
Kahakai Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Kealakehe Elementary School, Holualoa Elementary School, Innovations - Pcs by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% HI state average), while 49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% HI state average).
How many students attend Kahakai Elementary School?
507 students attend Kahakai Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
34% of Kahakai Elementary School students are Hawaiian, 23% of students are Hispanic, 18% of students are Two or more races, 13% of students are Asian, and 12% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Kahakai Elementary School?
Kahakai Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Hawaii state average of 14:1.
What grades does Kahakai Elementary School offer ?
Kahakai Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Kahakai Elementary School part of?
Kahakai Elementary School is part of Hawaii Department Of Education School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Just moved here from Mainland in April. We thought my child would be ahead of curriculum here after reading so many dismal comments about this school and the test scores... I was pleasantly surprised to find that she was behind! I feel Kahakai is an excellent school and the office staff are wonderful! My children attended the summer school program as well and it was a wonderful experience. We look forward to returning in the fall.
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