Serving 706 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Waiakea 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 44% (which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 51% (which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Hawaii state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 89% (majority Asian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 706 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in HI
- Math Proficiency: 44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 51% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Waiakea Elementary School serves the southeast part of Hilo, HI, covering an area of approximately 10.4 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 10-12 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 4.7 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, reaching up to 6.1 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
School Overview
Waiakea Elementary School's student population of 706 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 47 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
706 students
Total Classroom Teachers
47 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
He mea nui ʻoe – Because you matter
School Rankings
Waiakea 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 Waiakea Elementary School is 0.76, 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
#117 out of 292 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
15%
24%
Hispanic
24%
19%
Black
n/a
1%
White
3%
11%
Hawaiian
29%
25%
Two or more races
29%
20%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)45.3%
33.6%
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waiakea Elementary School's ranking?
Waiakea Elementary School is ranked #117 out of 292 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Hawaii.
What schools are Waiakea Elementary School often compared to?
Waiakea Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Waiakeawaena Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% HI state average), while 51% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% HI state average).
How many students attend Waiakea Elementary School?
706 students attend Waiakea Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
29% of Waiakea Elementary School students are Hawaiian, 29% of students are Two or more races, 24% of students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Asian, and 3% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Waiakea Elementary School?
Waiakea Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 14:1.
What grades does Waiakea Elementary School offer ?
Waiakea Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Waiakea Elementary School part of?
Waiakea Elementary School is part of Hawaii Department Of Education School District.
School Reviews
3 10/10/2025
Need to praise students more; positive reinforcements to keep them interested in classroom activities. Come up with ways to stimulate the students to look forward to coming to school and get recognized for every effort they make no matter how big or small.
Review Waiakea Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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