Waiākea High School is a public, co-educational secondary school in Hilo, Hawaii. The school's mascot is the Warrior. It is part of the Hawaii State Department of Education. Founded in 1976, the school graduated its first class in 1980. The campus boasts the sculpture Landscape on the Ocean by Satoru Abe.
Serving 1,183 students in grades 9-12, Waiakea High School ranks in the top 30% 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 43% (which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 69% (which is higher 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 91% 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: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,183 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 87% (Top 50% in HI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 69% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 56% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Waiakea High School serves the southeast area of Hilo, HI, covering approximately 117.6 square miles. Families within this zone typically have a drive of 10 to 15 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 19.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Waiakea High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Hawaii for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Waiakea High School's student population of 1,183 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 77 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,183 students
Total Classroom Teachers
77 teachers
Year Founded
1976
School Calendar
Campus Size
43 acres
School Motto
Learn for Life!
School Rankings
Waiakea High School ranks within the top 30% of all 292 schools in Hawaii (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Waiakea High School is 0.79, 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
#72 out of 292 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
69%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
Asian
20%
24%
Hispanic
24%
19%
White
9%
11%
Hawaiian
26%
25%
Two or more races
21%
20%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
87%
85.5%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)23%
33.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
33%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Blue
School Mascot
Warrior
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waiakea High School's ranking?
Waiakea High School is ranked #72 out of 292 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Hawaii.
What schools are Waiakea High School often compared to?
Waiakea High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hilo High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% HI state average), while 69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% HI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Waiakea High School?
The graduation rate of Waiakea High School is 87%, which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 85.5%.
How many students attend Waiakea High School?
1,183 students attend Waiakea High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
26% of Waiakea High School students are Hawaiian, 24% of students are Hispanic, 21% of students are Two or more races, 20% of students are Asian, and 9% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Waiakea High School?
Waiakea High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 14:1.
What grades does Waiakea High School offer ?
Waiakea High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Waiakea High School part of?
Waiakea High School is part of Hawaii Department Of Education School District.
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