Serving 669 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Waiakeawaena Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Hawaii for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50% (which is higher 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 13:1 is lower than the Hawaii state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 89% (majority Asian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 669 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in HI
- Math Proficiency: 50% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 52% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Waiakeawaena Elementary School serves the southeast part of Hilo, HI, covering an area of approximately 106.4 square miles. Most families within the attendance zone can expect a typical drive of 10-15 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge located about 19.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
School Overview
Waiakeawaena Elementary School's student population of 669 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 52 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
669 students
Total Classroom Teachers
52 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
Waiakeawaena 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 Waiakeawaena Elementary 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
#94 out of 292 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
12%
24%
Hispanic
27%
19%
Black
n/a
1%
White
4%
11%
Hawaiian
23%
25%
Two or more races
34%
20%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)35.1%
33.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waiakeawaena Elementary School's ranking?
Waiakeawaena Elementary School is ranked #94 out of 292 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Hawaii.
What schools are Waiakeawaena Elementary School often compared to?
Waiakeawaena Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Waiakea Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50% 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).
How many students attend Waiakeawaena Elementary School?
669 students attend Waiakeawaena Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
34% of Waiakeawaena Elementary School students are Two or more races, 27% of students are Hispanic, 23% of students are Hawaiian, 12% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Waiakeawaena Elementary School?
Waiakeawaena Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 14:1.
What grades does Waiakeawaena Elementary School offer ?
Waiakeawaena Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Waiakeawaena Elementary School part of?
Waiakeawaena Elementary School is part of Hawaii Department Of Education School District.
School Reviews
Review Waiakeawaena Elementary 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
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
