The Top 5 Public Schools in Hawaii

Since 2020, more families are moving around the United States in search of different job opportunities and a change of lifestyle. Those who grew up on the east coast have been heading west much like the goldrush chasers at the beginning of the nation’s history. Some are even being so bold as to hop over from the mainland and put down their roots in the tropical paradise known as Hawaii, the birthplace of the popular recreation of surfing and the only state with two recognized official languages. The change in the culture can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, but Hawaii has this uncanny ability to put any visitor or new resident at ease the second their feet touch the solid earth, and they are greeted not with a handshake but with a warm, inviting hug. This influx of people has created an incredible need for those who have young children to look at the schooling districts that they will be settling into to help choose the best places to live. To help, here is a list of the top 5 public schools in Hawaii for children of all ages:

5) Kalani High School

Home of the Kalani Falcons, this school creates amazing opportunities for the student body to discover not only their passions but also their purpose. It focuses on the three Cs: Character, Compassion, and Community. It was started in the 1960s in East Honolulu and now is composed of 9 buildings that also serve as temporary homes for the Red Cross in the event of a major disaster. In 2007-2008, the girls varsity basketball team won the Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) championship. In 2010, the school’s tennis team also took an OIA championship. This is a school that helps to guide the future athletes as they make their way to the professional levels.

Grades Taught: 9th – 12th

Student to Teacher ratio: 17:1

Address: 4680 Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, HI 96821

Phone: (808) 377-7744

Website: https://www.kalanihighschool.org/ 

4) Myron B. Thompson Academy

Found in the heart of urban Honolulu, Myron is considered one of the most elite public charter schools and best schools in Hawaii. It is a leading hybrid school that provides excellent teaching to students from many of the surrounding islands. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), it is a NCAA approved for college bound athletes. The student to teacher ratio is higher than the state average (29:1), but this doesn’t hinder the staff from providing the best teaching services to the community they serve. They have high marks in both math and reading proficiency, making it one of the best public schools in Hawaii.

Grades Taught: Kindergarten – 12th

Student to Teacher ratio: 29:1

Address: 1040a Richards Street, Room 220, Honolulu, HI 96813

Phone: (808) 441-8000

Website: https://mbta.me/

3) Major Sheldon Wheeler Middle School

A 2021 National Blue Ribbon School, Wheeler is located on 11 acres of State property within the Wheeler Army Airfield. It is dedicated to meeting the needs of the local community and facilitates lessons in music, art, science, industrial arts, and physical education. It has also been the site of many major historical aviation events, including the first nonstop Mainland-to-Hawaii flight in 1927. There was also the Great Dole Derby air race from California to this beautiful state in 1927 as well, making it one of the top public schools in Hawaii.

Grades Taught: 6th – 8th

Student to Teacher ratio: 15:1

Address: 2 Wheeler Army Airfield, Wahiawa, HI 96786

Phone: (808) 622-6525

Website: http://www.wheelm.k12.hi.us/

2) Hokulani Elementary School

Between the University of Hawaii-Manoa and the lower Kaimuki business district, on the bottom part of St. Louis Heights, is where you’ll find Hokulani Elementary School. Currently, over 70% of the students of Hokulani School come from areas outside of the school’s boundaries. The  school prides itself on having exceptional, highly qualified teachers, a challenging, all-encompassing curriculum, and a supportive school environment that enables all students to achieve high academic accomplishment and personal growth. Hokulani  constantly works to improve its curriculum with enriching and differentiated learning across content areas because they believe that all children can learn. In addition, they have collaborations that support the integration of art into several subject areas.

Grades Taught: Kindergarten – 5th

Student to Teacher ratio: 16:1

Address: 2940 Kamakini Street, Honolulu, HI 96816

Phone: (808) 733-4789

Website: https://www.hokulani-elementary.com/

1) Momoilani Elementary School

Of all the top public schools in Oahu, Momoilani is the best that can be found on any island in Hawaii. It helps to mold the young minds of both the native and new residents of this great state. Built in 1972, it is located at the top of Pearl City with the most peaceful panoramic view of the island. It has been recognized nationally by receiving awards for National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence as well as the National School Safety, Discipline and Drug Prevention. They focus on each student for their own unique talents and ensure they receive the most dedicated excellence in education. They also instill in the children that attend their school the importance of community and being aware of its needs. Truly, this is the best that Hawaii has to offer in education.

Grades Taught: Preschool – 6th

Student to Teacher ratio: 20:1

Address: 2130 Hookiekie Street, Pearl City, HI 96782

Phone: (808) 453-6444

Website: https://www.momilani.k12.hi.us/