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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Hawaii County Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 34 public preschools serving 13,782 students in Hawaii County, HI.
The top-ranked public preschools in Hawaii County, HI are Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Kona Pacific - Pcs and Waiakeawaena Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hawaii County, HI public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the Hawaii public pre school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 51% statewide average). Pre schools in Hawaii County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Hawaii public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Hawaii public preschool average of 89% (majority Asian and Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in Hawaii County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
278 Ainako Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4855
Gr: PK-6 | 422 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #22.
Kona Pacific - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
79-7595 Mamalahoa Hwy
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 322-4900
Gr: PK-8 | 177 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #33.
Waiakeawaena Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
2420 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7200
Gr: PK-5 | 669 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #44.
Haaheo Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
121 Haaheo Rd
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4111
Gr: PK-6 | 122 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #55.
Kaumana Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1710 Kaumana Dr
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4190
Gr: PK-6 | 238 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #66.
Waiakea Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
180 W Puainako St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7215
Gr: PK-5 | 706 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #77.
Kahakai Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
76-147 Royal Poinciana Dr
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 327-4313
Gr: PK-5 | 507 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #88.
Holualoa Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
76-5957 Mamalahoa Hwy
Holualoa, HI 96725
(808) 322-4800
Gr: PK-5 | 438 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #99.
Konawaena Elementary School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
81-901 Onouli Rd
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 323-4555
Gr: PK-5 | 505 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #1010.
Honokaa Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
45-534 Pakalana St
Honokaa, HI 96727
(808) 775-8820
Gr: PK-6 | 378 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1111.
Waikoloa Elementary And Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
68-1730 Hooko St
Waikoloa, HI 96738
(808) 883-6808
Gr: PK-8 | 732 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #1212.
Hookena Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
86-4355 Mamalahoa Hwy
Captain Cook, HI 96704
(808) 328-2710
Gr: PK-5 | 98 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #1313.
Hilo Union Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
506 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-0900
Gr: PK-6 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #1414.
Paauilo Elementary & Intermediate School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
43-1497 Hauola Rd
Paauilo, HI 96776
(808) 776-7710
Gr: PK-9 | 180 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #1515.
Volcano School Of Arts & Sciences - A Community Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
99-128 Old Volcano Rd
Volcano, HI 96785
(808) 985-9800
Gr: PK-12 | 325 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #16 - 1716. - 17.
Keaukaha Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
240 Desha Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4181
Gr: PK-6 | 341 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #16 - 1716. - 17.
Kohala Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
54-3609 Akoni Pule Hwy
Kapaau, HI 96755
(808) 889-7100
Gr: PK-5 | 381 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #1818.
Waimea Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
67-1225 Mamalahoa Hwy
Kamuela, HI 96743
(808) 887-7636
Gr: PK-5 | 474 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #1919.
Keaau Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
16-680 Keaau-pahoa Rd
Keaau, HI 96749
(808) 982-4210
Gr: PK-5 | 829 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #2020.
Kua O Ka La - Ncpcs
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
345 Makalika
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-5866
Gr: PK-9 | 185 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #2121.
Laupahoehoe Community - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
35-2065 Mamalahoa Hwy
Laupahoehoe, HI 96764
(808) 962-2200
Gr: PK-12 | 307 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #2222.
Honaunau Elementary School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
83-5360 Mamalahoa Hwy
Captain Cook, HI 96704
(808) 328-2727
Gr: PK-5 | 148 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #2323.
Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
81-1041 Konawaena School Rd
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 323-1900
Gr: PK-12 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #2424.
Mountain View Elementary School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
18-1235 Volcano Hwy
Mountain View, HI 96771
(808) 968-2300
Gr: PK-5 | 468 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #2525.
Ka Umeke Kaeo - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1500 Kalanianaole Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-0470
Gr: PK-12 | 292 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #2626.
Ke Kula O Nawahiokalaniopuu Iki - Laboratory Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
16-120 Opukahaia St, Suite 2
Keaau, HI 96749
(808) 982-4260
Gr: PK-8 | 451 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #2727.
Pahoa Elementary School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
15-3030 Puna Rd
Pahoa, HI 96778
(808) 965-2141
Gr: PK-6 | 402 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #2828.
Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
966 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4160
Gr: PK-6 | 354 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #29 - 3029. - 30.
Kealakehe Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
74-5118 Kealakaa St
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 327-4308
Gr: PK-5 | 924 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #29 - 3029. - 30.
Keonepoko Elementary School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
15-890 Kahakai Blvd
Pahoa, HI 96778
(808) 965-2131
Gr: PK-6 | 565 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #3131.
Na Wai Ola - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
18-1355 Volcano Hwy
Mountain View, HI 96771
(808) 968-2318
Gr: PK-7 | 145 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #3232.
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
96-3150 Pikake St
Pahala, HI 96777
(808) 928-2088
Gr: PK-12 | 488 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #3333.
Naalehu Elementary School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
95-5545 Mamalahoa Hwy
Naalehu, HI 96772
(808) 939-2413
Gr: PK-6 | 412 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #3434.
Prince Jonah Kalanianaole Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
27-330 Old Mamalahoa Hwy
Papaikou, HI 96781
(808) 313-5200
Gr: PK-6 | 183 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 91%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Hawaii County, HI?
The top-ranked public preschools in Hawaii County, HI include Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Kona Pacific - Pcs and Waiakeawaena Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Hawaii County?
34 public preschools are located in Hawaii County.
What is the racial composition of students in Hawaii County?
Hawaii County public preschools minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Hawaii public preschools average of 89% (majority Asian and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Hawaii County are often viewed compared to one another?

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