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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 96720 Hawaii Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 16 public schools serving 7,933 students in 96720, HI (there are 5 private schools, serving 971 private students). 90% of all K-12 students in 96720, HI are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 81%).
The top-ranked public schools in 96720, HI are Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Waiakea High School and Waiakeawaena Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 96720 have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Hawaii public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in 96720, HI have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Hawaii public schools.
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Hawaii public school average of 89% (majority Asian).

Best 96720, HI Public Schools (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.
Waiakea High School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
155 W Kawili St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4888
Gr: 9-12 | 1,183 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
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.
Ke Ana Laahana - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
160 Baker Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-6228
Gr: 7-12 | 33 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Rank: #55.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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: #88.
Hilo Intermediate School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
587 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4955
Gr: 7-8 | 560 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #99.
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: #1010.
Waiakea Intermediate School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
200 W Puainako St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7231
Gr: 6-8 | 857 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #1111.
Hilo High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
556 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4021
Gr: 9-12 | 1,170 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #1212.
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: #1313.
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: #14 - 1514. - 15.
Connections - New Century Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
174 Kamehameha Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-3664
Gr: K-12 | 352 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #14 - 1514. - 15.
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: #1616.
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 96720, HI?
The top-ranked public schools in 96720, HI include Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Waiakea High School and Waiakeawaena Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 96720?
16 public schools are located in 96720.
What percentage of students in 96720 go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in 96720 are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 81%).
What is the racial composition of students in 96720?
96720 public schools minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Hawaii public schools average of 89% (majority Asian).

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