Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Elementary Schools in Hilo, HI (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Hilo Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public elementary schools serving 4,987 students in Hilo, HI.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Hilo, HI are Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Waiakeawaena Elementary School and Haaheo Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hilo, HI public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Hawaii public elementary school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in Hilo have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Hawaii public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Hawaii public elementary school average of 89% (majority Asian and Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Hilo, HI (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.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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: #88.
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: #99.
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: #10 - 1110. - 11.
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: #10 - 1110. - 11.
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: #1212.
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 elementary schools in Hilo, HI?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Hilo, HI include Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Waiakeawaena Elementary School and Haaheo Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Hilo?
12 public elementary schools are located in Hilo.
What is the racial composition of students in Hilo?
Hilo public elementary schools minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Hawaii public elementary schools average of 89% (majority Asian and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Hilo are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (HI):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

Should Sixth Grade Be in Elementary School or Middle School?
Should Sixth Grade Be in Elementary School or Middle School?
 Hello Budget Cuts, Goodbye Sports: The Threat to Athletics
Hello Budget Cuts, Goodbye Sports: The Threat to Athletics
Hawaii Top-Ranked Public Schools
Hawaii Top-Ranked Public Schools
 Cell Phones in Class? Many Schools are Saying Yes
Cell Phones in Class? Many Schools are Saying Yes
 Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons
Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons

More Articles

Evaluating Public Schools
Local School Topics
Public School Jobs
Teaching
Opinion