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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Kauai County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 22 public schools serving 9,408 students in Kauai County, HI (there are 7 private schools, serving 1,182 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in Kauai County, HI are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 81%).
The top-ranked public schools in Kauai County, HI are Hanalei Elementary School, Koloa Elementary School and Alaka'i O Kaua'i Charter School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Kauai County, HI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Hawaii public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Kauai County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Hawaii public schools.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Hawaii public school average of 89% (majority Asian).

Best Public Schools in Kauai County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hanalei Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
5-5415 Kuhio Hwy
Hanalei, HI 96714
(808) 826-4300
Gr: PK-6 | 183 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #22.
Koloa Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
3223 Poipu Rd
Koloa, HI 96756
(808) 742-8460
Gr: PK-5 | 355 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #33.
Alaka'i O Kaua'i Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
2-4035 Kaumualii Hwy
Kapaa, HI 96746
(808) 635-5110
Gr: K-8 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #44.
Kalaheo Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4400 Maka Rd
Kalaheo, HI 96741
(808) 332-6801
Gr: PK-5 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #55.
King Kaumualii Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4381 Hanamaulu Rd
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3150
Gr: PK-5 | 524 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #66.
Elsie H Wilcox Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
4319 Hardy St
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 274-3150
Gr: PK-5 | 743 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #77.
Kilauea Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2440 Kolo Rd
Kilauea, HI 96754
(808) 828-1212
Gr: PK-6 | 283 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #88.
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
4431 Nuhou St
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3200
Gr: 6-8 | 826 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #99.
Eleele Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
4750 Uliuli Rd
Eleele, HI 96705
(808) 335-2111
Gr: PK-5 | 367 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1010.
Kapaa Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
4886 Kawaihau Rd
Kapaa, HI 96746
(808) 821-4424
Gr: PK-5 | 844 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #1111.
Kekaha Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
8140 Kekaha Rd
Kekaha, HI 96752
(808) 337-7655
Gr: PK-5 | 333 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1212.
Kauai High School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
3577 Lala Rd
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 274-3160
Gr: 9-12 | 1,016 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #1313.
Waimea High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
9707 Tsuchiya Rd
Waimea, HI 96796
(808) 338-6800
Gr: 9-12 | 711 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #1414.
Kapaa High School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
4695 Mailihuna Rd
Kapaa, HI 96746
(808) 821-4400
Gr: 9-12 | 1,005 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #1515.
Kapaa Middle School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
4867 Olohena Rd
Kapaa, HI 96746
(808) 821-4460
Gr: 6-8 | 507 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #1616.
Waimea Canyon Middle School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
9555 Huakai Rd
Waimea, HI 96796
(808) 338-6830
Gr: 6-8 | 467 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1717.
Kanuikapono - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
4333 Kukuihale Rd
Anahola, HI 96703
(808) 823-9160
Gr: K-12 | 191 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #18 - 1918. - 19.
Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha Learning Center
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
8135 Kekaha Rd
Kekaha, HI 96752
(808) 337-0481
Gr: PK-12 | 43 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #18 - 1918. - 19.
Kula Aupuni Niihau A Kahelelani Aloha - Ncpcs
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
8315 Kekaha Rd, Suite K
Kekaha, HI 96752
(808) 337-2022
Gr: PK-12 | 35 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Rank: #2020.
Kawaikini - Ncpcs
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
3-1821 J Kaumualii Hwy
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 632-2032
Gr: K-12 | 177 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: n/an/a
Namahana School
Charter School
4551 Kapuna Rd
Kilauea, HI 96754
(808) 847-3285
Rank: n/an/a
Niihau High & Elementary School
C/o Waimea High School, 9707 T
Waimea, HI 96796
(808) 338-6800
Gr: PK-12 | 13 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Kauai County, HI?
The top-ranked public schools in Kauai County, HI include Hanalei Elementary School, Koloa Elementary School and Alaka'i O Kaua'i Charter School.
How many public schools are located in Kauai County?
21 public schools are located in Kauai County.
What percentage of students in Kauai County go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Kauai County are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 81%).
What is the racial composition of students in Kauai County?
Kauai County public schools minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Hawaii public schools average of 89% (majority Asian).
Which public schools in Kauai County are often viewed compared to one another?

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