Serving 282 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Kaunakakai Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Hawaii for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 35-39% (which is approximately equal to the Hawaii state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Hawaii state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 89% (majority Asian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 282 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in HI
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Kaunakakai Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Hawaii for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Kaunakakai Elementary School's student population of 282 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
282 students
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
Year Founded
1908
School Motto
Ha'aheo O' Kaunakakai, The Pride of Kaunakakai!
School Rankings
Kaunakakai Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 292 schools in Hawaii (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Kaunakakai Elementary School is 0.53, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.80. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#178 out of 292 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
3%
24%
Hispanic
12%
19%
Black
n/a
1%
White
2%
11%
Hawaiian
66%
25%
Two or more races
17%
20%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
66%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kaunakakai Elementary School's ranking?
Kaunakakai Elementary School is ranked #178 out of 292 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Hawaii.
What schools are Kaunakakai Elementary School often compared to?
Kaunakakai Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Kualapuu School - Public Conversion Charter by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% HI state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% HI state average).
How many students attend Kaunakakai Elementary School?
282 students attend Kaunakakai Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Kaunakakai Elementary School students are Hawaiian, 17% of students are Two or more races, 12% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Kaunakakai Elementary School?
Kaunakakai Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Hawaii state average of 14:1.
What grades does Kaunakakai Elementary School offer ?
Kaunakakai Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Kaunakakai Elementary School part of?
Kaunakakai Elementary School is part of Hawaii Department Of Education School District.
School Reviews
Review Kaunakakai Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
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
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
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
