2023 Best High Schools in the Honolulu Area

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  514 reviews

Parent: 'Iolani is the whole package. It is not only a school, but a family who takes care of each other. From the students, teachers, administrators, parents and alumni, everyone cares deeply for everyone. The administrators and teachers were phenomenal during the pandemic. There was no interruption to the students' learning and they received a full year's worth of academic work. Safety precautions were well thought through and followed the science so our school community could feel secure being in person. This is a demonstration of the excellence in academics and in all aspects of how the school is run. Students are consistently challenged to meet their full potential and no student falls through the cracks. They are keenly aware of the students' mental, physical and academic well being and will intervene when necessary. I can't say enough about 'Iolani, this is truly the best school!... Read 514 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,181

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  420 reviews

Senior: Started attending since the 7th grade, and I'm happy to say it was worth the investment. Sure, Punahou isn't perfect—I wish students are prepared more for the real world and their future in college—but the school does shine with its spirit and extracurricular opportunities. Academics and athletics are top here. All of my teachers have been supportive to me and I can tell they sincerely care about what they teach. Go Buff'n Blue!... Read 420 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,744

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Kailua, HI•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  188 reviews

Sophomore: I loved the community atmosphere! I felt that I learned about all aspects of knowledge, through different style assessments and through the different teachers. Sophomore year was a great year! I enjoyed completing the personal project, reading 1984 in my language and literature studies, and learning about chemistry and physics. I feel that this past year prepared me for the Diploma Programme that I have ahead of me for the next two years. The wide range of studies, and the open schedule allowed me to fully participate in my passions. The impact block program allowed me to take zoom flute lessons with a teacher in Boston.... Read 188 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 795

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  46 reviews

Parent: Our son attended the Prep and our daughter the Preschool and we loved the school. The attention and care my son received from his teachers in the Prep was exceptional. The teachers are truly what makes this school such a good one. When we moved off island for work and attended a new school, we got constant feedback from our son's new teachers about how well he was prepared and how ahead he is in school. It has been a few years since attending the Prep and my son is constantly asked to serve his new school in leadership roles through student council and mentoring programs (he helps other kids who need a boost academically). I truly believe it was because of his experience at The Prep that he is able to thrive in other places. Our experience with the Preschool was also awesome. The Nu'uanu play yard and the teachers are what makes Queen Emma so special. Teachers there truly love what they do and are dedicated to their students.... Read 46 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 310

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  168 reviews

Senior: I love my school so much! I came in as a freshman and am going to graduate in less than a year and I’m so excited! At mid pac, you really know that the teachers and faculty really care about you. Now there will always be a few select teachers who don’t meet that standard of excellence, but that is a very small minority. Overall, I would not be in the place I am now getting ready for college without the support from my school. Also in terms of the social scene, there is no doubt that any incoming students will find friends that they love endlessly.... Read 168 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,399

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  142 reviews

Parent: I cannot say enough about the amazing experience my family has had at Hawaii Baptist Academy. From the minute we walked into the office for our tour, we felt like family. I am a teacher with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a passion for best practice in education. I didn’t know what to expect from teachers in the private school sector, but I am blown away with the teachers’ extremely rigorous but supportive instruction they provide. I’m watching my child in the junior kindergarten answer higher-order critical thinking skills and her curiosity and creativity have come alive! The same goes for my older child who has learned collaborative skills from her teacher that are usually taught at a higher grade level. After being bored in the public schools, I feel she is finally being challenged and exposed to whole-child education. I am so thankful to send my child to a school with such a positive environment and amazing, loving adults who genuinely care.... Read 142 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,117

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.85 out of 5  20 reviews

Parent: Not only this is school excellent in ensuring my child's physical safety, but they are amazing at developing meaningful learning experiences in which my child can develop intellectually and emotionally. My son frequently tells me about his teachers and friends and how loved he feels!... Read 20 reviews

• grade A

• Students 318

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  19 reviews

Senior: My experience at Pacific Buddhist Academy has been excellent! Although enrollment has been low, we just built a new building, so we definitely have capacity for more students. I loved the school culture, which was so welcoming. That stemmed from our connection to Buddhism from sharing campuses (founded by) with the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii and our close-knit environment. Classes are small enough, so students really get to know one another, and we form personal relationships with our teachers as well! Almost all of us participate in sports, be it in our stand-alone team, with Pac-5, or joining another school. Our academic schedule is a bit hard to grasp, but it’s a cycle system where we only have two core classes at a time for two hours each, which change every 6 weeks. We can really delve into the subject matter this way. There’s so many opportunities to study abroad thanks to PBA and Hongwanji. Our various school events throughout the year brings us together.... Read 19 reviews

• grade A

• Students 76

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Kapolei, HI•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  85 reviews

Senior: I am currently attending IPA. It is an amazing school filled with wonderful students and staff! The teachers here really challenges your education and try to push you a little out of your comfort zone! The activities done have also prepared us mentally for college! I love the bond and communication between the school and families, especially during times like these! Giving weekly updates, ensuring all students and staffs safety, and putting forth best efforts to make learning as normal as then can be, makes my family and I thankful for IPA!... Read 85 reviews

• grade A

• Students 585

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  741 reviews

Senior: Mililani HS is a awesome, diverse, open air school. The community rally's around the schools education, sports and extracurricular activities. The ohana culture is reflected among the teachers, with an open door policy. The college and career center is always there willing to help me look beyond high school towards college. I would like to see more parent involvement with their childs education and activities. Many parents just seem to drop off their children as if it was a day care. School lunch also needs some work. Many times, I have been dissatisfied with the quality of the food. Overall, I am proud to be part of this school and can't wait for graduation.... Read 741 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,620

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  38 reviews

Senior: La Pietra has truly allowed me to flourish, not only as a student but as an individual. With a plethora of opportunities, all within my grasp, it was easy to become a well-rounded individual. At La Pietra, I didn't have to compartmentalize; I could play the violin, be on the basketball team, participate in Student Government, be a lead role in the school play, be in the National Honor Society, tutor students, and still have time to focus on my own studies and come into my own.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A

• Students 100

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  567 reviews

Senior: The academic and student involvement at Moanalua is incomparable to any other public school on island. Moanalua has so much to offer it’s students. From academics, athletics, clubs, activities, and extracurriculars. Moanalua has cultivated a culture that is dedicated to providing each student with the best opportunities for success. Moanalua is a school that has culture and tradition…but It is also a progressive school that is perpetually changing to create an optimal environment for students to thrive in. I was able to capitalize on opportunities such as athletics, student government, and AP classes. All of which contributed to the positive experience I had at Moanalua.... Read 567 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,013

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  65 reviews

Alum: This school is fully focused on students, they prioritize both academic achievement and student wellbeing. They have created a supportive and specialized environment to help students of all backgrounds to succeed in school. Although the hybrid learning isn't for everyone, for those whom it works for, tend to excel in everything they do. This school hires the best and most compassionate teachers and staff. The counselors will always listen and take time to support the students in anyway possible. They actually care about their kids! They love to make education fun and form fitting. Anyone with the right guidance can excel here.... Read 65 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,337

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Kailua, HI•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.61 out of 5  18 reviews

Parent: Trinity Christian School was the total package: challenging academics, caring and engaged faculty and staff, healthy Christian environment, family-like atmosphere, character-building and fun extracurricular options. I feel my son could not have had a better educational and social experience. Because Trinity's high school is organized by "house," instead of by grade, my son had wonderful upper-classmen mentor him and had the opportunity to mentor the younger students, which was valuable in forming his maturity and leadership skills. A year later, he still has very strong relationships with school mates, younger and older, as well as many of the faculty. He was well prepared for college and is already moving into leadership roles as he begins his second year. This small school is a very big treasure!... Read 18 reviews

• grade A

• Students 285

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  458 reviews

Alum: I loved going to Roosevelt! The staff was so caring and supportive. Of course, like every school, you had the teachers you didn't like but there were hardly any at Roosevelt. Many teachers and other faculty members gave me great advice for the future and for high school. There is also a very strong support system for the sports and music departments. Only thing that I would change is that Roosevelt students need to have more pride. I believe that most students in my school aren't very prideful in the fact that they go to Roosevelt, but it's an amazing school.... Read 458 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,464

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  147 reviews

Senior: University Laboratory School is a small public-charter school that is nearby the UH Manoa Campus. There are 8 required classes everyday (including art and music from 6-12 grade) and the average school day lasts from 7:45-3:15. I think that although the school day is long, it's refreshing to be able to participate in different classes everyday. The curriculum is different and really depends on the teacher that you receive, but learning and experimenting is encouraged. There are many different ways to learn things and with the small classroom and grade levels, it's easy to connect with other students and ask for help. The school has limited clubs and extra curricular activities, but as someone who loves to be involved, I've found myself busy with things since 6th grade. There are also many athletic opportunities for students.... Read 147 reviews

• grade A

• Students 450

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Mililani, HI•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  140 reviews

Senior: Hanalani has amazing teachers and faculty that I do believe genuinely care for the students. Although some rules can be quite strict, they are not as enforced as they try. It is also a great school for understanding God and getting that Christian education. But of course, there are many amazing extracurricular opportunities and interesting classes that students can take both in-person or online. One other downside is that despite being a college prep school, the college and career admissions staff due try to push attending UH Manoa rather than encourage students to go off island. I also wish there was more of a focus on how to write proper papers and deliver great presentations that would be expected in college. Other than that, Hanalani has been an amazing school for its little community and I would recommend others to go if given the chance.... Read 140 reviews

• grade A

• Students 695

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  331 reviews

Senior: Kalani High School is generally a great school! The staff are very helpful, dedicated, inclusive, and accommodating. It is evident that they truly care about the students that they are teaching. The school is especially academically successful. However, there are some downsides. Due to their focus on academics, the students don't have a homecoming party like most other schools do. Otherwise, the school is good!... Read 331 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,459

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  378 reviews

Sophomore: Currently, I attended Henry J Kaiser high school for two years and experience my expectation in what high school is. The teachers and facility are all thoughtful and wishes for all of us to be successful and achieve our goals. My school changes our schedule time to time when an event occurs. Which is always helpful for students and especially me to manage my time when it comes to extracurricular activities and studies. The best part is when my school hosts activities for the student to loosen up, be open-minded, and become more social. What I would like to change about the school is how student body and facilities announce events and modifications on our school campus. Besides using the speaker and posting posters, it's best if teachers physically announce it in front of the classroom with everyone’s full attention. Overall, Henry J Kaiser high school is extremely helpful and I can’t wait to experience another two years!... Read 378 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,180

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  101 reviews

Senior: Sacred Hearts Academy is an all girls school where women empowerment and sisterhood is so significant. I feel a sense of comfort everywhere I go because being I can be myself everyday at school. I will forever be in debt to Sacred Hearts Academy for letting me experience what real sisterhood is like. Since my 3 years at this school, I have grown into a very mature young woman who has gained her own voice. I speak for myself in and out of school because Sacred Hearts has taught me the dangers of the world. I am confident because I have gained the knowledge to do what I want with my future. Sacred Hearts Academy's academics provide a variety of different courses that help decide what I want to do in college. The college classes they offer and scholarship programs inspire me to do my best academically so that I can push myself to be better than the others. There is just so much positivity all over the campus- classrooms, cafeteria, hallways, even bathrooms!... Read 101 reviews

• grade A

• Students 713

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.45 out of 5  132 reviews

Junior: I like Maryknoll’s community and how welcoming it is. Maryknoll’s student community, is like one big family, everyone gets along and has a good day at school overall. One would say that its like a big family reunion when we all come back from a winter break, summer break etc. Now, I’d like to see the change of staff, considering they are teaching old ways instead of a more modern way. I think that teachers should also change their perspective of students and be more openminded to the careers and offer a wider variety of courses a student can take, to better their interest in what they want to do in life. Our courses are so limited and to be completely honest BORING!... Read 132 reviews

• grade A

• Students 876

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  75 reviews

Freshman: This school motivates me to do my best. The brotherhood perpetuated here teaches me to care for others and care for my school. I have learnt what it means to be a gentleman, to love God and to serve Saint Louis School. In many ways I have still much to learn from the school and the teachers from inside the school. My school is an all boys school and a place where we respect one another, being brothers to each other and learning from everybody. 6 years ago when I first walked into St. Louis School I had no idea what the school meant and what they wanted for all of their students. But as I went along and kept doing my best, I found out that all the school wants for us is to love, learn and care for our families, community and environment. If I hadn't gone to this school I would have ended up in a very different place and I could have ended up as a very different person. Without this school I wouldn't have made friends and met new people along the way. I love this school as my home.... Read 75 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 882

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  10 reviews

Senior: Both the students and teachers at Assets are very accepting. The teachers create alternative methods to teach students who have a different learning style. During winter, there is a winter showcase where everyone (including people who don't attend Assets) come together to appreciate the hard work of the musicians, dancers, singers, painters, sculptors, photographers, etc. It's a mandatory requirement that every student needs to have an internship(you need a certain amount of hours to graduate). The faculty do a great job of finding companies, businesses, and other occupations that best fit every single person's interests.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 340

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.32 out of 5  187 reviews

Freshman: I think my overall experience with Kalaheo High School has been very good. All of my teachers are nice, and the staff has provided me with many good resources. One thing that I really like is how organized the school is with activities. There is a lot of school spirit activities to get more students involved in the school. My school is very safe. It’s a safe and welcoming place for new students. I like the different clubs and sports to choose from. There is most likely one club that you will like to join at this school. There are also many different courses you can take relating to STEM. I like how there are many classes to take based on your liking and interests. The overall academics for this school is quite good. It’s not the best, but for a public school it’s very good. Also, the diversity is excellent. At this school there are so many people from cool and unique in places. Another thing that makes this school great, are the teachers and staff because they really care.... Read 187 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 827

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Honolulu, HI•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  92 reviews

Junior: I love everything about Damien. The environment, the people, teacher/staff, and everything in between. Damien is the most ohana oriented schools on island. The way that all the teachers and students try to get to know you and make you part of the family is amazing! I am current student about to graduate next year. The way that the thought of leaving this school has left me feel is crazy. It's like I never want to leave but I need to for my own benefit. Let's put it this way, if Damien was a college I would stay from 6th grade all the way up until I would graduate their "college." I love it here so much and I am so sad to be leaving so soon.... Read 92 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 704

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1