Skip to Main Content

2022 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

About this List
Best Schools
66 results

  1. Mililani High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 720 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: My experience at Mililani High School has been awesome! I liked the fact that I had constant support throughout the years from my counselors. The teachers are great, the school is very organized and the campus is safe. Mililani has a great system when it comes to establishing communication between the school and parents and students. They have a strong athletic program. I am an athlete and during my 4 years at Mililani our girls volleyball team was able to earn 3 OIA D1 girls volleyball championship titles. Attending high school at Mililani has been the greatest experience for me! It has helped shape me into the 2020 graduate that I am today!
    Read 720 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,620 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • K-12
    • 56 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Freshman: Hawai'i Technology Academy (HTA) is definintally one of the best quality and convenient K-12 schools in Hawai'i. Students only go to school 2 times a week and the rest is online allowing kids with all sorts of scheduals the flexibility they need while getting a great education. The teachers at HTA are the best at what they do, and it is very easy for students and Learning Coaches to communicate with them. HTA has a lot of partnerships with a variety of organizations to provide quality hands on learning for students to get them thinking about and to pave the way to college amd careers paths they might be interested in. If students don't have a computer to work from at home that's okay! HTA offers loaner computers for the whole school year!
    Read 56 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,285 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  3. University Laboratory School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • K-12
    • 144 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Parent: Communicative and genuine staff. Questions and concerns are addressed immediately; ability to work cohesively with parent and student. The faculty at the school are very on top on curriculum; quick to return work and monitor progress of students daily or weekly, depending on parents preference. Teachers are always available for extra help and are quick to reach out to students if they notice quality of work is not up to par. I've listened in on quite a few zoom sessions for all of sons teachers and am truly happy with every single one of his teachers. They treat their students with respect and patience. Thank you ULS TEAM! - Happy Parents & Student
    Read 144 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 443 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Moanalua High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 550 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Alum: I loved it at moanalua! The academics prepare you for college and we have more than 3 counselors to help the students with any issues in school or at home and they are also in contact with the parents as well. Also, we have a college and career counselor to help us with picking colleges or jobs and they help with scholarships as well. The students get along well with each other and the school spirit is amazing every week. The sports here at Moanalua is very good, we have a variety of sports and the sports teams are able to win and receive state championships as well as our media and broadcast team. Our language program of different languages courses is one of the top programs in the country and the students are able to travel internationally to learn and explore more about different countries.
    Read 550 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,021 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Kalani High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 321 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Sophomore: This school highly focuses on the academic progress of the students. Many opportunities of challenging classes are presented to the students such as honors classes and AP classes. The teachers are professional and helpful in mentoring students and in addition to that, there are assistant programs during study hall and after school where students can go to receive one on one help with a student tutor. This school is not known for their outstanding sports teams but a significant highlight is that there are no forms of difference or discrimination between students and everyone is extremely kind and friendly.
    Read 321 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,465 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  6. President Theodore Roosevelt High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 449 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Alum: Roosevelt High School is a pretty old school, but its facilities and resources are incredibly up to date. Roosevelt had given me the opportunity to start college during the summer at the end of my sophomore year up until I graduated. Unfortunately, I had graduated during the COVID-19 pandemic through a virtual ceremony, and that had not made me the happiest, but the parent involvement was EXTRAORDINARY. They worked so hard to give us a memorable project grad because of everything our class had missed out on and all that was taken away from us. I love and miss all the school activities because they were made by the students which gave us a chance to incorporate the activities that we wanted. Upon graduating, I can say that I miss my teachers and seeing familiar faces because Roosevelt has shaped me to be the young adult that I am. I have a lot more to learn, but I know that I can still go back to some of the faculty today and ask them for advice or help if I need any.
    Read 449 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,440 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  9. Waiakea High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 289 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: My experience at Waiākea High School was sadly cut short. Although, through the years that I have attended Waiākea High School, I’ve been able to have great experiences and make unforgettable memories with the people there through all of their very inclusive student and faculty activities. I cannot think of anything that I would change about this school, as I enjoy attending very much. However, there is always room for improvement somewhere!
    Read 289 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,282 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Henry J. Kaiser High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 365 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    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 365 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,175 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Kihei Charter School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • K-12
    • 82 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Junior: When I transferred to Kihei Charter School during my sophomore year, I thought it was going to be like all the other schools I have been at, with all the cliche groups, bullying, but it wasn’t. On the contrary, everyone asked like a family. I felt it was due to everyone knowing each other since elementary/middle school. I also felt free to express myself and my feelings. In all honestly, when my parents were doing the transfer paperwork, I dreaded to go to that school. After a couple months of being in that school, I was glad that my parents put me in that school. In Kihei Charter, I am able to push myself beyond my limits and try clubs/sports that I would have never done. Since this is a small school, when you do sports or are in a club, you are able to prove yourself without having to be in the shadow of another student. You are able to choose who you want to be without the judgment of others.
    Read 82 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 689 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Myron B. Thompson Academy Public Charter School

    • Online School
    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • K-12
    • 22 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: I love Myron B. Thompson Academy! I am currently going to MBTA and it has been one of the best experiences I've had in high school. I am a student in their online program and I love how engaged they keep their students while in virtual class. The teachers are very good with making sure their students understand the assignments and do not hesitate to help students. The teachers here help to prepare their students for college and future careers in the best way possible and give their students great connections for the future. MBTA really cares about their students success and I would recommend this school to anyone. :)
    Read 22 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 585 Students
    • 31:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Kalaheo High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 180 reviews
    #11 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Alum: Kalaheo High School is a great school on the island of Oahu! This high school was near a military base so we had new students coming in all the time and the teachers, students, and staff were always very welcoming. The school has a wide variety of clubs, sports, and activities to help students with different interests, backgrounds, and hobbies to get involved.
    Read 180 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 813 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Waialua High & Intermediate School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 7-12
    • 120 reviews
    #12 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Junior: This school is pretty good. The campus makes me feel safe. Academic wise, I think that the classes can be improved in order to prepare us for college. After school activities like arts and STEM classes are amazing!
    Read 120 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 645 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  15. King Kekaulike High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 243 reviews
    #13 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: This school has treated me well these past four years. Most teachers and staff members are friendly and easy to reach out to. As long as your try your best and show the you really care about your education, the teachers will do their best to help you succeed during your high school years. Each grade level has an assigned counselor that deals with those students. They will always make sure that you know that you can reach out to them for help wether thatʻs school work, home life, student life, or maybe you're just there to talk. While at this school I have found my closest friends and people I can trust. Being from Hawaiʻi, everyone feels like a big family and at King Kekaulike this is no different. There hasn't been a single day when Iʻve walked on campus without saying hello to any past teachers, counselors, or friends that Iʻve made throughout the years...Iʻve enjoyed my experience here and I wish good luck to any future students, Thank you Kekaulike!!
    Read 243 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,129 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Leilehua High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 558 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Sophomore: I personally think Leilehua is a great school. There are a variety of electives to choose from. Not only are there a variety of electives, there's also so many sports and clubs included that there is a high chance you might find something you're interested in! Since we're in the topic of sports, I'd like to gladly mention I was a part of the jv soccer team. This team taught me what a real team is. My teammates were so supportive of each other and demonstrated great sportsmanship. They showed me that it isn't about winning all the time. As long as you have fun and try your best, that's all that really matters. Without a doubt, I'd willingly participate to be a part of the Leilehua soccer team again. The teachers are also very friendly and the maturity of the students here is amazing. I can walk in the hallways with comfort without having to worry about getting into some kind of drama. I'd say Leilehua is a place I'd call home!
    Read 558 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,645 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Adm. Arthur W. Radford High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 358 reviews
    #15 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: Radford is an incredibly military-connected school with about 65 percent of the study body being connected to the military. I'm happy that this was the school that I could spend my four years at because I feel as though we have many privileges compared to some other public high schools. I have made so many great memories here over the years, along with many great friends. The teachers and staff are all very nice and are always willing to lend a hand to help you if you are in need. I love the history and pride that comes with this school!
    Very good school with good academics! Very good school with good academics! The teachers are always there to help you and do their best to help you succeed.
    Read 358 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,199 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Pearl City High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 452 reviews
    #16 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Junior: Pearl City High School is a very welcoming school with staff that love to connect with their students! As a student involved in Student Government, Student Council, and athletics, I can definitely say that I'm proud and happy to be a part of this school because of the hand-in-hand connection that the students have with one another. Every time I step onto campus, I feel safe and valuable. The staff want the very best for you and will go above and beyond to make sure that their students are safe and included. Additionally, the band program is extraordinary and the health sciences program of study is highly involved! With the academy structure, students are able to explore their future career choices, leading onto an effective college and career decision. Highly recommend this school, I love it!
    Read 452 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,591 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  19. West Hawaii Explorations Academy Public Charter School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 6-12
    • 24 reviews
    #17 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Alum: I learned so much about driving my own education. I felt like I gained more knowledge about the ways I learned than anything else. My teacher, Deb Chinery, was fantastic. She inspired us to be self taught in Art History outside school hours, and gave us the belief that as students what our minds do is the most important tool. I love my time here, I felt like every one was appreciated and everyone got to learn in their own independent way.
    Read 24 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 280 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Waipahu High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 526 reviews
    #18 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: As a current student in Waipahu High, I can say that they prepare us very well for life after high school. The staffs are helpful ie. college counselors, academy counselors, teachers. A very diverse school with many extra curricular programs. Before entering Waipahu High, you get to choose your academy which are the courses that prepares you for a career related to the academy you choose. There are Arts and Communication, Professional Public Service, Industrial Engineering and Technology, Health and Science, Natural Resources. There are multiple ways to get credit outside the classroom ie early college, credited after school clubs/classes, TREC, correspondence. Various ways to interact with each other ie campus beautification, clubs, academy house days. Overall, the school prepares us well with many opportunities to interact and improve ourselves using various activities listed above to suit up for life after high school.
    Read 526 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,777 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Maui High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 260 reviews
    #19 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: My experience at Maui High was fairly good. I enjoyed making friends because my school was not only for one district or town, but two! What I like about Maui High is their staff. A lot of the teachers or staff I got along with and formed a good relationship with. I also really like the AVID program that I am apart of in my school. This program prepares students like me that are wanting to go to college, we do discussions, quizzes, and just anything to better prepare us for college. Although Maui High is a "college and career readiness" school, they did not really help my class in our junior year when it came to ACT test prep which was a little frustrating. However, overall Maui High is good high school and I think high school honestly is just what you make of it.
    Read 260 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,082 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  24. President William McKinley High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 397 reviews
    #20 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: President William McKinley High School is an institute of education that prioritizes itself in student involvement and years of tradition. Renown for being Hawaii's oldest high school, McKinley stands at 155 years old. With such history behind the name and establishment, the Tigers of McKinley hold pride in unity and togetherness. Every year during homecoming week, current and graduate students come together on campus to celebrate the "Lighting of the M". Many events are showcased here, including a Haka chant performed by the football team and excellent performances by the school band. The night is then concluded by lighting up silhouettes of the letter "M" to show pride in the school. McKinley also offers a variety of college-preparation courses in different academies to guide students into paths they wish to follow. With additional advisory classes being offered as well as a wide-range selection of career-based curriculums, students at McKinley can be well-prepared for the future.
    Read 397 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,663 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Kapa'a High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 230 reviews
    #21 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: For a public school, Kapaa High is pretty well-rounded in terms of academics, sports, and environment, with a huge emphasis on sports. The cafeteria food is disgusting. The school doesn't really do a great job at pushing students to pursue opportunities or higher education, and as a result, most students at Kapaa High slack off. However, the opportunities are there for those that are independent and self-driven. The school has a wide variety of early college courses available and unique career-focused classes, there are also many different clubs, many of which I didn't know about until my Junior year. There are no AP classes, however. Kapaa High is really what you make of it, if you want opportunities, you have to go out and find them yourself.
    Read 230 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,042 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science Public Charter School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • K-12
    • 25 reviews
    #22 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Alum: I have attended Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science Public Charter School from 5th grade until I graduated in 2017. What I loved about this school is the amount of care, love and aloha that is treated within the schools environment. I had wonderful teachers who made my education worth learning. I gained valuable knowledge and life skills through all my hard work as a student. I loved the diversity in how we learned from in the classroom to in nature. Kids will feel like they belong and be able to freely express their interest in learning.
    Read 25 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 710 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Kahuku High & Intermediate School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 7-12
    • 256 reviews
    #23 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Junior: Kahuku High School, offers us students pathways and other extra classes to take to help find our passion, and helps us to practice hands on activities we could benefit later in the future. For example I am currently enrolled in the last stage of our Health Core Pathway which offers me great hands on experiences, brings in variety of speakers to come in and touch bases of the different types of work on the medical field, and also has us attend these workshops that help us students further our passion in our studying. These pathways are classes that help us study what we want to be in the future, that no other class can touch bases on. What I would like to see change in my school, is to have more classes like this of other careers enrolled for future driven kids. It would really be beneficial for them!
    Read 256 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,351 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Kapolei High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 470 reviews
    #24 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Senior: Kapolei High School is a very diverse institution. As a senior, I'm grateful for all the memories I have shared with my many friends I have met here. Not only can many students easily become a part of a social group, but many teachers and staff members take very strong dedication to provide students the best experience. These experiences benefit students in many different ways in order to bring the best out of each individual. Aside from being a very open community, Kapolei High School makes it easy for students to adapt to their school system. They help students by providing accessible assistance through counseling, sharing personal experiences, and orientations. Overall, Kapolei High School has given me many social and career opportunities ranging from different hobbies or interests to helpful guidance to present the best in me.
    Read 470 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,946 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Hilo High School

    • Hawaii Department of Education, HI
    • 9-12
    • 363 reviews
    #25 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

    Junior: Hilo High school is a great school! I have been attending the school since my freshman year. The teachers and staff are great, although there are certain teachers who needs to rethink their decisions of being a teacher. There can be drama between students which leads to school fights, the teachers and staff tries their best to keep everyone in check. The school is pretty minority-dominated. Most of the student body are Asian and Pacific islanders. Hilo High is great because they offer so many opportunities to the students with various clubs, sports, and activities and events. I'm proud to call myself a Hilo High student and soon to be alumni. "Once a Viking, always a Viking."
    Read 363 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,219 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  30. Sponsored

    Holy Trinity School

    • Private School
    • WASHINGTON, DC
    • PK, K-8
    • 3 reviews

    Parent: Our son started at Holy Trinity last year during the Pandemic and the school just became our family. Through all sorts of ups and downs, they were incredibly supportive. They addressed the pandemic with thoughtfulness and resourcefulness. We feel fully engaged in the amazing community. The other parents have become great new friends. The administration and teachers are very welcoming and accommodating. The classwork has been so creative and fun for our now Kindergartener. He loves coming to school everyday and has formed great bonds with his classmates. There's great aftercare. We can't wait for our other children to join him.
    Read 3 Reviews

    • 332 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
    Virtual Tour
  34. Review Your School 

  35. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • MCLEAN, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 42 reviews

    Parent: My kids have been attending Basis since before the pandemic, and we are so impressed! Rich academic curriculum, good inclusion of the arts, excellent opportunity for differentiation based on student needs. The teachers are dedicated and so are the parents to the kids' success. While the administration has been bumpy as the school has gotten established (only 5 years old), they earned their stripes during the pandemic. Organized, safety-focused and diligent about communication. We supplement school with sports leagues and scouting outside of school, which many parents do. Easy to do given the extensive choice you have in the DC area. Also appreciate the international study body with impressively bright students from all over the world. A real meritocracy, unlike other private schools that admit based on VIP status or connections/donations. In the next few years, this school will only continue to advance its place in the rankings.
    Read 42 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 478 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
    Virtual Tour
  36. Sponsored

    St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School

    • Private School
    • ALEXANDRIA, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 131 reviews

    Parent: We have experienced the lower, middle, and upper schools and our children have had extraordinary teachers who have taken the time to get to know and appreciate them as individuals. Small class size (around 16 kids per class) contributes to this, but it’s just as much about the genuine interest and care that they show our children. Every time our teenagers rave about their teachers at dinner (a frequent occurrence!) my wife and I feel so fortunate that the strong connections they formed with teachers in the Lower School have been replicated in the other divisions. Our kids have different strengths and interests and they have each found a home and great friends through academics, the arts and athletics. Speaking of the arts, our daughter was so excited to watch the Tonys with friends and then learn that next year’s theater/arts trip to NYC will include seeing Hadestown and having dinner with the cast!
    Read 131 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,183 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
    Virtual Tour