2023 Best Public High Schools in Hawaii

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  750 reviews

Senior: The experience you get as a student is one of the best you can get on the island of Oahu, considering that it is a public school. The environment includes a large variety of types of people. This is beneficial because it teaches you what the real world would be like simply from the large amount of people and the large amount of personalities. The learning environment, compared to other public schools I have heard about, is better than most. The teachers. really care about how students are doing in their classes. I also think that Mililani has a very good college prep system. There are counselors available for all the different grade levels which is convenient because they tend to understand the grade that you are in and the situations you may be in. I think that it is easy to get in touch with the counselors if you have any questions. For me personally, I have gotten a lot of help with college and class decisions this year that I could not have gotten without them. Overall, helpful.... Read 750 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,620

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  572 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 572 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,013

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.58 out of 5  66 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 66 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,337

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  460 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 460 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,464

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  148 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 148 reviews

• grade A

• Students 450

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  300 reviews

Parent: BEST SCHOOL EVER! Their standards excel for a public school. Many sports, activities, events, and they're a college preparatory school that offers many college courses to aid your child in preparing for their goals after graduation.... Read 300 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,233

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  332 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 332 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,459

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  381 reviews

Senior: I appreciate the teachers' dedication, care, and support toward the students. Teachers are the most crucial aspect of schools, and this school has many teachers who were once students. Those teachers often aim to give back to their school/community that raised them, so they're usually dedicated and very offering and willing for students. Something that could be improved is facility, the school is definitely old and lacking in areas such as no AC in many classes, no filtered and working water fountains, and even lack of working bathrooms. The classroom itself often have very old desks and many teachers improvise to use the projector or any technology as the classrooms don't suit them.... Read 381 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,180

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Online School•

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  22 reviews

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

• grade A

• Students 527

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  85 reviews

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 85 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 713

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.32 out of 5  188 reviews

Sophomore: I love this school! Although there are some problems/ rough areas, overall the student life is great. The students are very connected and are always supporting each other. The teachers are amazing and care about their students very deeply. Overall great high school.... Read 188 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 827

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  123 reviews

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 123 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 635

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  364 reviews

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 364 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,166

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  25 reviews

Senior: At West Hawaii Explorations Academy (WHEA) learning is done through integrated, self-selected, hands-on projects with real world applications. The school has a project-based curriculum that emphasizes independent learning, technical writing, and building understanding through practical research. WHEA's motto is "No child left indoors!". Our classrooms were the summit of Mauna Kea, the outdoor shark tank in the middle of our campus, the botanical and agricultural gardens the students have planted and nurtured, and the coral reefs and alkaline ponds along Hawaii’s coast. Not only was that context extremely conducive to learning, but learning itself hardly ever had a dull moment, always relating to the real world, and constantly testing our greatest learning asset of all, our curiosity.... Read 25 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 275

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  466 reviews

Alum: Honestly, during my 4 years of high school here, I had a lot of fun and got to go through new experiences with the amount of sports, clubs, and community service opportunities there were. The staff and people there were all very welcoming which let me be more comfortable talking to them if I needed any help and let me open myself up more to see different opportunities that I may not have tried before. I am grateful that I got to be a student there and I hope new students that go to Pearl City High School have a fun experience too!... Read 466 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,599

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  251 reviews

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 251 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,125

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  572 reviews

Alum: Teachers that care! Room for improvement when it comes to weather, it floods a lot when it rains, and the roads are still working on getting paved, but these can be fixed with more funding. I didn't like this school my first year, but over time I found my group as did many others. It definitely gets better every year, in the ways of tech..students now have access to Chromebooks for online projects and research!... Read 572 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,684

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  238 reviews

Alum: Aloha, My name is Alexis Leilani Rose Chatfield. I was born and raised on the island of Kaua’i. I live about 7 minutes away from Kapaa High-school, that being said. I went through the Kapa’a schooling from, Kindergarten- middle school- to high-school, I must say it was amazing. Although, the high school gave me opportunities to push for success with freedom. It’s a place where you can do the absolute minimum, or do something like graduate with a degree from Kauai Community College (KCC). You learn and grow not only academically, but also as a community. It’s something I’ll always cherish. My personally path at Kapa’a was digital media. I took 4 courses, earning my CTE honors in the pathways . As well I took Art 107D, the early college class at KCC. Aside from that I took 4 science, 4 math, 4 English and 4 social studies. My specific classes I’d like to point out would be, Art107D (as stated earlier), Math 103, BUS120 and PSY100 at KCC. To wrap this all up I miss say, Imua- Warriors.... Read 238 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,060

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  269 reviews

Alum: Kahuku is one of a kind. The whole community in and out of school is strong and are always there for each other. While the school might not look the greatest, the teachers are there making lifelong connections with their students. Our sports at Kahuku are one of the best, this year we won states in football. Kahuku highschool is known to be the pride of the North Shore and I would say it lives up to that reputation. After graduating a few weeks ago, I’m already going to miss it there but I’ll always be a Red Raider for Life!... Read 269 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,399

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  269 reviews

Junior: Maui High School is a relatively great school. Since we're located in Hawai'i, many students come from cultural backgrounds. I love the diversity of the school. The academics are great since you can choose to take classes based on your career goals, such as business, medicine, design, etc. Many students take pride in being a Saber; you can really sense the school spirit. The main downsides of our school are the teachers, facilities, and food. More importantly, the teachers aren't the best. There are teachers who are careless, uninterested, rude, etc. However, there are teachers that are amazing to the students. The facilities, like most schools, aren't the best. As a junior, I am not completely upset about being a Saber. Though there are room for improvements, I still take pride in being here. Overall, I really like attending Maui High School.... Read 269 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 2,100

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  411 reviews

Senior: In the start of my freshman year, McKinley was able to help me adjust from being a middle schooler to a high schooler through a program during the summer that also gave us a half credit for attending lectures and lessons for a few weeks. By the time it was the beginning of freshman year, I knew my way around the school, and could easily talk to teachers and councilors if I needed help. But, when COVID hit, it became a bit difficult asking for help online and getting the assistance to pass my classes. Now that I'm back to in-person schooling, being taught in a classroom, asking for support and talking to classmates and teachers is easier then before. There are many different classes to choose from, and the fact that McKinley splits it's many interests into 4 or 5 academies makes it easier to choose a career path. From my experience, I took a very high interest in Business and Industrial Engineering technology, that I decided those were two of the many fields I want to study.... Read 411 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,617

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  542 reviews

Freshman: Waipahu High School was one of my best experiences of high school in my life. In the school you get to meet friendly people, teachers, classmates, and even the workers around Waipahu High School. They make high school one of the best experiences of your life! We had so much school spirit and the whole school was such a vibe to be in, everyone had a good and positive attitude but competitive. We had school competitions agaisnt other grade levels which was so fun and exciting, we practice on cheering, dancing, battles, and more! It was a blast. The academics are very good too. One thing I would change about the school is nothing. It is perfect and doesn’t need to be changed.... Read 542 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 2,809

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  378 reviews

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 378 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,272

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  494 reviews

Alum: Attended all 4 years of high school here. I was an active member in the student body. Very involved in school, academics, activities, some sports, events, etc. Very diverse and offered many resources for students to tap in to. If you apply yourself, you’ll get somewhere. Go hurricanes!... Read 494 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,994

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Hawaii Department of Education, HI•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.09 out of 5  254 reviews

Freshman: I am just a freshman at this school right now. I feel my transition from middle school to this high school was smooth and quick. Despite the fact that I don’t have PE classes until my sophomore year, the campus always makes me get some exercise when I’m getting to my different classes. I like all of my classes and the current amount and difficulty of homework isn’t damaging me too much. Our school has good lunches sometimes, and on some days, the school hosts a variety of courtyard activities during lunchtime! Though I wish I’d get more help when it comes to deciding what college I’d like to attend and what majors I’d want to study in for my future career.... Read 254 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,134

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1