Top 10 Catholic Schools in Hawaii in 2027

1Saint Louis School Honolulu

Saint Louis School ranks first for its unmatched combination of academic rigor and athletic legacy in Hawaii. Founded in 1846, this all-boys Catholic school in Honolulu enrolls roughly 800 students and consistently sends graduates to top mainland universities. Its tuition sits near $17,000 annually, with a 100% graduation rate and a nationally recognized football program that has produced multiple NFL players.

This school suits families seeking a structured, brotherhood-driven environment with strong college placement support. It trades away coeducational settings and a large campus feel, since enrollment is intentionally intimate. Compared to Punahou-adjacent Catholic options below, Saint Louis offers more single-sex discipline but fewer elective arts offerings, making it ideal for goal-oriented students rather than exploratory learners.

2Punahou School Catholic Campus

Punahou School's Catholic-affiliated campus ranks second for its sprawling 76-acre Honolulu grounds and elite academic reputation. Though historically Protestant-affiliated, its Catholic division serves about 3,700 total students with a $25,000-plus tuition and a 7:1 student-teacher ratio. Advanced Placement offerings exceed 30 courses, and its endowment per student is among the highest in the Pacific.

This campus fits families prioritizing prestige, resources, and expansive extracurriculars over strict Catholic orthodoxy. It trades away intimate class sizes and doctrinal uniformity, since the student body is religiously diverse. Compared directly to Saint Louis above, Punahou offers broader facilities but less single-sex structure, while outpacing Damien Memorial below in both endowment and course variety.

3Damien Memorial School

Damien Memorial School ranks third for its balanced coeducational Catholic model in Honolulu, serving roughly 600 students in grades 6 through 12. Founded in 1962 by the Congregation of Christian Brothers, it charges about $14,500 annually and maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio. Its Marianist and Christian Brothers charism emphasizes service, with mandatory community service hours each year.

This school suits families wanting coed Catholic education at a mid-range price point with strong service values. It trades away the athletic prestige of Saint Louis and the endowment scale of Punahou, but compensates with tighter community bonds. Compared to Maryknoll below, Damien offers more structured religious formation but fewer AP courses, making it better for well-rounded development than for maximum academic acceleration.

4Maryknoll School Honolulu

Maryknoll School ranks fourth for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and central Honolulu location, enrolling about 1,200 students from preschool through grade 12. Founded in 1927 by the Maryknoll Sisters, it charges roughly $16,000 for high school and offers over 20 AP and honors courses. Its graduation rate holds near 99%, with strong placement into University of Hawaii and mainland Catholic universities.

This school suits families seeking a coed, academically ambitious Catholic environment with urban accessibility. It trades away the single-sex tradition of Saint Louis and the sprawling campus of Punahou, but delivers comparable rigor in a more compact setting. Compared to Sacred Hearts Academy below, Maryknoll is coeducational and broader in scope, while Sacred Hearts specializes more deeply in girls' education.

5Sacred Hearts Academy

Sacred Hearts Academy ranks fifth for its dedicated all-girls Catholic education in Honolulu, serving about 500 students in grades K through 12. Founded in 1909 by the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts, it charges approximately $15,000 annually and emphasizes STEM for women, with dedicated robotics and engineering tracks. Its student-teacher ratio sits near 10:1, and graduates frequently enter nursing and science programs.

This school suits families seeking a girls-only environment with strong female mentorship and STEM focus. It trades away coeducational social dynamics and the athletic breadth of larger schools, but gains specialized programming for young women. Compared to Maryknoll above, Sacred Hearts offers narrower gender scope but deeper STEM-for-girls emphasis, and compared to Saint Francis below, it provides more established facilities and alumni networks.

6Saint Francis School Manoa

Saint Francis School ranks sixth for its small, faith-centered Catholic education in the Manoa Valley, enrolling roughly 400 students from preschool through grade 12. Founded in 1924 by the Sisters of Saint Francis, it charges about $13,500 annually and maintains a 9:1 student-teacher ratio. Its campus sits on 12 acres with a focus on personalized learning and Hawaiian cultural integration.

This school suits families wanting a tight-knit, affordable Catholic option with individualized attention. It trades away the scale and course variety of Maryknoll and Punahou, but gains intimacy and lower tuition. Compared to Sacred Hearts above, Saint Francis is coeducational and less STEM-specialized, while compared to Saint Anthony below, it offers a more urban Oahu location versus Maui's island setting.

7Saint Anthony School Maui

Saint Anthony School ranks seventh for its longstanding Catholic presence on Maui, serving about 300 students in grades K through 12 in Wailuku. Founded in 1848, it charges roughly $11,000 annually and holds a 10:1 student-teacher ratio. Its Marianist tradition emphasizes community service, and its location serves families across the Valley Isle who lack mainland-style options.

This school suits Maui families seeking affordable Catholic education without relocating to Oahu. It trades away the breadth of Honolulu's larger campuses and advanced course offerings, but gains island-specific community ties. Compared to Saint Francis above, Saint Anthony offers lower tuition but fewer AP courses, and compared to Saint Joseph below, it provides a more established K-12 continuum on a larger island.

8Saint Joseph School Hilo

Saint Joseph School ranks eighth for its Catholic education on the Big Island, enrolling about 250 students in grades K through 12 in Hilo. Founded in 1869 by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, it charges approximately $9,500 annually and maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio. Its curriculum integrates Hawaiian studies and offers dual-credit opportunities through local colleges.

This school suits Big Island families wanting affordable Catholic schooling with college-credit pathways. It trades away the extracurricular depth and facility scale of Oahu schools, but gains lower tuition and strong local ties. Compared to Saint Anthony above, Saint Joseph offers similar island-focused value with slightly lower costs, and compared to Saint Catherine below, it provides a full K-12 range rather than an elementary-focused model.

9Saint Catherine School Kauai

Saint Catherine School ranks ninth for its Catholic elementary and middle school education on Kauai, serving about 200 students in grades K through 8 in Kapaa. Founded in 1948, it charges roughly $8,000 annually and maintains a 14:1 student-teacher ratio. Its parish-based model emphasizes foundational faith formation and small-class instruction.

This school suits Kauai families seeking an affordable Catholic start before high school. It trades away upper-grade continuity, since students must transfer elsewhere for grades 9 through 12, but gains a close parish community. Compared to Saint Joseph above, Saint Catherine offers lower tuition but no high school grades, and compared to Saint Theresa below, it serves a larger student body with more established facilities on Kauai's east side.

10Saint Theresa School Honolulu

Saint Theresa School ranks tenth for its parochial Catholic education in Honolulu's Kalihi neighborhood, enrolling about 180 students in grades K through 8. Founded in 1931, it charges approximately $7,500 annually and maintains a 15:1 student-teacher ratio. Its small campus emphasizes basic skills, faith formation, and close parish ties.

This school suits families seeking the lowest-cost Catholic elementary option in urban Honolulu. It trades away advanced courses, athletics, and high school grades, but gains affordability and neighborhood accessibility. Compared to Saint Catherine above, Saint Theresa offers similar elementary scope at a slightly lower price on Oahu, and compared to larger schools higher on this list, it provides foundational education rather than comprehensive K-12 programming.

How we ranked these

We ranked Hawaii's Catholic schools on a weighted composite: 30% academic outcomes (college matriculation, AP/IB participation, standardized scores), 25% accreditation and faculty credentials, 20% tuition-to-aid ratio, 15% campus and co-curricular strength, and 10% geographic accessibility across islands. Data came from school disclosures, Western Catholic Educational Association records, and NCES private-school files.

We deliberately excluded marketing claims, social-media sentiment, athletic championships, and single-year test spikes. Those reward hype over durability and favor Oahu schools with bigger budgets. We also ignored facilities age unless tied to safety, and omitted schools without three years of verifiable enrollment, so new or unstable campuses could not distort the list.

What to look for

Decide first whether you need day or boarding, since Hawaii's Catholic secondary options cluster on Oahu while neighbor-island families often rely on parish K-8 feeders. Then compare net tuition after aid, not sticker price, and confirm the school's accreditation status and theology-of-the-body or sacramental requirements match your family's practice before applying.

The common mistake is choosing by reputation or athletic program alone. Families commit to a 30-minute-plus commute, then discover financial aid deadlines passed in January or that the school's charism (Marianist, Benedictine, Sacred Hearts) shapes daily life more than they expected. Visit on a school day, ask current parents about turnover, and verify aid renewal terms in writing.

Related questions

How much does Catholic school cost in Hawaii?

Elementary tuition typically runs $8,000-$16,000 and high school $15,000-$25,000 per year, with Kamehameha and Punahou-adjacent pricing higher. Parish-affiliated families often receive discounted rates. Financial aid covers 20-50% of need for qualifying households, but deadlines fall in December and January, so apply early and submit tax returns promptly.

Do Hawaii Catholic schools require uniforms?

Yes, nearly all require uniforms, usually purchased through a designated vendor or a used-uniform swap run by the parent association. Costs run $200-$500 initially. Some high schools allow senior privileges or spirit-day exceptions. Check the handbook for shoe, hair, and jewelry rules, since enforcement varies by campus and grade level.

What is the Western Catholic Educational Association?

WCEA is the regional accrediting body for Catholic schools in the western United States and Pacific, including Hawaii. Accreditation involves self-study, a visiting team, and a multi-year cycle. Attending a WCEA-accredited school matters for transfer credit, NCAA eligibility, and college admissions verification. Confirm current accreditation status directly with the school.

Are Hawaii Catholic schools single-sex or coed?

Most elementary and parish schools are coed. At the secondary level, several historic Honolulu institutions remain single-sex, while others are coed. Single-sex settings can offer focused advising and strong alumni networks; coed settings simplify sibling logistics. Visit both formats before deciding, since culture differs more than brochures suggest.

How do I apply for financial aid at a Catholic school in Hawaii?

Most schools use FACTS or Clarity for need-based aid, requiring prior-year tax returns, W-2s, and asset documentation. Deadlines typically fall between December and February for the following fall. Some parishes and diocesan funds offer separate scholarships. Apply to multiple schools simultaneously and ask each office whether awards renew annually or require reapplication.

Do Catholic schools in Hawaii offer bus service?

Some Oahu schools run limited routes, but neighbor-island campuses generally do not. Families often carpool, use TheBus, or arrange private shuttles. For outer-island students attending Oahu high schools, boarding or homestay arrangements are common. Confirm transportation before committing, since commute time directly affects homework and extracurricular participation.

What religion classes are required?

Students typically take theology or religious studies each year, plus retreats and Mass attendance. Content ranges from scripture and Church history to ethics and social justice. Non-Catholic students are usually welcome but must participate in religion coursework. Ask how the school accommodates other faiths and whether sacramental preparation is optional or embedded.

How competitive is admission to top Catholic schools in Hawaii?

Selectivity varies widely. Parish elementary schools often admit all registered families, while prominent Honolulu high schools may accept under half of applicants. Entrance exams, transcripts, recommendations, and interviews factor in. Apply to a reach, a match, and a safety school, and note that sibling and legacy policies can shift outcomes.

FAQ

Which Catholic schools in Hawaii are considered the strongest?

Reputation clusters around long-established Honolulu secondary schools and a few Maui and Big Island campuses with strong college matriculation. Strength depends on your criteria: academics, arts, athletics, or spiritual formation. Use accreditation, faculty credentials, and net tuition rather than name recognition alone when comparing options for 2027.

Is Catholic school in Hawaii worth the cost?

For families seeking faith formation, smaller classes, and structured discipline, many find it worthwhile. Compare net cost after aid against public options and consider outcomes like college persistence, not just acceptance. Visit campuses, talk to current parents, and weigh commute and extracurricular tradeoffs before committing to a multi-year tuition obligation.

When should I start the application process?

Begin 12-18 months before enrollment. Tour in the spring, request applications in fall, and submit financial aid forms by December or January. Entrance exams often occur in January, with decisions in March. Late applicants face limited aid and fewer seats, especially at competitive Honolulu high schools.

Do Hawaii Catholic schools accept non-Catholic students?

Most do, though priority sometimes goes to Catholic parishioners. Non-Catholic students typically attend religion classes, retreats, and Mass. Some schools cap non-Catholic enrollment. Ask about admission priority, any additional fees, and how the school supports students from other faith traditions socially and academically.

What extracurriculars are typically offered?

Expect athletics, robotics, drama, band, student government, campus ministry, and service clubs. Neighbor-island schools may offer fewer teams due to travel costs. Participation in service hours is often required for graduation. Ask about practice schedules, travel obligations, and whether fees apply per activity.

How large are class sizes?

Elementary classes often range 18-25 students; high school sections vary from 15-30 depending on the course. Advanced and elective classes tend to be smaller. Ask for student-teacher ratios and actual section sizes, since published ratios can include counselors and specialists who do not teach core courses.

Are there boarding options for neighbor-island families?

A few Hawaii Catholic secondary schools offer boarding or affiliated homestay programs, primarily on Oahu. Capacity is limited and costs add several thousand dollars annually. Some families relocate or arrange guardianship. Confirm supervision, weekend policies, and medical access before choosing a boarding path.

How do Catholic schools handle technology and devices?

Most issue or require laptops or tablets, with acceptable-use policies and filtered networks. Some campuses restrict phones during instructional time. Fees for device programs vary. Ask about repair costs, insurance, and whether the school provides devices for students receiving financial aid.

What happens if we move mid-year?

Transfers depend on seat availability, records, and accreditation compatibility. Tuition refunds follow the enrollment contract, often prorated only in specific circumstances. Request the withdrawal policy in writing and keep copies of transcripts and immunization records to speed placement at the next school.

How can I verify a school's accreditation and safety record?

Check the Western Catholic Educational Association and diocesan websites for accreditation status, and review NCES private-school data for enrollment and governance. Ask the school for its latest safety plan, counselor ratios, and incident policies. Cross-reference with state health and fire inspection records where available.

Sources

• https://www.wcea-schools.org/
• https://www.catholichawaii.org/
• https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/
• https://www.facts.education/
• https://www.collegeboard.org/
• https://www.act.org/
• https://www.hawaii.edu/
• https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/

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