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Top 10 Public High Schools in Hawaii in 2027

Curated byKory White · Fractional CRO · Maryland

Top 10 Public High Schools in Hawaii in 2027

📖 2,848 words🗓️ Published Aug 4, 2026 · Updated Jun 17, 2026

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Direct Answer

The 10 best public high schools in hawaii are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

1. Mililani High School

Mililani High School ranks first because it combines a graduation rate above 90% with the state's deepest Advanced Placement catalog and well-developed career academies in business, STEM, and the arts. Enrolling roughly 2,400 students in Central Oahu, it maintains a student-teacher ratio near 16:1 while consistently producing National Merit scholars and top robotics teams. Its graduates matriculate to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, mainland universities, and service academies.

This school suits families seeking the most complete public program in the state, where a large enrollment supports broad electives and pathways. It trades away the intimacy of smaller campuses, and the high housing demand in Central Oahu drives up local living costs. Compared to Moanalua below it, Mililani offers a wider array of academies and a stronger National Merit record, though Moanalua counters with superior performing arts and a slightly more compact urban footprint.

2. Moanalua High School

Moanalua High School takes second place for its elite academic performance paired with Hawaii's best public performing arts programs, including award-winning symphony and choral ensembles. Enrolling about 2,000 students in urban Honolulu, it posts a graduation rate around 90% and strong state assessment proficiency, with a respected AP program and a student-teacher ratio near 16:1. Its academic teams and music groups regularly earn state and national recognition. Graduates proceed to UH Manoa, mainland universities, and competitive programs.

This campus is built for students who want top-tier academics alongside serious arts involvement in a central Honolulu location. It trades away the more personal feel of smaller schools, and its competitive culture can be intense. Relative to Mililani above, Moanalua has a smaller AP catalog and fewer career academies, but it wins on performing arts prestige and offers a more urban, accessible setting for families in the Honolulu corridor.

3. Kalani High School

Kalani High School ranks third because it delivers near-90% graduation rates and solid state proficiency within a mid-size East Honolulu campus of about 1,300 students, creating a tighter community than larger rivals. Its well-regarded health and culinary academies provide distinctive career pathways, complemented by a strong AP catalog and a favorable student-teacher ratio around 15:1. Graduates matriculate to UH Manoa, mainland colleges, and career programs tied to its academies.

This school is ideal for East Honolulu families wanting strong academics with practical career focus, especially in health and culinary fields. It trades away the broader course selection of Mililani or Moanalua, and East Honolulu's high cost of living is a barrier. Compared to Kaiser below, Kalani offers a larger AP catalog and more established academies, while Kaiser counters with a smaller, even more close-knit campus and distinctive marine science offerings.

4. Henry J. Kaiser High School

Henry J. Kaiser High School secures fourth place with a graduation rate near 90%, strong state proficiency, and a distinctive marine science program that leverages its coastal Hawaii Kai setting. Enrolling roughly 1,000 students, it maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio around 15:1, supporting a close-knit culture within one of Oahu's most desirable residential areas. Its solid AP program and well-regarded athletics complement the academic core. Graduates enroll at UH Manoa, mainland universities, and competitive programs.

This campus is best for Hawaii Kai families who value a scenic, community-oriented environment with strong but not elite academics. It trades away the larger course catalogs of central Oahu schools, and Hawaii Kai housing is among the priciest on the island. Relative to Kalani above, Kaiser offers a smaller enrollment and unique marine science pathways, but it has fewer career academies and a less extensive AP selection, making Kalani the better choice for broader academic options.

5. President Theodore Roosevelt High School

President Theodore Roosevelt High School ranks fifth for its strong AP program and respected JROTC and academic-team traditions, posting a graduation rate near 88–90% at its historic Honolulu campus. Enrolling about 1,200 students near downtown, it maintains a student-teacher ratio around 15:1 and draws students from across the urban core. Its storied history and leadership programs prepare graduates for UH Manoa, mainland colleges, and service academies. Solid state proficiency rounds out its academic profile.

This school suits Honolulu families wanting a historic campus with strong academics and leadership development in a central location. It trades away modern facilities found at newer west-side campuses, and the urban setting means a larger, busier environment. Compared to Kaiser above, Roosevelt offers a deeper academic-team tradition and JROTC, but Kaiser provides a more scenic, smaller community and superior marine science offerings, making Kaiser the better pick for families prioritizing a tight-knit coastal setting.

6. Kapolei High School

Kapolei High School earns sixth place as the best-value pick, delivering modern facilities and strong career academies in health, engineering, and natural resources while serving a far more economically diverse community than east-side rivals. Enrolling roughly 2,000 students in West Oahu, it posts a graduation rate near 88% with a solid AP catalog and a student-teacher ratio around 16:1.

This school is ideal for West Oahu families wanting strong career pathways and contemporary resources without elite-neighborhood housing costs. It trades away the higher test proficiency of top east-side schools, and rapid growth strains capacity and scheduling. Relative to Roosevelt above, Kapolei offers far superior facilities and more diverse career academies, but Roosevelt counters with a stronger AP program and historic prestige, making Kapolei the pragmatic choice for value-focused families.

7. Kalaheo High School

Kalaheo High School ranks seventh for its strong AP program and respected digital-media academy, posting a graduation rate near 88–90% at its scenic Windward Oahu campus in Kailua. Enrolling roughly 900 students, it offers the lowest student-teacher ratio on this list at around 14:1, supporting close community ties and individual attention. Its arts focus, particularly in digital media, distinguishes it from larger comprehensive schools. Graduates matriculate to UH Manoa, mainland colleges, and creative programs.

This school is best for Windward families wanting strong academics with an arts emphasis in a close-knit, scenic setting. It trades away the broader course catalog of central Oahu schools, and Kailua housing costs are high. Compared to Kapolei above, Kalaheo offers a smaller, more intimate campus and superior arts programs, but Kapolei provides newer facilities and more diverse career academies, making Kalaheo the better choice for students prioritizing individual attention and creative pathways.

8. Pearl City High School

Pearl City High School takes eighth place for its comprehensive program, posting a graduation rate near 88% with a broad AP catalog and well-developed business and STEM career academies. Enrolling about 1,700 students in Central Oahu, it maintains a student-teacher ratio around 16:1 and supports a wide range of athletics, clubs, and pathway options. Its accessible, diverse community serves families across the central corridor. Graduates head to UH Manoa, UH West Oahu, and mainland programs.

This school suits Central Oahu families wanting a large, comprehensive, and accessible school with diverse extracurricular offerings. It trades away the top-tier test proficiency of east-side schools, and its large enrollment can feel impersonal. Relative to Kalaheo above, Pearl City offers a much wider array of academies and athletics, but Kalaheo provides a lower student-teacher ratio and a stronger arts focus, making Pearl City the better fit for students seeking broad options over intimate community.

9. Waiakea High School

Waiakea High School ranks ninth as the top public school on the Big Island, posting a graduation rate near 90%—among the highest in East Hawaii—with solid state proficiency and strong STEM ties to Hilo's observatory community. Enrolling roughly 1,300 students, it maintains a student-teacher ratio around 15:1 and offers a respected AP program. Its astronomy and STEM connections provide distinctive opportunities unavailable on Oahu. Graduates matriculate to UH Hilo, UH Manoa, and mainland universities.

This school is ideal for Big Island families wanting the strongest public option in the Hilo area, particularly those interested in STEM and astronomy. It trades away the larger course catalogs of Oahu's biggest schools, and the rural setting limits some extracurricular options. Compared to Pearl City above, Waiakea offers superior graduation rates and unique STEM ties, but Pearl City provides a more comprehensive academy selection and greater urban access, making Waiakea the clear leader for East Hawaii residents.

10. Hilo High School

Hilo High School rounds out the list with a graduation rate near 86–88%, solid state proficiency, and well-regarded JROTC, athletics, and Hawaiian-studies programs at its historic campus. Enrolling about 1,000 students in central Hilo, it maintains a student-teacher ratio around 15:1 and draws from the urban core with a long community tradition. Its comprehensive offerings include a standard AP program. Graduates head to UH Hilo, UH Manoa, and career pathways.

This school is best for Hilo families wanting a historic, comprehensive campus with strong community ties and leadership programs. It trades away the higher test proficiency of top Oahu schools, and its facilities are older than newer campuses. Relative to Waiakea above, Hilo High offers a richer Hawaiian-studies curriculum and a more historic feel, but Waiakea posts a higher graduation rate and superior STEM connections, making Waiakea the stronger academic choice for Big Island families.

How we ranked these

We measured six weighted factors: academic performance (25%), college outcomes (20%), value (15%), teachers/resources (15%), environment/safety (15%), and extracurriculars (10%). Data came from HIDOE Strive HI report cards, U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, the College Board, and NCES. Because Hawaii has one statewide district, funding gaps are small, so program depth and academy pathways carried extra weight.

We deliberately ignored single ranking numbers, campus age, and neighborhood wealth. In a unified district, chasing the highest test average or newest building misleads families. A school with strong academies, broad AP access, and a supportive culture serves most students better than one with a slightly higher proficiency score but fewer pathways.

What to look for

When choosing between these schools, focus on the career academy and AP catalog that matches your child's interests, then verify the graduation rate and college matriculation data on the Strive HI report card. Visit the campus to gauge culture and safety. Consider commute and housing costs—West Oahu and Hilo offer more value per dollar than East Honolulu, where prices are steep.

The mistake most buyers make is overvaluing a single ranking number or a neighborhood's prestige. Mililani and Moanalua are excellent, but Kapolei's modern facilities and career pathways may serve a career-focused student better. A school's fit with your child's goals matters more than its position on a list.

FAQ

Which is the best public high school in Hawaii?

Mililani High School earns the top spot for combining a graduation rate above 90%, strong state proficiency, a deep AP catalog, well-built career academies, and a leading record in National Merit and robotics. It offers the most complete public program in the state.

What is the best-value public high school in Hawaii?

Kapolei High School in West Oahu offers strong career academies, modern facilities, and a graduation rate near 88% while serving a far more economically diverse community than east-side schools. It delivers the best outcomes per dollar on this list.

How does Hawaii's single-district system affect school quality?

Because Hawaii runs one statewide district, funding differences between campuses are smaller than on the mainland. This means program depth, academy pathways, and outcomes carry extra weight in rankings. A school with strong academies and AP access serves students better than one with a slightly higher test average.

What should I look for when choosing a Hawaii public high school?

Check the HIDOE Strive HI report card for real proficiency and graduation data. Confirm the career academies and AP breadth match your student's interests. Consider student-teacher ratio, location, commute, and housing costs. Visit to gauge culture and fit—these matter more than a single ranking number.

Are Hawaii public high schools free?

Yes, all public high schools in Hawaii are tuition-free. The state Department of Education funds them through taxes. Families only pay for optional items like school supplies, activity fees, and extracurricular costs. This makes them accessible to all residents.

Which Hawaii public high school has the lowest student-teacher ratio?

Kalaheo High School in Kailua has the lowest ratio at 14:1, offering more individual attention. Kaiser and Kalani follow at 15:1, while Mililani, Moanalua, Kapolei, and Pearl City are near 16:1. Smaller ratios often mean tighter communities.

What are the top public high schools in East Honolulu?

Kalani High School and Henry J. Kaiser High School are the top picks in East Honolulu. Kalani offers strong health and culinary academies with a graduation rate near 90%. Kaiser provides solid AP programs and marine science offerings in a scenic Hawaii Kai setting.

Which Hawaii public high school is best for STEM students?

Waiakea High School in Hilo has strong STEM and astronomy ties due to the observatory community, with a graduation rate near 90%. Mililani also excels in robotics and STEM academies. Both offer rigorous AP courses and pathways to technical careers.

How does housing cost affect school choice in Hawaii?

Since Hawaii has one statewide district, neighborhood housing cost often matters more than school funding. East Honolulu and Hawaii Kai have high housing prices, while West Oahu and Hilo offer more affordable options. Families should weigh commute and cost against school programs.

What is the graduation rate at Hilo High School?

Hilo High School has a graduation rate near 86-88%, slightly below the top Oahu schools but solid for the Big Island. It offers strong JROTC, athletics, and Hawaiian-studies programs. For families wanting a historic, comprehensive campus, it's a good choice.

Sources

flowchart TD S["Best public high schools in hawaii"] S --> R0["1. Mililani High School"] S --> R1["2. Moanalua High School"] S --> R2["3. Kalani High School"] S --> R3["4. Henry J. Kaiser High School"] S --> R4["5. President Theodore Roosevelt High "]

flowchart LR A["Choosing public high schools in hawaii"] --> B{"Budget first?"} B -->|"No"| C["Mililani High School"] B -->|"Yes"| D{"Need every feature?"} D -->|"Yes"| E["Henry J. Kaiser High School"] D -->|"No"| F["Hilo High School"]

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## Direct Answer

The 10 best public high schools in hawaii are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

## 1. Mililani High School

Mililani High School ranks first because it combines a graduation rate above 90% with the state's deepest Advanced Placement catalog and well-developed career academies in business, STEM, and the arts. Enrolling roughly 2,400 students in Central Oahu, it maintains a student-teacher ratio near 16:1 while consistently producing National Merit scholars and top robotics teams. Its graduates matriculate to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, mainland universities, and service academies.

This school suits families seeking the most complete public program in the state, where a large enrollment supports broad electives and pathways. It trades away the intimacy of smaller campuses, and the high housing demand in Central Oahu drives up local living costs. Compared to Moanalua below it, Mililani offers a wider array of academies and a stronger National Merit record, though Moanalua counters with superior performing arts and a slightly more compact urban footprint.

## 2. Moanalua High School

Moanalua High School takes second place for its elite academic performance paired with Hawaii's best public performing arts programs, including award-winning symphony and choral ensembles. Enrolling about 2,000 students in urban Honolulu, it posts a graduation rate around 90% and strong state assessment proficiency, with a respected AP program and a student-teacher ratio near 16:1. Its academic teams and music groups regularly earn state and national recognition. Graduates proceed to UH Manoa, mainland universities, and competitive programs.

This campus is built for students who want top-tier academics alongside serious arts involvement in a central Honolulu location. It trades away the more personal feel of smaller schools, and its competitive culture can be intense. Relative to Mililani above, Moanalua has a smaller AP catalog and fewer career academies, but it wins on performing arts prestige and offers a more urban, accessible setting for families in the Honolulu corridor.

## 3. Kalani High School

Kalani High School ranks third because it delivers near-90% graduation rates and solid state proficiency within a mid-size East Honolulu campus of about 1,300 students, creating a tighter community than larger rivals. Its well-regarded health and culinary academies provide distinctive career pathways, complemented by a strong AP catalog and a favorable student-teacher ratio around 15:1. Graduates matriculate to UH Manoa, mainland colleges, and career programs tied to its academies.

This school is ideal for East Honolulu families wanting strong academics with practical career focus, especially in health and culinary fields. It trades away the broader course selection of Mililani or Moanalua, and East Honolulu's high cost of living is a barrier. Compared to Kaiser below, Kalani offers a larger AP catalog and more established academies, while Kaiser counters with a smaller, even more close-knit campus and distinctive marine science offerings.

## 4. Henry J. Kaiser High School

Henry J. Kaiser High School secures fourth place with a graduation rate near 90%, strong state proficiency, and a distinctive marine science program that leverages its coastal Hawaii Kai setting. Enrolling roughly 1,000 students, it maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio around 15:1, supporting a close-knit culture within one of Oahu's most desirable residential areas. Its solid AP program and well-regarded athletics complement the academic core. Graduates enroll at UH Manoa, mainland universities, and competitive programs.

This campus is best for Hawaii Kai families who value a scenic, community-oriented environment with strong but not elite academics. It trades away the larger course catalogs of central Oahu schools, and Hawaii Kai housing is among the priciest on the island. Relative to Kalani above, Kaiser offers a smaller enrollment and unique marine science pathways, but it has fewer career academies and a less extensive AP selection, making Kalani the better choice for broader academic options.

## 5. President Theodore Roosevelt High School

President Theodore Roosevelt High School ranks fifth for its strong AP program and respected JROTC and academic-team traditions, posting a graduation rate near 88–90% at its historic Honolulu campus. Enrolling about 1,200 students near downtown, it maintains a student-teacher ratio around 15:1 and draws students from across the urban core. Its storied history and leadership programs prepare graduates for UH Manoa, mainland colleges, and service academies. Solid state proficiency rounds out its academic profile.

This school suits Honolulu families wanting a historic campus with strong academics and leadership development in a central location. It trades away modern facilities found at newer west-side campuses, and the urban setting means a larger, busier environment. Compared to Kaiser above, Roosevelt offers a deeper academic-team tradition and JROTC, but Kaiser provides a more scenic, smaller community and superior marine science offerings, making Kaiser the better pick for families prioritizing a tight-knit coastal setting.

## 6. Kapolei High School

Kapolei High School earns sixth place as the best-value pick, delivering modern facilities and strong career academies in health, engineering, and natural resources while serving a far more economically diverse community than east-side rivals. Enrolling roughly 2,000 students in West Oahu, it posts a graduation rate near 88% with a solid AP catalog and a student-teacher ratio around 16:1.

This school is ideal for West Oahu families wanting strong career pathways and contemporary resources without elite-neighborhood housing costs. It trades away the higher test proficiency of top east-side schools, and rapid growth strains capacity and scheduling. Relative to Roosevelt above, Kapolei offers far superior facilities and more diverse career academies, but Roosevelt counters with a stronger AP program and historic prestige, making Kapolei the pragmatic choice for value-focused families.

## 7. Kalaheo High School

Kalaheo High School ranks seventh for its strong AP program and respected digital-media academy, posting a graduation rate near 88–90% at its scenic Windward Oahu campus in Kailua. Enrolling roughly 900 students, it offers the lowest student-teacher ratio on this list at around 14:1, supporting close community ties and individual attention. Its arts focus, particularly in digital media, distinguishes it from larger comprehensive schools. Graduates matriculate to UH Manoa, mainland colleges, and creative programs.

This school is best for Windward families wanting strong academics with an arts emphasis in a close-knit, scenic setting. It trades away the broader course catalog of central Oahu schools, and Kailua housing costs are high. Compared to Kapolei above, Kalaheo offers a smaller, more intimate campus and superior arts programs, but Kapolei provides newer facilities and more diverse career academies, making Kalaheo the better choice for students prioritizing individual attention and creative pathways.

## 8. Pearl City High School

Pearl City High School takes eighth place for its comprehensive program, posting a graduation rate near 88% with a broad AP catalog and well-developed business and STEM career academies. Enrolling about 1,700 students in Central Oahu, it maintains a student-teacher ratio around 16:1 and supports a wide range of athletics, clubs, and pathway options. Its accessible, diverse community serves families across the central corridor. Graduates head to UH Manoa, UH West Oahu, and mainland programs.

This school suits Central Oahu families wanting a large, comprehensive, and accessible school with diverse extracurricular offerings. It trades away the top-tier test proficiency of east-side schools, and its large enrollment can feel impersonal. Relative to Kalaheo above, Pearl City offers a much wider array of academies and athletics, but Kalaheo provides a lower student-teacher ratio and a stronger arts focus, making Pearl City the better fit for students seeking broad options over intimate community.

## 9. Waiakea High School

Waiakea High School ranks ninth as the top public school on the Big Island, posting a graduation rate near 90%—among the highest in East Hawaii—with solid state proficiency and strong STEM ties to Hilo's observatory community. Enrolling roughly 1,300 students, it maintains a student-teacher ratio around 15:1 and offers a respected AP program. Its astronomy and STEM connections provide distinctive opportunities unavailable on Oahu. Graduates matriculate to UH Hilo, UH Manoa, and mainland universities.

This school is ideal for Big Island families wanting the strongest public option in the Hilo area, particularly those interested in STEM and astronomy. It trades away the larger course catalogs of Oahu's biggest schools, and the rural setting limits some extracurricular options. Compared to Pearl City above, Waiakea offers superior graduation rates and unique STEM ties, but Pearl City provides a more comprehensive academy selection and greater urban access, making Waiakea the clear leader for East Hawaii residents.

## 10. Hilo High School

Hilo High School rounds out the list with a graduation rate near 86–88%, solid state proficiency, and well-regarded JROTC, athletics, and Hawaiian-studies programs at its historic campus. Enrolling about 1,000 students in central Hilo, it maintains a student-teacher ratio around 15:1 and draws from the urban core with a long community tradition. Its comprehensive offerings include a standard AP program. Graduates head to UH Hilo, UH Manoa, and career pathways.

This school is best for Hilo families wanting a historic, comprehensive campus with strong community ties and leadership programs. It trades away the higher test proficiency of top Oahu schools, and its facilities are older than newer campuses. Relative to Waiakea above, Hilo High offers a richer Hawaiian-studies curriculum and a more historic feel, but Waiakea posts a higher graduation rate and superior STEM connections, making Waiakea the stronger academic choice for Big Island families.

## How we ranked these

We measured six weighted factors: academic performance (25%), college outcomes (20%), value (15%), teachers/resources (15%), environment/safety (15%), and extracurriculars (10%). Data came from HIDOE Strive HI report cards, U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, the College Board, and NCES. Because Hawaii has one statewide district, funding gaps are small, so program depth and academy pathways carried extra weight.

We deliberately ignored single ranking numbers, campus age, and neighborhood wealth. In a unified district, chasing the highest test average or newest building misleads families. A school with strong academies, broad AP access, and a supportive culture serves most students better than one with a slightly higher proficiency score but fewer pathways.

## What to look for

When choosing between these schools, focus on the career academy and AP catalog that matches your child's interests, then verify the graduation rate and college matriculation data on the Strive HI report card. Visit the campus to gauge culture and safety. Consider commute and housing costs—West Oahu and Hilo offer more value per dollar than East Honolulu, where prices are steep.

The mistake most buyers make is overvaluing a single ranking number or a neighborhood's prestige. Mililani and Moanalua are excellent, but Kapolei's modern facilities and career pathways may serve a career-focused student better. A school's fit with your child's goals matters more than its position on a list.

```mermaid
flowchart TD
  S["Best public high schools in hawaii"]
  S --> R0["1. Mililani High School"]
  S --> R1["2. Moanalua High School"]
  S --> R2["3. Kalani High School"]
  S --> R3["4. Henry J. Kaiser High School"]
  S --> R4["5. President Theodore Roosevelt High "]
```

## Related questions

### What are the top public high schools in Hawaii?

The top public high schools in Hawaii include Mililani High School (best overall), Moanalua High School, Kalani High School, Kaiser High School, Roosevelt High School, Kapolei High School (best value), Kalaheo High School, Pearl City High School, Waiakea High School, and Hilo High School. Rankings are based on academics, outcomes, value, and fit.

### Which Hawaii public high school has the highest graduation rate?

Mililani High School leads with a graduation rate above 90%, followed closely by Moanalua, Kalani, Kaiser, and Waiakea, all near 90%. Hilo High School trails slightly at 86-88%. These rates are from HIDOE Strive HI report cards and reflect strong student support systems.

### What is the best public high school on the Big Island?

Waiakea High School in Hilo is the top public school on the Big Island, with a graduation rate near 90%, strong AP programs, and STEM ties to the observatory community. Hilo High School is a solid alternative for families wanting a historic, comprehensive campus with strong JROTC and Hawaiian studies.

### Which Hawaii public high school offers the best career academies?

Kapolei High School excels with career academies in health, engineering, and natural resources, serving a diverse West Oahu community. Mililani and Pearl City also offer well-developed business and STEM academies. These programs provide hands-on pathways to college and careers.

### What is the student-teacher ratio at top Hawaii public high schools?

Most top Hawaii public high schools have student-teacher ratios between 14:1 and 16:1. Kalaheo High School offers the lowest at 14:1, while Mililani, Moanalua, Kapolei, and Pearl City are near 16:1. Smaller ratios like Kaiser's 15:1 allow more individual attention.

### How are Hawaii public high schools ranked?

Rankings use six weighted factors: academic performance (25%), college outcomes (20%), value (15%), teachers/resources (15%), environment/safety (15%), and extracurriculars (10%). Data comes from HIDOE Strive HI report cards, U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, the College Board, and NCES.

### What is the best-value public high school in Hawaii?

Kapolei High School is the best-value pick, offering modern facilities, strong career academies, and a graduation rate near 88% while serving an economically diverse community. Its outcomes-per-dollar are unmatched, making it ideal for West Oahu families seeking quality without elite-neighborhood housing costs.

### Which Hawaii public high school has the best performing arts program?

Moanalua High School has the best performing arts program, with award-winning symphony and choral ensembles that earn state and national recognition. Its central Honolulu location and strong AP program make it a top choice for students balancing academics and arts.

## FAQ

**Which is the best public high school in Hawaii?**

Mililani High School earns the top spot for combining a graduation rate above 90%, strong state proficiency, a deep AP catalog, well-built career academies, and a leading record in National Merit and robotics. It offers the most complete public program in the state.

**What is the best-value public high school in Hawaii?**

Kapolei High School in West Oahu offers strong career academies, modern facilities, and a graduation rate near 88% while serving a far more economically diverse community than east-side schools. It delivers the best outcomes per dollar on this list.

**How does Hawaii's single-district system affect school quality?**

Because Hawaii runs one statewide district, funding differences between campuses are smaller than on the mainland. This means program depth, academy pathways, and outcomes carry extra weight in rankings. A school with strong academies and AP access serves students better than one with a slightly higher test average.

**What should I look for when choosing a Hawaii public high school?**

Check the HIDOE Strive HI report card for real proficiency and graduation data. Confirm the career academies and AP breadth match your student's interests. Consider student-teacher ratio, location, commute, and housing costs. Visit to gauge culture and fit—these matter more than a single ranking number.

**Are Hawaii public high schools free?**

Yes, all public high schools in Hawaii are tuition-free. The state Department of Education funds them through taxes. Families only pay for optional items like school supplies, activity fees, and extracurricular costs. This makes them accessible to all residents.

**Which Hawaii public high school has the lowest student-teacher ratio?**

Kalaheo High School in Kailua has the lowest ratio at 14:1, offering more individual attention. Kaiser and Kalani follow at 15:1, while Mililani, Moanalua, Kapolei, and Pearl City are near 16:1. Smaller ratios often mean tighter communities.

**What are the top public high schools in East Honolulu?**

Kalani High School and Henry J. Kaiser High School are the top picks in East Honolulu. Kalani offers strong health and culinary academies with a graduation rate near 90%. Kaiser provides solid AP programs and marine science offerings in a scenic Hawaii Kai setting.

**Which Hawaii public high school is best for STEM students?**

Waiakea High School in Hilo has strong STEM and astronomy ties due to the observatory community, with a graduation rate near 90%. Mililani also excels in robotics and STEM academies. Both offer rigorous AP courses and pathways to technical careers.

**How does housing cost affect school choice in Hawaii?**

Since Hawaii has one statewide district, neighborhood housing cost often matters more than school funding. East Honolulu and Hawaii Kai have high housing prices, while West Oahu and Hilo offer more affordable options. Families should weigh commute and cost against school programs.

**What is the graduation rate at Hilo High School?**

Hilo High School has a graduation rate near 86-88%, slightly below the top Oahu schools but solid for the Big Island. It offers strong JROTC, athletics, and Hawaiian-studies programs. For families wanting a historic, comprehensive campus, it's a good choice.

```mermaid
flowchart LR
  A["Choosing public high schools in hawaii"] --> B{"Budget first?"}
  B -->|"No"| C["Mililani High School"]
  B -->|"Yes"| D{"Need every feature?"}
  D -->|"Yes"| E["Henry J. Kaiser High School"]
  D -->|"No"| F["Hilo High School"]
```

## Sources

- https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/Pages/Home.aspx
- https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/hawaii
- https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-public-high-schools/s/hawaii/
- https://www.greatschools.org/hawaii/
- https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/
- https://www.collegeboard.org/
- https://www.hawaii.edu/
- https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/hi

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Top 10 Public High Schools in Hawaii in 2027

1. Mililani High School

2. Moanalua High School

3. Kalani High School

4. Henry J. Kaiser High School

5. President Theodore Roosevelt High School

6. Kapolei High School

7. Kalaheo High School

8. Pearl City High School

9. Waiakea High School

10. Hilo High School

How we ranked these

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