For the 2025 school year, there are 34 public preschools serving 13,782 students in Hawaii County, HI.
The top ranked public preschools in Hawaii County, HI are Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Kona Pacific - Pcs and Waiakea Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hawaii County, HI public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 29% (versus the Hawaii public pre school average of 44%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 51% statewide average). Pre schools in Hawaii County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Hawaii public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Hawaii public preschool average of 89% (majority Asian and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Hawaii County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
278 Ainako Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4855
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4855
Grades: PK-6
| 465 students
Rank: #22.
Kona Pacific - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
79-7595 Mamalahoa Hwy
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 322-4900
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 322-4900
Grades: PK-8
| 178 students
Rank: #33.
Waiakea Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
180 W Puainako St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7215
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7215
Grades: PK-5
| 725 students
Rank: #44.
Kaumana Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1710 Kaumana Dr
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4190
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4190
Grades: PK-6
| 228 students
Rank: #55.
Waiakeawaena Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2420 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7200
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7200
Grades: PK-5
| 672 students
Rank: #66.
Holualoa Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
76-5957 Mamalahoa Hwy
Holualoa, HI 96725
(808) 322-4800
Holualoa, HI 96725
(808) 322-4800
Grades: PK-5
| 437 students
Rank: #77.
Haaheo Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
121 Haaheo Rd
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4111
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4111
Grades: PK-6
| 132 students
Rank: #88.
Kahakai Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
76-147 Royal Poinciana Dr
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 327-4313
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 327-4313
Grades: PK-5
| 538 students
Rank: #99.
Honokaa Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
45-534 Pakalana St
Honokaa, HI 96727
(808) 775-8820
Honokaa, HI 96727
(808) 775-8820
Grades: PK-6
| 376 students
Rank: #1010.
Waikoloa Elementary And Middle School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
68-1730 Hooko St
Waikoloa, HI 96738
(808) 883-6808
Waikoloa, HI 96738
(808) 883-6808
Grades: PK-8
| 728 students
Rank: #1111.
Hilo Union Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
506 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-0900
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-0900
Grades: PK-6
| 446 students
Rank: #1212.
Konawaena Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
81-901 Onouli Rd
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 323-4555
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 323-4555
Grades: PK-5
| 530 students
Rank: #1313.
Paauilo Elementary & Intermediate School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
43-1497 Hauola Rd
Paauilo, HI 96776
(808) 776-7710
Paauilo, HI 96776
(808) 776-7710
Grades: PK-9
| 202 students
Rank: #1414.
Volcano School Of Arts & Sciences - A Community Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
99-128 Old Volcano Rd
Volcano, HI 96785
(808) 985-9800
Volcano, HI 96785
(808) 985-9800
Grades: PK-12
| 308 students
Rank: #15 - 1615. - 16.
Hookena Elementary School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
86-4355 Mamalahoa Hwy
Captain Cook, HI 96704
(808) 328-2710
Captain Cook, HI 96704
(808) 328-2710
Grades: PK-5
| 99 students
Rank: #15 - 1615. - 16.
Keaukaha Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
240 Desha Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4181
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4181
Grades: PK-6
| 358 students
Rank: #1717.
Kua O Ka La - Ncpcs
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
345 Makalika
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-5866
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-5866
Grades: PK-8
| 185 students
Rank: #1818.
Waimea Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
67-1225 Mamalahoa Hwy
Kamuela, HI 96743
(808) 887-7636
Kamuela, HI 96743
(808) 887-7636
Grades: PK-5
| 456 students
Rank: #19 - 2019. - 20.
Ka Umeke Kaeo - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1500 Kalanianaole Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-0470
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-0470
Grades: PK-12
| 275 students
Rank: #19 - 2019. - 20.
Kohala Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
54-3609 Akoni Pule Hwy
Kapaau, HI 96755
(808) 889-7100
Kapaau, HI 96755
(808) 889-7100
Grades: PK-5
| 374 students
Rank: #2121.
Honaunau Elementary School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
83-5360 Mamalahoa Hwy
Captain Cook, HI 96704
(808) 328-2727
Captain Cook, HI 96704
(808) 328-2727
Grades: PK-5
| 145 students
Rank: #2222.
Keaau Elementary School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
16-680 Keaau-pahoa Rd
Keaau, HI 96749
(808) 982-4210
Keaau, HI 96749
(808) 982-4210
Grades: PK-5
| 821 students
Rank: #2323.
Laupahoehoe Community - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
35-2065 Mamalahoa Hwy
Laupahoehoe, HI 96764
(808) 962-2200
Laupahoehoe, HI 96764
(808) 962-2200
Grades: PK-12
| 324 students
Rank: #2424.
Na Wai Ola - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
18-1355 Volcano Hwy
Mountain View, HI 96771
(808) 968-2318
Mountain View, HI 96771
(808) 968-2318
Grades: PK-6
| 97 students
Rank: #2525.
Mountain View Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
18-1235 Volcano Hwy
Mountain View, HI 96771
(808) 968-2300
Mountain View, HI 96771
(808) 968-2300
Grades: PK-5
| 484 students
Rank: #2626.
Ke Kula O Nawahiokalaniopuu Iki - Laboratory Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
16-120 Opukahaia St, Suite 2
Keaau, HI 96749
(808) 982-4260
Keaau, HI 96749
(808) 982-4260
Grades: PK-8
| 527 students
Rank: #2727.
Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
81-1041 Konawaena School Rd
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 323-1900
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 323-1900
Grades: PK-12
| 284 students
Rank: #2828.
Pahoa Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
15-3030 Puna Rd
Pahoa, HI 96778
(808) 965-2141
Pahoa, HI 96778
(808) 965-2141
Grades: PK-6
| 394 students
Rank: #2929.
Prince Jonah Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
27-330 Old Mamalahoa Hwy
Papaikou, HI 96781
(808) 964-9700
Papaikou, HI 96781
(808) 964-9700
Grades: PK-8
| 244 students
Rank: #3030.
Keonepoko Elementary School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
15-890 Kahakai Blvd
Pahoa, HI 96778
(808) 965-2131
Pahoa, HI 96778
(808) 965-2131
Grades: PK-6
| 552 students
Rank: #3131.
Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
966 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4160
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4160
Grades: PK-6
| 384 students
Rank: #3232.
Kealakehe Elementary School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
74-5118 Kealakaa St
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 327-4308
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 327-4308
Grades: PK-5
| 900 students
Rank: #3333.
Naalehu Elementary School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
95-5545 Mamalahoa Hwy
Naalehu, HI 96772
(808) 939-2413
Naalehu, HI 96772
(808) 939-2413
Grades: PK-6
| 394 students
Rank: #3434.
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
96-3150 Pikake St
Pahala, HI 96777
(808) 928-2088
Pahala, HI 96777
(808) 928-2088
Grades: PK-12
| 520 students
Hawaii County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
94-1581 Kaulua Circle
Naalehu, HI 96772
(808) 498-0761
Naalehu, HI 96772
(808) 498-0761
Grades: 3-7
| 79 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Hawaii County, HI?
The top ranked public preschools in Hawaii County, HI include Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Kona Pacific - Pcs and Waiakea Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Hawaii County?
34 public preschools are located in Hawaii County.
What is the racial composition of students in Hawaii County?
Hawaii County public preschools minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Hawaii public preschools average of 89% (majority Asian and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Hawaii County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Hawaii County include: Waiakeawaena Elementary School vs. Waiakea Elementary School, Haaheo Elementary School vs. Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Waiakea Elementary School vs. Waiakeawaena Elementary School
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
