For the 2025 school year, there are 21 public schools serving 9,408 students in Kauai County, HI (there are 7 private schools, serving 1,128 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in Kauai County, HI are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 80%).
The top ranked public schools in Kauai County, HI are Hanalei Elementary School, Koloa Elementary School and Kalaheo Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Kauai County, HI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Hawaii public school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Kauai County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Hawaii public schools.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Hawaii public school average of 89% (majority Asian).
Best Public Schools in Kauai County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Hanalei Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5-5415 Kuhio Hwy
Hanalei, HI 96714
(808) 826-4300
Hanalei, HI 96714
(808) 826-4300
Grades: PK-6
| 218 students
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Koloa Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3223 Poipu Rd
Koloa, HI 96756
(808) 742-8460
Koloa, HI 96756
(808) 742-8460
Grades: PK-5
| 344 students
Rank: #33.
Kalaheo Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4400 Maka Rd
Kalaheo, HI 96741
(808) 332-6801
Kalaheo, HI 96741
(808) 332-6801
Grades: PK-5
| 365 students
Rank: #44.
Alaka'i O Kaua'i Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2-4035 Kaumualii Hwy
Kapaa, HI 96746
(808) 635-5110
Kapaa, HI 96746
(808) 635-5110
Grades: K-7
| 221 students
Rank: #55.
King Kaumualii Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4381 Hanamaulu Rd
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3150
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3150
Grades: PK-5
| 524 students
Rank: #66.
Elsie H Wilcox Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
4319 Hardy St
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 274-3150
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 274-3150
Grades: PK-5
| 724 students
Rank: #77.
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4431 Nuhou St
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3200
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3200
Grades: 6-8
| 846 students
Rank: #88.
Eleele Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4750 Uliuli Rd
Eleele, HI 96705
(808) 335-2111
Eleele, HI 96705
(808) 335-2111
Grades: PK-5
| 385 students
Rank: #9 - 109. - 10.
Kapaa Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4886 Kawaihau Rd
Kapaa, HI 96746
(808) 821-4424
Kapaa, HI 96746
(808) 821-4424
Grades: PK-5
| 824 students
Rank: #9 - 109. - 10.
Kilauea Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2440 Kolo Rd
Kilauea, HI 96754
(808) 828-1212
Kilauea, HI 96754
(808) 828-1212
Grades: PK-6
| 291 students
Rank: #1111.
Waimea High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
9707 Tsuchiya Rd
Waimea, HI 96796
(808) 338-6800
Waimea, HI 96796
(808) 338-6800
Grades: 9-12
| 759 students
Rank: #1212.
Kauai High School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3577 Lala Rd
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 274-3160
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 274-3160
Grades: 9-12
| 1,036 students
Rank: #1313.
Kekaha Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
8140 Kekaha Rd
Kekaha, HI 96752
(808) 337-7655
Kekaha, HI 96752
(808) 337-7655
Grades: PK-5
| 347 students
Rank: #1414.
Kapaa High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4695 Mailihuna Rd
Kapaa, HI 96746
(808) 821-4400
Kapaa, HI 96746
(808) 821-4400
Grades: 9-12
| 1,038 students
Rank: #1515.
Kapaa Middle School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4867 Olohena Rd
Kapaa, HI 96746
(808) 821-4460
Kapaa, HI 96746
(808) 821-4460
Grades: 6-8
| 523 students
Rank: #1616.
Kawaikini - Ncpcs
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3-1821 J Kaumualii Hwy
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 632-2032
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 632-2032
Grades: K-12
| 168 students
Rank: #1717.
Waimea Canyon Middle School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
9555 Huakai Rd
Waimea, HI 96796
(808) 338-6830
Waimea, HI 96796
(808) 338-6830
Grades: 6-8
| 485 students
Rank: #1818.
Niihau High & Elementary School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
C/o Waimea High School, 9707 T
Waimea, HI 96796
(808) 338-6800
Waimea, HI 96796
(808) 338-6800
Grades: PK-12
| 20 students
Rank: #19 - 2119. - 21.
Kanuikapono - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
4333 Kukuihale Rd
Anahola, HI 96703
(808) 823-9160
Anahola, HI 96703
(808) 823-9160
Grades: K-12
| 202 students
Rank: #19 - 2119. - 21.
Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha Learning Center
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
8135 Kekaha Rd
Kekaha, HI 96752
(808) 337-0481
Kekaha, HI 96752
(808) 337-0481
Grades: PK-12
| 43 students
Rank: #19 - 2119. - 21.
Kula Aupuni Niihau A Kahelelani Aloha - Ncpcs
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
8315 Kekaha Rd, Suite K
Kekaha, HI 96752
(808) 337-2022
Kekaha, HI 96752
(808) 337-2022
Grades: PK-12
| 45 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Kauai County, HI?
The top ranked public schools in Kauai County, HI include Hanalei Elementary School, Koloa Elementary School and Kalaheo Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Kauai County?
21 public schools are located in Kauai County.
What percentage of students in Kauai County go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Kauai County are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 80%).
What is the racial composition of students in Kauai County?
Kauai County public schools minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Hawaii public schools average of 89% (majority Asian).
Which public schools in Kauai County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Kauai County include: Waimea Canyon Middle School vs. Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, Kapaa Middle School vs. Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, Kapaa High School vs. Kauai High School
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