Serving 453 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Kalihi Waena Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Hawaii for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 33% (which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35% (which is lower than the Hawaii state average of 52%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Hawaii state level of 14:1.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 453 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in HI
- Math Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Kalihi Waena Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Hawaii for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Kalihi Waena Elementary School's student population of 453 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Total Students
453 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers

Students by Grade

School Rankings
Kalihi Waena Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 292 schools in Hawaii (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Kalihi Waena Elementary School is 0.63, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.80. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#210 out of 292 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
38%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
52%

Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
40%

Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1

American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
43%
24%

Hispanic
4%
19%

Black
n/a
1%

White
n/a
11%

Hawaiian
42%
25%

Two or more races
11%
20%

All Ethnic Groups



Eligible for Free Lunch
57%
37%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
9%

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), HI Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kalihi Waena Elementary School's ranking?
Kalihi Waena Elementary School is ranked #210 out of 292 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Hawaii.
What schools are Kalihi Waena Elementary School often compared to?
Kalihi Waena Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Kapalama Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
33% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% HI state average), while 35% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% HI state average).
How many students attend Kalihi Waena Elementary School?
453 students attend Kalihi Waena Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
43% of Kalihi Waena Elementary School students are Asian, 42% of students are Hawaiian, 11% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Kalihi Waena Elementary School?
Kalihi Waena Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Hawaii state average of 14:1.
What grades does Kalihi Waena Elementary School offer ?
Kalihi Waena Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5
What school district is Kalihi Waena Elementary School part of?
Kalihi Waena Elementary School is part of Hawaii Department Of Education School District.
In what neighborhood is Kalihi Waena Elementary School located?
Kalihi Waena Elementary School is located in the Kalihi Palama neighborhood of Honolulu, HI. There are 10 other public schools located in Kalihi Palama.
School Calendar
View the Kalihi Waena Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Spring Break-No School (Upcoming Events)
March 17, 2025 (Monday)
Last Day for Teachers (Upcoming Events)
June 02, 2025 (Monday)
School Reviews
1 6/30/2018
This school is against parents. No support towards helping or caring for your child. Since half of the kids come from public housing the staff could careless. I had thought this school was great for my kids but boy was I wrong. If your child is 2nd grade and below, then your child is not able to part take in any school sports. It is only available to higher grades. They don't go by age, its done by grades. Such a bummer. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO ATTEND HERE!
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