Waiakea High School

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Waiakea High School

Public High School | Grade 9-12
155 W Kawili St,  Hilo, HI
Hawaii Department Of Education
4.0
2.8
1,183 Students
A
Niche Grade

School Details

Head of School
Kelcy Koga
Student Teacher Ratio
15:1
Average SAT Score
1200
Average ACT Score
23
Math Proficiency
42%
Reading Proficiency
61%
Average GPA
3.48
Graduation Rate
87%

Niche Grade

B+
Academics
A-
Teachers
B+
College Prep
A-
Administration
A-
Resources/Facilities
A
Clubs and Activities
A
Sports
B
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.48
Reading Proficiency
61%
Math Proficiency
42%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
15:1
Teachers
77
Full Time Teachers
77
Teachers in First or Second Year
9.8%
College Prep
Average SAT
1200
Math
600
Verbal
600
Average ACT
23
Math
23
English
23
Reading
25
Science
23
Number of AP Courses
9
AP Pass Rate
48.3%
AP Math Enrollment
Very Low
AP Science Enrollment
Average
Other AP Enrollment
Very Low
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
Average

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Test Scores

Math
32.1%
State Average
38%
Science
33.2%
State Average
39.9%
GreatSchools Test Scores Rating
GreatSchools
The Test Score Rating reflects annual state test results for this school compared with scores statewide.

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
209:1

Student Diversity

Female
52.5%
Male
47.5%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
26%
Hispanic
23.9%
Two or more races
20.5%
Asian or Pacific Islander
20.4%
White
8.6%
Black
<1%
Native American
<1%

School Rankings

#2 Most Diverse Public HS in Hawaii
Source: Niche

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
IB Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
University of Hawaii at Hilo 351 Students
University of Hawaii at Manoa 335 Students
University of Washington 152 Students
Hawaii Community College 144 Students
Oregon State University 126 Students
Washington State University 125 Students
Grand Canyon University 118 Students
Seattle University 113 Students
University of Nevada, Las Vegas 106 Students
University of Portland 97 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Psychology 108 Students
Biology 98 Students
Nursing 94 Students
Business 81 Students
Kinesiology and Exercise Science 40 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 37 Students
Liberal Arts and Humanities 36 Students
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration 28 Students
Criminology 27 Students
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 26 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.0 270 Reviews
4.0 Senior
5/28/2025
The best experience I've encountered at Waiakea Highschool was the teachers. They provided help and guidance for me when I was struggling with work. Teachers at Waiakea High make the learning experience very easy without changing learning levels. They also build great relationships with students to make sure we enjoy what we learn.
5.0
9/19/2024
Waiakea High schools has many good qualities, resources for students. They provide a safe environment, make sure kids are well behaved, teachers are proactive on making sure students understand their class work. Waiakea has a good sports program with support and provide pre-college classes to help students get ahead.
5.0 Senior
8/17/2024
I entered Waiakea High School my freshman year, and was scared. However, over the past four years, I have received so much support from my teachers and peers. While I still sometimes feel as if I don't quite belong, I've been able to discover who I am at this school. As far as academics, the teachers are amazing and the range of courses offered is large. There are so many great school events, and so many opportunities to get involved. Waiakea High School is known for their good test scores. They're also known for their golf, air riflery, and tennis. While they offer a range of sports, those are the ones that do the best. Overall, I believe Waiakea High School is a well rounded school, and is amazing at supporting their students and faculty.
GreatSchools Reviews
2.8 8 Reviews
4.0 student
8/30/2025
It's a good school. I personally think that there could be things to improve, but the overall quality of the school is great. All the staff, from the administrators, to the teachers, to the security, are all friendly and do their jobs well. The campus feels pretty safe, and it's maintained well.
1.0 parent
10/18/2023
Waiakea High School touts itself on being academically driven and a great place to learn. Personally, I feel that it's anything but that. With the larger class sizes and limited amount of resources available, there are one too many children that fall in between the cracks. Aside from that, the amoun...
5.0 parent
11/5/2021
The school has done a great job of transitioning my freshman student. Teachers gave been very responsive and caring. Very happy with the school.
4.0 parent
6/11/2021
This school has definitely improved within the last few years. I notice some say that teachers would fail you if your were disliked, although I can’t completely disagree, the teachers would just give you a harder time but not fail. I faced very few bad experiences with teachers but based on what I h...

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Waiakea High School is a public school for students in grades 9-12 in Hilo, HI, in the Hilo neighborhood, and is served by the Hawaii Department Of Education in Hawaii. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 1,183 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. Academic records show that 42% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 61% are proficient in reading. Waiakea High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A and a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.48, the graduation rate is 87%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1200 and an ACT score of 23. The average home value in this area is $637,478. Discover additional schools in the area, like Saint Joseph High School, Waiakea Intermediate School, Mauna Loa School, and more. Learn more about what Hilo has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Waiakea High School.

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