For the 2025 school year, there are 16 public schools serving 7,991 students in 96720, HI (there are , serving 613 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in 96720, HI are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 80%).
The top ranked public schools in 96720, HI are Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Waiakea High School and Waiakeawaena Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 96720 have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Hawaii public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in 96720, HI have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Hawaii public schools.
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Hawaii public school average of 89% (majority Asian).
Best 96720, HI Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
278 Ainako Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4855
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4855
Gr: PK-6 | 465 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #22.
Waiakea High School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
155 W Kawili St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4888
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4888
Gr: 9-12 | 1,217 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #33.
Waiakeawaena Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2420 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7200
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7200
Gr: PK-5 | 672 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #44.
Ke Ana Laahana - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
160 Baker Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-6228
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-6228
Gr: 7-12 | 26 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #55.
Haaheo Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
121 Haaheo Rd
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4111
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4111
Gr: PK-6 | 132 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #66.
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
Gr: PK-6 | 228 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #77.
Waiakea Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
180 W Puainako St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7215
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7215
Gr: PK-5 | 725 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #88.
Hilo Intermediate School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
587 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4955
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4955
Gr: 7-8 | 486 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #99.
Hilo Union Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
506 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-0900
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-0900
Gr: PK-6 | 446 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #1010.
Waiakea Intermediate School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
200 W Puainako St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7231
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 981-7231
Gr: 6-8 | 854 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #1111.
Hilo High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
556 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4021
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4021
Gr: 9-12 | 1,192 student Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #1212.
Keaukaha Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
240 Desha Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4181
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4181
Gr: PK-6 | 358 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1313.
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
Gr: PK-8 | 185 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #14 - 1514. - 15.
Connections - New Century Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
174 Kamehameha Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-3664
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-3664
Gr: K-12 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #14 - 1514. - 15.
Ka Umeke Kaeo - Pcs
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1500 Kalanianaole Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-0470
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-0470
Gr: PK-12 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1616.
Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
966 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4160
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-4160
Gr: PK-6 | 384 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 96720, HI?
The top ranked public schools in 96720, HI include Ernest Bowen Desilva Elementary School, Waiakea High School and Waiakeawaena Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 96720?
16 public schools are located in 96720.
What percentage of students in 96720 go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in 96720 are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 80%).
What is the racial composition of students in 96720?
96720 public schools minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Hawaii public schools average of 89% (majority Asian).
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