PRINCE JONAH KALANIANAOLE ELEMENTARY & INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Prince Jonah Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate School is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Hawaii Department of Education school district, located in Papaikou, HI with about 328 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 8th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 26 teachers, Prince Jonah Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate School has a student/teacher ratio of about 12:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Prince Jonah Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate School is a public school located in the small, scenic community of Papaikou on the Big Island of Hawaii. Serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade, the school is deeply rooted in its local environment, often drawing from the neighboring plantation-era communities north of Hilo. The school is named in honor of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana?ole, a pivotal figure in Hawaiian history and a former Congressional delegate, reflecting the school’s commitment to preserving Hawaiian culture, values, and local heritage.

As a K-8 institution, the school plays a central role in the lives of North Hilo families, fostering a close-knit, community-focused educational environment. The curriculum emphasizes academic development while integrating place-based learning that reflects the unique geography and history of the Hamakua Coast. By serving both elementary and intermediate students, the school provides a stable transition period, aiming to prepare students for the academic and social demands of high school while maintaining a supportive and culturally responsive atmosphere.

For more information, contact Prince Jonah Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate School at (808) 964-9700 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.