Kealakehe High School

Hawaii Department of Education
74-5000 Puohulihuli St
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
1,450 Students
High School 9th - 12th
School Overview
Kealakehe High School, located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, serves as a primary educational hub for the West Hawaii community. Known as the "Home of the Waveriders," the school is committed to fostering an environment that balances rigorous academic standards with the unique cultural heritage of the islands. Its curriculum is designed to prepare students for both post-secondary education and the workforce, offering a variety of programs including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education (CTE) pathways, and diverse extracurricular activities ranging from athletics to performing arts.

Beyond academics, Kealakehe High School emphasizes community engagement and the development of well-rounded, responsible citizens. The school encourages a sense of belonging through its house systems and collaborative initiatives that often involve local partnerships. With a campus that reflects the vibrant spirit of Kona, the school focuses on personal growth, technological literacy, and the integration of Hawaiian values, aiming to support the success of every student as they navigate their future goals in a global society.
1,450
Total Students
81.0
Full-Time Teachers
17.9
Student/Teacher Ratio
49.4%
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics
  • Pacific Islander
    586 (40.4 %)
  • White
    274 (18.9 %)
  • Asian
    231 (15.9 %)
  • Hispanic
    217 (15.0 %)
  • Two or More
    134 (9.2 %)
  • Black
    4 (0.3 %)
  • American Indian
    4 (0.3 %)
School Location
School Details
Status: Open
School Level: High School
School Type: Regular School
Charter Status:* Public Non-Charter
Virtual Instruction: No virtual instruction
Shared Time Status: No
District: Hawaii Department of Education
Phone: (808)327-4300
Grade Range: 9th - 12th
Total Students: 1,450
Full-Time Teachers (FTE): 81.0
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 17.9
NSLP Participation:1 Yes participating without using any Provision or the CEO
Qualified Free Lunch: 606
Qualified Reduced Lunch: 110

* Charter Schools: A public charter school is a publicly funded school that operates independently under a legislative contract (or "charter") with a state, school district, or designated authorizing entity. Charters grant these schools greater operational flexibility over curriculum, staffing, and budgeting in exchange for strict accountability to achieve performance standards established in their charter agreement.

1 National School Lunch Program (NSLP): The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to eligible children each school day based on household income thresholds or community eligibility options (CEO).

Title I Program Overview: Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) allocates federal financial assistance to local educational agencies and public schools with high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.

Grades Taught
Grade 9 490
Grade 10 366
Grade 11 325
Grade 12 261
Ungraded 8
Gender Ratio
Nearby High Schools (Within 10 Miles)
West Hawaii Explorations Academy
Hawaii Department of Education
Charter School 274 Students
73-4500 Kahilihili St
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (3.9 miles away)
High School 6th - 12th