For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 3,079 students in Makawao, HI (there are 5 private schools, serving 2,028 private students). 59% of all K-12 students in Makawao, HI are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 81%).
The top-ranked public schools in Makawao, HI are Pukalani Elementary School, King Kekaulike High School and Makawao Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Makawao, HI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the Hawaii public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Makawao have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Hawaii public schools.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Hawaii public school average of 89% (majority Asian).
Best Public Schools in Makawao, HI (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pukalani Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2945 Iolani St
Makawao, HI 96768
(808) 573-8760
Makawao, HI 96768
(808) 573-8760
Gr: PK-5 | 455 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #22.
King Kekaulike High School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
121 Kula Hwy
Makawao, HI 96768
(808) 573-8710
Makawao, HI 96768
(808) 573-8710
Gr: 9-12 | 1,217 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #33.
Makawao Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3542 Baldwin Ave
Makawao, HI 96768
(808) 573-8770
Makawao, HI 96768
(808) 573-8770
Gr: PK-5 | 463 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #44.
Samuel Enoka Kalama Intermediate School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
120 Makani Rd
Makawao, HI 96768
(808) 573-8735
Makawao, HI 96768
(808) 573-8735
Gr: 6-8 | 944 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Makawao, HI?
The top-ranked public schools in Makawao, HI include Pukalani Elementary School, King Kekaulike High School and Makawao Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Makawao?
4 public schools are located in Makawao.
What percentage of students in Makawao go to public school?
59% of all K-12 students in Makawao are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 81%).
What is the racial composition of students in Makawao?
Makawao public schools minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Hawaii public schools average of 89% (majority Asian).
Which public schools in Makawao are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Makawao include: Pukalani Elementary School vs. Makawao Elementary School, Makawao Elementary School vs. Pukalani Elementary School, Samuel Enoka Kalama Intermediate School vs. King Kekaulike High School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
