Elementary school lays the foundation for a child’s academic success, social development, and lifelong learning habits. In Hawaii, many elementary schools emphasize strong academics, community engagement, and cultural education that reflects the state’s unique heritage.
This guide highlights the Best Elementary Schools in Hawaii (2026), helping families compare enrollment, grade levels, and student-teacher ratios across schools in Honolulu and nearby communities.
Comparison Table
| Rank | School | City | Grades | Students | Student-Teacher Ratio |
| #1 | Maemae Elementary School | Honolulu | PK–5 | 332 | 14:1 |
| #2 | Nuuanu Elementary School | Honolulu | PK–5 | 307 | 13:1 |
| #3 | Mayor John H Wilson Elementary School | Honolulu | PK–5 | 259 | 13:1 |
| #4 | Lt Col Horrace Meek Hickam Elementary School | Honolulu | PK–6 | 270 | 15:1 |
| #5 | King Liholiho Elementary School | Honolulu | PK–5 | 457 | 14:1 |
| #6 | Aliiolani Elementary School | Honolulu | PK–5 | 228 | 13:1 |
| #7 | Major General William R Shafter Elementary School | Honolulu | PK–6 | 390 | 15:1 |
| #8 | Moanalua Elementary School | Honolulu | PK–6 | 339 | 16:1 |
| #9 | Mililani Waena Elementary School | Mililani | PK–5 | 339 | 14:1 |
| #10 | Pauoa Elementary School | Honolulu | PK–5 | 357 | 14:1 |
1. Maemae Elementary School – Honolulu
Maemae Elementary School ranks #1 among elementary schools in Hawaii for 2026. Located in the Kalihi-Palama area of Honolulu, the school serves grades PK–5 and enrolls 332 students. With a 14:1 student-teacher ratio, Maemae Elementary offers strong academic programs and a supportive learning environment that encourages student growth and community involvement.
Address: 319 Wyllie St, Honolulu, HI 96817
Ranking: #1 Elementary School in HI
Grades: PK–5
Students: 332
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Link: Visit this school
2. Nuuanu Elementary School – Honolulu
Nuuanu Elementary School serves grades PK–5 and enrolls 307 students. Located in the scenic Nuuanu Valley area of Honolulu, the school maintains a 13:1 student-teacher ratio. Nuuanu Elementary focuses on strong academics, student engagement, and community involvement to help children develop important academic and social skills.
Address: 3055 Puiwa Ln, Honolulu, HI 96817
Ranking: #2 Elementary School in HI
Grades: PK–5
Students: 307
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Link: Visit this school
3. Mayor John H Wilson Elementary School – Honolulu
Mayor John H. Wilson Elementary School serves students from PK–5 and enrolls approximately 259 students. Located in the Kaimuki-Palolo area of Honolulu, the school maintains a 13:1 student-teacher ratio. The school offers strong academic programs and encourages participation in cultural and extracurricular activities.
Address: 4945 Kilauea Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Ranking: #3 Elementary School in HI
Grades: PK–5
Students: 259
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Link: Visit this school
4. Lt Col Horrace Meek Hickam Elementary School – Honolulu
Lt. Col. Horace Meek Hickam Elementary School serves grades PK–6 and enrolls about 270 students. Located on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the school supports many military families and provides a structured academic environment with a 15:1 student-teacher ratio.
Address: Manzelman Cir, Honolulu, HI 96818
Ranking: #4 Elementary School in HI
Grades: PK–6
Students: 270
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Link: Visit this school
5. King Liholiho Elementary School – Honolulu
King Liholiho Elementary School serves grades PK–5 and enrolls approximately 457 students. Located in the Kaimuki neighborhood of Honolulu, the school maintains a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and emphasizes academic development, cultural awareness, and community engagement.
Address: 3430 Maunaloa Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Ranking: #5 Elementary School in HI
Grades: PK–5
Students: 457
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Link: Visit this school
6. Aliiolani Elementary School – Honolulu
Aliiolani Elementary School serves students in grades PK–5 and enrolls about 228 students. Located in the Kaimuki-Palolo area, the school maintains a 13:1 student-teacher ratio. It is known for its supportive teachers and strong academic focus.
Address: 1240 7th Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Ranking: #6 Elementary School in HI
Grades: PK–5
Students: 228
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Link: Visit this school
7. Major General William R Shafter Elementary School – Honolulu
Major General William R. Shafter Elementary School serves grades PK–6 with 390 students. Located on the Fort Shafter military base, the school supports military families and maintains a 15:1 student-teacher ratio.
Address: 2 Fort Shafter, Honolulu, HI 96819
Ranking: #7 Elementary School in HI
Grades: PK–6
Students: 390
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Link: Visit this school
📚 Historical & Interesting Facts
- Many Hawaii elementary schools incorporate Hawaiian culture, language, and environmental education into their curriculum.
- Honolulu has the largest concentration of top-ranked schools in the state.
- Several schools serve military communities, especially near Pearl Harbor and Fort Shafter.
- Student-teacher ratios across top schools typically range between 13:1 and 16:1.
8. Moanalua Elementary School – Honolulu
Moanalua Elementary School serves grades PK–6 and enrolls approximately 339 students. Located in Honolulu’s Moanalua neighborhood, the school maintains a 16:1 student-teacher ratio and offers balanced academic programs and extracurricular activities.
Address: 1337 Mahiole St, Honolulu, HI 96819
Ranking: #8 Elementary School in HI
Grades: PK–6
Students: 339
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Link: Visit this school
9. Mililani Waena Elementary School – Mililani
Mililani Waena Elementary School serves students from PK–5 and enrolls about 339 students. Located in the Mililani community, the school maintains a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and emphasizes academic excellence and student development.
Address: 95-502 Kipapa Dr, Mililani, HI 96789
Ranking: #9 Elementary School in HI
Grades: PK–5
Students: 339
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Link: Visit this school
10. Pauoa Elementary School – Honolulu
Pauoa Elementary School serves grades PK–5 and enrolls approximately 357 students. Located in the Pauoa Valley area of Honolulu, the school maintains a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and offers strong academic programs and community engagement opportunities.
Address: 2301 Pauoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96813
Ranking: #10 Elementary School in HI
Grades: PK–5
Students: 357
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Link: Visit this school
Conclusion
Hawaii offers many excellent elementary schools that provide strong academic programs, cultural education, and supportive learning environments. Schools in Honolulu and Mililani continue to rank among the best due to their strong academic results and community involvement.
Parents should consider factors such as student-teacher ratio, academic performance, and location when choosing the best elementary school for their child.
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FAQs
Maemae Elementary School in Honolulu ranks #1 in Hawaii for 2026.
Honolulu has the highest number of top-ranked elementary schools.
Most serve PK–5, while some schools also include PK–6.
A ratio between 13:1 and 16:1 is considered strong for personalized instruction.
Yes, all schools listed are public elementary schools in Hawaii.
