Middle school plays an important role in shaping a student’s academic and personal development. In Hawaii, many middle schools focus on strong academic programs, cultural awareness, and community engagement to support student success.
This 2026 guide highlights the Best Middle Schools in Hawaii, helping families compare student population, grade levels, and student-teacher ratios across leading schools in Honolulu, Mililani, Kailua, Hilo, and Kapolei.
Comparison Table
| Rank | School | City | Grades | Students | Student-Teacher Ratio |
| #1 | Kaimuki Middle School | Honolulu | 6–8 | 201 | 18:1 |
| #2 | Niu Valley Middle School | Honolulu | 6–8 | 272 | 17:1 |
| #3 | Moanalua Middle School | Honolulu | 7–8 | 394 | 16:1 |
| #4 | Mililani Middle School | Mililani | 6–8 | 418 | 17:1 |
| #5 | Highlands Intermediate School | Pearl City | 7–8 | 210 | 16:1 |
| #6 | School for Examining Essential Questions of Sustainability | Honolulu | 6–8 | 178 | 11:1 |
| #7 | Kailua Intermediate School | Kailua | 7–8 | 359 | 16:1 |
| #8 | Hilo Intermediate School | Hilo | 7–8 | 243 | 13:1 |
| #9 | Aliamanu Middle School | Honolulu | 7–8 | 388 | 16:1 |
| #10 | Kapolei Middle School | Kapolei | 6–8 | 246 | 13:1 |
1. Kaimuki Middle School – Honolulu
Kaimuki Middle School ranks #1 among middle schools in Hawaii for 2026. Located in Honolulu, the school serves grades 6–8 and enrolls about 201 students. With an 18:1 student-teacher ratio, the school provides structured learning and strong academic support. Kaimuki Middle School also encourages student participation in extracurricular activities and community programs.
Address: 631 18th Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Ranking: #1 Middle School in HI
Grades: 6–8
Students: 201
Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Link: Visit this school
2. Niu Valley Middle School – Honolulu
Niu Valley Middle School serves students in grades 6–8 and enrolls 272 students. Located in a suburban part of Honolulu, the school maintains a 17:1 student-teacher ratio. Niu Valley Middle School emphasizes academic excellence, student engagement, and extracurricular opportunities that support leadership and collaboration.
Address: 310 Halemaumau St, Honolulu, HI 96821
Ranking: #2 Middle School in HI
Grades: 6–8
Students: 272
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Link: Visit this school
3. Moanalua Middle School – Honolulu
Moanalua Middle School serves students in grades 7–8 and enrolls 394 students. With a 16:1 student-teacher ratio, the school provides a balanced academic environment. Located in Honolulu, it offers strong academic programs and extracurricular activities that help students build leadership and teamwork skills.
Address: 1289 Mahiole St, Honolulu, HI 96819
Ranking: #3 Middle School in HI
Grades: 7–8
Students: 394
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Link: Visit this school
4. Mililani Middle School – Mililani
Mililani Middle School serves grades 6–8 and enrolls 418 students. Located in a suburban community, the school maintains a 17:1 student-teacher ratio. Mililani Middle School is known for strong academic performance and active participation in extracurricular programs.
Address: 95-1140 Lehiwa Dr, Mililani, HI 96789
Ranking: #4 Middle School in HI
Grades: 6–8
Students: 418
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Link: Visit this school
5. Highlands Intermediate School – Pearl City
Highlands Intermediate School enrolls 210 students in grades 7–8 with a 16:1 student-teacher ratio. Located in Pearl City, the school focuses on academic development and encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities.
Address: 1460 Hoolaulea St, Pearl City, HI 96782
Ranking: #5 Middle School in HI
Grades: 7–8
Students: 210
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Link: Visit this school
6. School for Examining Essential Questions of Sustainability – Honolulu
This charter school serves grades 6–8 and enrolls 178 students. With an excellent 11:1 student-teacher ratio, the school provides highly personalized instruction. Its curriculum focuses on sustainability, critical thinking, and project-based learning.
Address: 1728 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817
Ranking: #6 Middle School in HI
Grades: 6–8
Students: 178
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
Link: Visit this school
7. Kailua Intermediate School – Kailua
Kailua Intermediate School serves students in grades 7–8 and enrolls 359 students. With a 16:1 student-teacher ratio, the school offers a balanced academic environment and extracurricular opportunities.
Address: 145 South Kainalu Dr, Kailua, HI 96734
Ranking: #7 Middle School in HI
Grades: 7–8
Students: 359
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Link: Visit this school
📚 Historical & Interesting Facts
- Hawaii uses intermediate schools (grades 7–8) instead of traditional middle schools in some districts.
- Many schools integrate Hawaiian culture and environmental education into their curriculum.
- Honolulu has the highest concentration of top-ranked middle schools in the state.
- Student-teacher ratios across the top schools typically range from 11:1 to 18:1.
8. Hilo Intermediate School – Hilo
Hilo Intermediate School enrolls 243 students in grades 7–8 and maintains a 13:1 student-teacher ratio. Located in Hilo, the school provides strong academic programs and encourages student involvement in activities.
Address: 587 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Ranking: #8 Middle School in HI
Grades: 7–8
Students: 243
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Link: Visit this school
9. Aliamanu Middle School – Honolulu
Aliamanu Middle School serves grades 7–8 and enrolls 388 students. With a 16:1 student-teacher ratio, the school offers strong academic programs and extracurricular opportunities.
Address: 3271 Salt Lake Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96818
Ranking: #9 Middle School in HI
Grades: 7–8
Students: 388
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Link: Visit this school
10. Kapolei Middle School – Kapolei
Kapolei Middle School serves grades 6–8 and enrolls 246 students. With a 13:1 student-teacher ratio, the school offers a supportive learning environment and strong academic programs.
Address: 91-5335 Kapolei Pkwy, Kapolei, HI 96707
Ranking: #10 Middle School in HI
Grades: 6–8
Students: 246
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Link: Visit this school
Conclusion
Hawaii offers several excellent middle school options across Honolulu, Mililani, Kailua, and Hilo. These schools provide balanced academic programs, strong community involvement, and extracurricular opportunities to help students succeed.
When selecting the best middle school, families should consider factors such as class size, academic performance, and the school’s overall environment.
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FAQs
Kaimuki Middle School in Honolulu ranks #1 in Hawaii for 2026.
Honolulu has several schools listed among the top rankings.
Most serve grades 6–8, while some intermediate schools serve grades 7–8.
A ratio between 11:1 and 17:1 is considered strong for personalized instruction.
Yes, all schools listed are public middle schools in Hawaii.
