5-21-23 Dance Showcase was held in the upper gym. We left home 2-1/2 hours before showtime and the parking structure was already so full. We got one small stall on the top level in the sun. Fortunately they had a bake sale plus snack goodies and bottled water that I so desperately needed. Not even June but it's definitely very hot. The gym was packed with guests even sitting on the gym floor on one side of the perimeter. So cute to see the little ones just mastering tumbling to the 3 honored seniors. The instructors were decked with leis. Costumes ranged from ballet tutus, grass skirts, cute activewear, risqué almost bondage type get ups and lots more. Dances included breakdance by a crew which was surprising to see. Of course you come to see your dear to your heart performer but also enjoy many other groups and varied selections. Save the best for last, just like graduation, the flowers, leis, tributes from family and friends. read more

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Excelling in excellence, Iolani Schools has provided a high standard in the state of Hawaii. I remember growing up days, the school I wanted to go to the most was Iolani. But being from the typical Chinese family, my mother told me it was more important for the boys to get that "excellent education". Which was indicative of the earlier days where the student population at Iolani seemed to have skewed towards Chinese males. Heck, at one time it was an all male school. Today's student profile boasts both male and female and a broad spectrum of ethnicities. And I am always happy to see my friends' kids attending my brother's alma mater where academics has always excelled. More recently I have enjoyed the numerous musical presentations the talented young men and women of Iolani have been performing. And happy to see them under excellent tutelage of friend Mary Chestnut Hicks and other outstanding talents. Theatre is top grade. Facilities well maintained. Staff are doing such an important and excellent job. Iolani, keep doing what you do in molding and encouraging our young children into outstanding future leaders of our community. You rock! read more

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My Godson scored (11) eleven goals for his teams waterpolo victory Parking lot Water fountains read more

The pride, sportsmanship and character of this facility and those associated with the great sport of wrestling are to be commended for their unwavering commitment towards excellence and the spirit of Aloha that resonates throughout the students, staff and parents. It is a privilege and an honor to officiate here. We all must work proactively in this post pandemic world and the COVID preventive measures in place have helped make the resurgence of wrestling apart of our lives again. I'm sure we all look forward to some normalcy in the near future, where masks will no longer be required to participate in wrestling here in Hawaii. Until that day comes, Mahalo to all that overcome these inconsistencies to keep the great sport of wrestling alive and well. PIN TO WIN! read more

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Every time I come here, I'm impressed with so many things. The campus is beautiful and clean. You don't see rubbish on the ground. The people are friendly and helpful - always asking if you need help. Parking is accessible and signs are clearly marked for visitors. read more

Without a doubt, 'Iolani School is one of the best independent schools in the country. The many state and national accolades garnered by 'Iolani students in academics, athletics and the arts are the fruits of the school's "One Team" philosophy. Widely recognized as having the state's best SAT preparatory program, students from high schools across the state, both public and private register for the 'Iolani SAT prep course and, more than half of the National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalists in Hawai'i come from 'Iolani, annually. "'Iolani no ka oi!" read more

This review is based on the gym.. I came to my daughters first ever ILH competition last night and I must say this school keeps their campus and gym clean! Gym is a really nice size for basketball games with bleachers on both sides of the gym. Very nice staff in the athletic department that was there as well, very friendly. We had a wonderful time last night at this competition. Everyone had fun! read more

'Iolani School - ILH competition ready! - Elementary Schools Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I am not a lawyer or a doctor or an engineer. In fact, I majored in dance at the University of Hawaii and am currently a stay-at-home mom. It was never a question in my mind whether or not I would attend Iolani. My older brother, one of my most favorite people in the world, attended Iolani and I always said that I would too. And I did. My parents struggled to pay tuition (which back then was a bargain at $7500), and for a while I wondered if it was worth it. I didn't love my high school career. I was awkward, insecure, antisocial, unpopular, and feel like I made a million mistakes. Unlike my husband who was prom king and the coolest cat in town in his high school, I hid in the music library and could not wait until graduation so I could get out of there. Despite the best intentions of my college counselor, who would ambush me in the hallways insisting that I apply for UC Irvine and the like, I applied only to UH. After all, my greatest ambition in life was to get married and have children. I also thought I wasn't very smart or talented, which is just a testament to how competitive Iolani is. It is not for the faint of heart. There are world-class students, geniuses, prodigies, star athletes, and the bar is extremely high. I was quite surprised when I arrived at UH and was suddenly deemed brilliant and "gifted". I have a friends who are rocket scientists and surgeons, THEY are intelligent. That's the thing about Iolani, though. Even someone like me, a girl who didn't have the highest aspirations, who sometimes tried to take the easy way out, who didn't spend a single second preparing for the SAT, it still taught me so much. Now, when I look back at my time at Iolani, I do have some very fond memories. I remember Mr. Hackler making Asian Studies absolutely fascinating, I remember standing with him in the hallway as he called his mother for last minute help with my history day presentation, I remember him convincing me to take AP US history even though I didn't want to. I remember being yanked out of my easy-option senior year science fiction class and being sent to Dr. Webb's classroom where he brusquelly informed me that I would no longer be enrolled in science fiction and that I would, in fact, be taking AP English with Ms. Longo and that she was expecting me that very minute. The teachers at Iolani care. Students do not slip through the cracks. There are no cracks. I am now so incredibly grateful that I was given the opportunity to attend Iolani. That when my parents ran out of money and couldn't pay for my senior year, Iolani found me a scholarship so that I could stay and graduate with my class. I am thankful to be in the company of amazing people who are doing amazing things, I am glad that I can easily help my children with their homework, I am glad that I know how to craft papers and spell, and I greatly value the notions of hard work and constant improvement that were drummed into me during my time there. Iolani is a special place. It is not for everyone. It is a lot of hard work and studying and striving to meet high expectations, and sometimes there are things that are more important in life. But as a creative person who didn't follow the typical Iolani path, I value the time I spent there so very much. It was absolutely and definitely worth it. read more

Absolutely worth it. College prep schools are a dime-a-dozen, so what makes Iolani different? Sure it provides top-notch academics, but you can get that anywhere as long as you look hard enough. Iolani sets itself apart from the crowd by developing winning character within its students. Many schools now days place much emphasis on how special you are, and they foster healthy egos through praise (at least they try to develop healthy egos). Although good for self-esteem, this kind of development can lead to insufferable chatterboxes that talk much louder than they walk. Iolani builds pride in its students through discipline and hard work; it focuses on the team. Students must work hard and sacrifice; we were all too busy to toot our own horns. Through sweat, blood, and sometimes tears, Iolani will mold its students into hard-working, dedicated individuals that get down to work and finish projects before reflecting and patting themselves on the back. Students learn to develop character through trials and tribulation; they discover who they are and what they're capable of through an intense curriculum. Iolani is not for everyone. If you don't like hard work, find someplace else. If you want a lot of praise and congratulations for mediocre work, find someplace else. Iolani is for those who take pride in their work and dedicate themselves to something bigger than the individual: the team. read more

People are yelping about private schools? Time to jump on the runaway bandwagon. Across the Ala Wai Canal from Waikiki, lushly nestled in what was once swampland, Iolani has a beautiful campus with a diverse study body. Academics are demanding and rigorous, but there's time for sports and other activities. I don't know why some think Punahou kids are more well-rounded; Iolani students do it all as well. I mean, it's requisite in this day and age for admission into Tier 1 colleges--you can be easily rejected with a 4.0 GPA and 1600 SAT if you don't have leadership experience or sportsmanship qualities. Ok, enough verbose digressions. I graduated from Iolani--look how I turned out! =P P.S. Iolani has half as many students per grade as Punahou, yet Iolani has 32 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists while Punahou has 17. There was less than 70 total in Hawaii (2008). read more

My sister just had a school interview at Iolani this past weekend. The school stuff and faculty impressed me. This is the second private school interview we went. The Admission Director Patricia Liu was very helpful and sincere. Her 15 mins speech gave me a full understanding of the school, admission process and what are they looking for at Iolani. My sister went for the higher grade interview. I'm surprised they have an interview with the parents after the student's interview. They try to learn more about the student anyway they can. I think they're brilliant cus I believe kids often feel shy during the interview or perform differently. Compare the experience we had at iolani with the other school we went to I defiantly think they gave me a unforgettable experience. read more

Of course I'm going to give Iolani 5 stars....I'm an alum! But seriously, I sincerely believe that this is a good school with awesome teachers and amazing resources. You truly get not only a top dollar education, but you also establish a solid network....and let's be honest, in this day and age, it's mostly about who you know, am I right? I had a Punahou parent once tell me: "You wanna know the difference between the students? Iolani students will hold the door open for you, but Punahou kids expect you to open it for them." I'm not saying that either school is better, but I have to kind of agree with the parent on this one.... Quick Tip: Start your kids' education fund NOW....tuition only increases! read more

A famous Chinese Communist leader graduated from Iolani. Guess who?! I'm not telling... I've heard Iolani academics are better than Punahou, but who knows? I know that Iolani teachers generally get paid less than Punahou and PUBLIC school teachers. Crazy! Math & language departments are supposed to be pretty good. Iolani hosts a lot of outside orchestra-related events; that's nice of them. Iolani's history is cool: Opened as an Episcopal school for boys by King Kamehameha III. It remained a boys school for a very long time, with St. Andrew's Priory being it's girls' school counterpart. Iolani has a nice new parking lot. Yay! read more

We are applying for kindergarten and during the tour it was obvious this school is excellent in terms of academics and other programs. What the school is very clearly lacking though is a diversity. It is very obvious when one visits the campus. I think the leadership of the school needs to invest more time and resources in attracting a more diverse ethnic student body. read more

What can I say? As I drove by the school last week on a visit home from the mainland, my heart swelled with pride. I'm a proud alumni of the days just before Iolani went coed. That was a tough change for me at first for the history and pride of an original all boy's school, but the diversity and strength brought into that history brings an even greater proud feeling to this alumni. I'm a proud student, disciple, and profoundly changed person of Mr. Keables tutelage. I still feel it's a quiet and extremely classy academic and all around extracurricular excellence in athletics, performing arts, music, and college preparatory leadership compared with the purposeful visibility of our old competing and larger college prep school in Honolulu. read more

This school is really great! There's a Clem Hew Baseball Tournament going on right now along with a speech and debate tournament that includes students from schools all over the island. It really shows the diversity and overall well-rounded environment you can't miss at 'Iolani School. read more

The 'rival school' of Punahou, Iolani, just like Punahou, turns out over-achievers past, present and future. The testing procedure is pretty much the same as Punahou and once you get in, you don't leave! The list of potential candidates are aplenty and there are more than enough people vying for the spots -- makes one wonder, are there THAT many people in Oahu having kids every year? read more

Iolani trumps Punahou any day of the week and I don't really care what you say. My mom even regrets sending my brother to Punahou and wishes he went to Iolani so he would be more motivated today. Class sizes at Punahou are huge so the teacher to student ratio sucks. They lack supervision there... one of my elementary school classmates was supposedly kicked out for doing drugs there and he was such a smart goody two shoes back in sixth grade... Iolani owns Punahou. The end. read more

'Iolani is a terrific school, absolutely top-flight for academic college prep. Somewhere between 30-40% of Hawaii's National Merit Scholars annually come from 'Iolani. They understand what it takes to get their students into the best colleges and universities, and they see it through. They've always had a reputation for academic excellence, even when they were all boys (1863-1979). But they became much better when girls arrived. I attended there when it was transitioning from all-boys to co-ed. The incoming girls were so smart (although younger), they raised expectations and threw off the curve. I barely hung on, glad I made it through. It was not a particularly fun place, it was serious academic content and you had to develop a sufficient measure of personal discipline (inversely proportional to your natural ability, perhaps) to get through. Which is OK, some institutions have to be like that, because there plenty that aren't. I can assure you that the first couple of years in college was a review, and I've heard that from Ivy League alums as well. But I also know 'Iolani has kept pace with the 21st century, they probably have a kinder, gentler (though still academically demanding) approach compared to 30-40 years ago. 'Iolani No Ka Oi! read more

When I graduated from... oops: When I was graduated from 'Iolani School, it was still an all-boy school. I think it started to go coed about 2 years later. 'Iolani's academic standards are very high. AP courses in History, English, most of the sciences and math (Calculus I and II) are offered. The school offers a great fine arts and music curriculum as well. I wish I could send my 2 children there but alas, I can't afford the $15K each. For $16K I can send both to Hanalani Schools instead. ;-) read more

Iolani is a great school and i think the grounds are beautiful. When i was in 1st grade there a toad hopped on to the playground because we are right across the street from a river called the ala wai canal. they mainly focus on academics so they aren't exactly the school you would choose 1st for sports. They have had 32 merit scholar finalists so i'd give them 5 stars for academics. sports would be a 4 1/2. the are a christian school and have chapel twice a week. there is a choir you can join for the chapel starting at grade 4. Iolani's rival is punahou and they really talk to the parents after they interview the student so they can really learn as much as they can for the student (allergies,special needs, etc.) Hope this info helps! read more

Crazy good school. xD Face it. We're cool. Iolani is academic and Punahou is athletic. In the end, doesn't brains triumph bronze? I'm still going there now. I could never manage to memorize the song... except at promotion - wait, I lipped that one. read more

While it does appear they have good academics, they need to teach their students some consideration. Yes they open the door on the back of the city bus, but it doesn't help when the person opening the door on the older city bus with it's narrow back door is standing in the stairway blocking the half the exit wearing the red t-shirt "One Team." And yes the large athletic student could have moved out of the doorway, because the only people standing were those who got out of their seats to get off the bus. Not a nice way to start off your day going to work. read more

Went there. Loved it! Most in Hawaii will agree that it's one of the top two academic schools (along with Punahou) in the state.

Iolani is a wonderful school. It is tough academically but students are well prepared for college. The teachers are so caring and give every student as much attention and help that is needed. The extracurricular activities are extensive. I'm so appreciative of the education my grandchild is getting at this great school. read more

A good school, but let's be honest, it's not Punahou. Iolani will always try to say things to make it sound like it's a fair fight, but everyone in Hawai'i knows that Iolani doesn't have the reputation of Punahou (For better or for worse...). Once again, good school, just not number one. read more

Very pleasantly surprised on what a great time we had! First time to the Iolani fair. Just a last minute decision to go in our party of six. Always thought parking would be a hassle. But easy breezy to park at Kaimuki High School, note that you need to enter from Kaimuki Ave. $5 for parking and short walk to the fair. We came in two cars so the second one we had a wheelchair and they easily found handicap parking on campus close to the fair. Police officer located at the school entrance to give you directions. Great variety of better than average food, gourmet food area too , plants, baked goods, jellies, "grandma booth" showcases handmade quilts, and the list goes on. Just a nice family/friend fun time. We went at noon so lines were not long. Games and prizes were great. They really wanted us to win especially for our three year old in the group. So many volunteers working and they all just seemed to be having a great time. Crowd was just great too. I didn't hear any swearing, it was just a nice quality fair. The ride operators were great too. Particularly liked the guy at the ride with the 4 spinning dinosaurs. He was friendly, patient and entertains. Highly recommend this fair. read more

Iolani and Punahou are both excellent schools. It's hard to review Iolani without mentioning Punahou. BTW, Punahou had 30 National Merit Semifinalists this year, compared to Iolani's 18. Admittedly, Iolani usually trumps Punahou in this bragging contest, and I'm sure Iolani's wondering what hit them this year. I think the editors of the Iolani website were so embarrassed by it, they actually omitted mentioning the actual number of students, only a reference to "8 percent of the class". Usually it is more like 15 percent. I'm sure Iolani will do better next year. Both schools get more than a fair share of kids into the top colleges. BTW, I don't believe the PSAT is a great way to determine a national competition. It can be coached and not a broad and intensive test, as the AP and SAT. It's a crap shoot. We had family members who are graduates from both schools. I do not believe one is better than the other because they are so different. Iolani is half the size of Punahou, but double the size it was when it was an all boys school 40 years ago. You have to filter through all the crap you hear about Iolani and Punahou, usually spread by the other side. There is no question there is a rivalry, and it's not so much like UCLA versus USC; it's more like Athens versus Sparta. If you're an overanxious overachiever, (i.e., Tiger Mom) Iolani might be more to your liking. You'll get strokes for everything. If you are a parent who likes to read about your child in print for every possible award imaginable, Iolani should be your preference. In terms of ethnic diversity, Punahou is more diverse. Iolani is a sea of black hair, with a certain homogeneity among most their students. If you want to play a sport, you have a greater chance of actually getting to play at Iolani. If your parents make too much money to get financial aid for college, you are probably better off trying to get a National Merit Scholarship through Iolani, but that may be changing, based on this year's results. If you like a highly structured education, six classes a day ,each day type of schooling, Iolani may be more of your liking. The two schools have very different philosophies with regards to recognizing student achievement. Iolani has a dozen or two valedictorians every year, in comparison to Punahou that has no valectictorians by GPA. You have to match the school to your child and yourself. If your child is self-motivated and independent thinking, Punahou is probably a better choice. If you think your child would be better served by a school with more structure, Iolani is probably preferable. If you are a top student at Iolani, you are more likely to get special attention and recognition than Punahou for pure academic achievement. The competition at Iolani is defined more along the traditional lines of individual achievement, whereas there is less emphasis on individual acheivement versus being part of a larger group at Punahou. Although the One Team campaign was initiated at the school, my feeling is that there is more of a sense of belonging to a group at Punahou. read more

Iolani Fair is known for their Gourmet Food Booth. Dinner is a must with an Italian soda to enjoy with the fine grinds under the Big White Tent. Come on over for dinner to the campus bring the family for food and fun open April 15-16 12;00 PM. to 10;30 PM. read more

i took all my SATs here! its like a jail...only because i had to take the SATs but the campus is beautiful. haha

A Parents View: Our daughter attended Iolani for several years. Although she made a lot of friends and participated in sports and other activities, she was not real happy with some of her teachers and her counsellors. Having friends at Moanalua HS, we decided that might be a good choice. Very good move for her as it turned out, and we were very impressed by the staff there especially her counsellor who was a big improvement over Iolani. In a nutshell, overrated! IMO Iolani is not worth the money especially if youre the type of parent who likes to get involved with school, help fundraise and take pride in overcoming shortcomings. A friend gave us a very interesting and helpful 2009 book that I would recommend for those who are on the private/public fence. The author is a UH Professor of Education (Ann Bayer), and the title is "Going against the Grain: When professionals in Hawaii choose public schools instead of private schools read more