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    Punahou School

    4.6 (50 reviews)
    Closed 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

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    Julie C.

    Punahou School. Just hearing the name makes my heart happy! When I'm on campus I feel very nostalgic of my time spent there for 13 years. That may seem weird to other people, but that's honestly how I feel. I really enjoyed the time I spent at Punahou as it helped to make me who I am today. Punahou taught me more than reading, writing, math and science. It taught me how to communicate well with others, that it's OK to be different, and taught me critical thinking skills that have help me throughout my medical career. Punahou teaches you real life skills, that helps you to adapt in the real world. Punahou also focuses on making you a well-rounded student. Their academics program is arguably the best in the state, and one of the top in the country. But they also believe that arts, sports, leadership and service are also important qualities. Yes, Punahou has a world class track and field, Olympic size swimming pool, and even a glass blowing lab, but the things I remember so vividly are my interactions with my fellow students and the faculty. My teachers always made me feel important, and cared about my education. I felt that I mattered. Education has been always the most important thing for my parents. My dad always told me when I was a little girl, that education is something nobody can take away from you. I'm glad they invested in my education, as it was worth every penny.

    Case Middle School
    Bert S.

    For context, we are a Kantonk (Google it if you are new to Hawaii) family who started our daughter here her freshman year. My positive impression started with the telephone conference with the admissions officer informing up our daughter had been admitted. I started out asking practical questions about enrollment. The officer focused on telling me WHY they had chosen to admit our daughter. He wanted to make sure that we felt comfortable and that he had answered all of our questions. My daughter literally knew nobody but was warmly welcomed by the student body. I have to also give credit to the cheer coaches for allowing my daughter to shadow the cheer squad even though she missed tryouts and couldn't participate directly. It is important to point out this is not a pure academic school. I was shocked when she came home with her first report card with a "C" and the teacher had not given me a heads up. The school believes in letting each student develop at his or her own pace and is not trying to prop up the students grades. Some of her best classes have yielded her lowest grades. If you child has an opportunity to take any class with the Social Studies instructor Mr. Georgi, jump at it. He will teach them critical thinking and red pen their essays more severely than the English teachers. I like that financial aid is not tied to GPA. The school is trying to be economically inclusive. Do not let money be a barrier. Just remember to file your taxes early because the financial aid deadline in February 15th in 2015. There are a number of things I dislike. Often parents drive dangerously when picking up and dropping off their kids. There are popular classes like Asian History that needed to be assigned by lottery for summer school. The six day rotating schedule makes it tough to keep track of schedules. While most of the teachers are excellent, a few mediocre ones seem to be untouchable. Last, is the stigma attached to graduating Punahou and then attending UH. The $20k/year tuition bill is a killer, but it is still cheaper than the price of a mainland college education. I would be happy to have my daughter go to UH after Punahou.

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    12 years ago

    Superb faculty, beautiful campus, great athletics and academics.

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    Review Highlights - Punahou School

    I've had family attend Punahou, Iolani, Mid Pac and Maryknoll and I can say without a doubt Punahou ranks first.

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    Hanahauoli School

    Hanahauoli School

    4.8
    (6 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    This review is for their summer school only…read more I LOVE this summer school for my kids, especially at the early elementary school age. They are smaller so it's easier for children who don't go here normally to adapt (and not get lost). The school is very organized and the children get name tags with their classes listed so the adults can help them get to their classes in the beginning of the year. They offer a variety of classes that are a nice blend of academics and fun and really have the kids engaged. My son just enjoyed his summer here and raved about it daily! He even wanted to be dropped off early! They have a very nice open house towards the end of summer school to be able to see what your child has been doing. The teachers do a great job of showing what the children have been learning and it's amazing how much they do over the course of the weeks. There are 2 morning classes, a midday care (lunch optional and separate) and 1 afternoon class ending at 2pm. Alternatively they have a care that lasts through midday through all afternoon (I think till 5:30ish?). So there are good alternatives depending on what your needs are. Summer classes run roughly $500 each with midday care a separate price. I believe the afternoon care is a different price as well. Ample information on their website and what I love is that you can register at the same time as the children who attend the school. FANTASTIC!

    I have fond memories of visiting this school as a parent and parent of alum. The school's culture…read moreemphasizes exactly what "hanahauoli" means...Happy Work. They encourage students to love learning and doing. They encourage teamwork. They foster community by all of their school traditions. They encourage parents to accept their children's individual uniqueness and strengths. Each student I have met has such strong self esteem and a happy demeanor. I thought the former Headmaster who has since retired was amazing. He knew and greeted each child every day. What a blessing to attend this school or their annual Children's Fair.

    Photos
    Wow!  A koi pond on their campus...cool!
    Wow! A koi pond on their campus...cool!
    Cute stools
    Cute stools
    Steps to the flagpole

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    Steps to the flagpole
    Liholiho Elementary School

    Liholiho Elementary School

    4.7
    (7 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    Best school that I didn't attend on the entire island. Beautiful campus, great teachers, and…read moreamazing staff--especially in the office! Wooooooow!

    I am a Kauluwela Elementary alumnus. I did a lot of school moving, and I believe I as at Kauluwela…read morefor kindergarden in 1987 and 1988. Then I transferred to Liholiho Elementary for first grade in 1988 and 1989. Thank goodness for yearbooks, because otherwise I would forget the year. I flunked first grade from Liholiho, and then in 1989 and 1990 I transferred back to Kauluwela for first grade. Though I was born and raised in Honolulu, English is my second language. I knew not my ABCs and I knew not how to read up to that point at Liholiho. I recalled I got pulled out of class at Liholiho where a teacher specialist mostly had me trace pictures. It was at Liholiho that I recalled that my first grade teacher popped in the 1989 Moonwalker VHS for our class to watch. After watching the Moonwalker film at Liholiho and at my family gatherings, my older sibling recorded me beatboxing, scat singing, and singing one of the songs from the Moonwalker film. I was six-years-old then. I still have the Liholiho Elementary picture taken of me on the playground holding an orange baseball bat. I do recall we were given seeds to plant around Liholiho Elementary... I chose the seed that would grow a blue flower. I planted it somewhere around the campus and as I grew older, I remember where I planted those seeds. I now see those blue flowers grown. Today, as an adult, I love to read daily, for fun and enjoyment. I love to write. I also help students with mathematics throughout the state of Hawaii. I also beatbox throughout the state of Hawaii and the world, speaking at conferences, and schools. Liholiho Elementary students were among 300 in attendance when I performed and spoke at the 25th Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at the McKinley High School Auditorium. -Jason Tom

    Photos
    Liholiho Elementary School
    Liholiho Elementary School
    The school office (2nd floor) and library (ground floor)

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    The school office (2nd floor) and library (ground floor)
    Nuuanu Elementary School

    Nuuanu Elementary School

    5.0
    (4 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    During the summer we sent out 3 GE's and Nuuanu Elementary School was the first to respond saying…read morethat my daughter was accepted. We went to tour the school and fell in love with it. Plush green grass everywhere. Their campus is so beautiful it looks like a University campus. The first day was just an orientation for 2 hours, to let the parents know what they can expect. It was very informational. Even the principal spoke at this orientation. That was when I knew we chose the perfect school for my daughter. As all parents know, the transition from preschool to Kindergarten can be very trying. But this school makes it so easy. The teachers here are amazing. My daughter's teacher leaves notes in her homework folder to let us know how she's doing. My daughter had a rough start, so we had a meeting with her teacher and the counselor. They basically told us what we already knew, but they also gave us pointers. The staff here is wonderful and amazing. They also have a PTA which has a lot of activities throughout the year. There is a strong parent participation within the PTA. If you're looking for a school that will not let your child slide within the cracks, this is the school.

    Nuuanu Elementary is tucked deep in Nuuanu valley, with mountains as your back drop which is…read moreabsolutely breathtaking. It is a very clean school. This is a Blue Ribbon School and they have met annual requirements every year. All staff are friendly and helpful. PTA is very involved. The school has fun activities planned for the kids and their families almost every month. The children seem well educated and wholesome. It's almost like a private school.

    Photos
    Making kadomatsu with Troop 181 on 13.23.23
    Making kadomatsu with Troop 181 on 13.23.23
    Making kadomatsu on 12.23.23 with Troop 181
    Making kadomatsu on 12.23.23 with Troop 181
    My school

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    'Iolani School

    'Iolani School

    4.6
    (33 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    5-21-23 Dance Showcase was held in the upper gym. We left home 2-1/2 hours before showtime and…read morethe 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.

    Excelling in excellence, Iolani Schools has provided a high standard in the state of Hawaii…read more 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!

    Photos
    'Iolani School
    Congratulations to the graduating class of 2026!
    Congratulations to the graduating class of 2026!
    Congratulations to the graduating class of 2026!

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    Congratulations to the graduating class of 2026!
    Manoa Elementary School

    Manoa Elementary School

    4.2
    (11 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    Well established public elementary school in the heart of Manoa valley. Known for their great…read morecurriculum and caring teachers. This school is located next to the Manoa Valley District Park. Manoa elementary is supported by the Manoa Lions Club which has an annual fundraiser breakfast here. This year it's being held on Sunday, June 4, 2017. Manoa Elementary was one of the first English speak schools established in Hawaii and was founded on October 11, 1854. Registration for summer school is June 1-29 for 2017. A great elementary school to go to and support. Support public education.

    A multi-purpose venue…read more.. A long time ago, when I was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce aka the Jaycees, I used to come to this elementary school to help the Manoa Jaycees with their annual Craft Fair. It was held outdoors on the lanais surrounding the classrooms. The grassy areas were also utilized for booths for more vendors and even pony rides and games for the children! Today, I'm having breakfast in the cafeteria. It's a fundraiser for the Manoa Lions Club. The kitchen is spacious and clean. The seats and tables are functional. The lighting is good. There's no air conditioning, but the windows are open this morning and I can feel a gentle breeze. I'm sure that during school hours, the students enjoy this environment. Manoa, in general, is a pleasant, established community. It's no wonder that many organizations gather here. Parking is plentiful, free, and convenient! Restrooms and water fountains are available. What more could one ask for?

    Photos
    Student artwork by Ms. Tellio's 3rd grade Summer School class (2023)
    Student artwork by Ms. Tellio's 3rd grade Summer School class (2023)
    Windy and cool in Manoa Valley
    Windy and cool in Manoa Valley
    My daughter's robotics competition is in the yellow doors. I'm waiting outside

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    My daughter's robotics competition is in the yellow doors. I'm waiting outside
    Roosevelt High School

    Roosevelt High School

    3.8
    (21 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    Student body comprised of those residing in Mānoa Valley, Makiki, Makiki Heights, Tantalus,…read morePapakōlea, Kalāwahine, Punchbowl, Pauoa, Pauoa Valley, Pacific Heights, and some from Nuʻuanu Valley too. Many students that lived outside of the district and had a GE were from Kāneohe, Kailua, Waimānalo to Wai'anae. There were also students who attended Iolani, Kamehameha and St. Louis, then transferred to Roosevelt. There are some staff and many students with different last names that are related to each other, have attended and still attend RHS. One day one of my grandma's cousins approached me. I later found out she was a cafeteria monitor during the day and custodian after school. Coming to think of it, I have relatives that graduated in the late 1970's till mid 2000's on my maternal side of the family. During Hawaiian studies class, a substitute teacher asked me, "Where do you live? What's your family name?" I responded. Then she said, "I graduated same year with your relative's name." I was quite surprised. There are currently many entrepreneurs, including those married to entrepreneurs so they help with other aspects of thriving businesses, alumni with successful careers in the public and private sector. Let's not forget about notable celebrities listed in Wikipedia. Hawaiian language classes offered and counted as foreign language credits toward college, along with Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish, and French. I vividly recall signing up first choice: Hawaiian, second choice: Spanish, third choice: Japanese. I remember getting my last choice while my other friends got Hawaiian and Spanish classes. My favorite instructors who definitely made an impact in my life were Mrs. Wells, English teacher who immersed us in reading, writing, grammar, spelling, and working together in class ranging from The Hobbit, Beowulf, Shakespeare, Hamlet, too many to name, and our last individual project and typed essay for the year, Les Miserables. School is known for their language arts. Fine Arts and Cooking teacher, Mrs. Fong. She was the one who encouraged me to consider applying for colleges to arts schools on the mainland. I've also enjoyed learning baked recipes. One of those recipes taught in class was how to make pumpkin pie. We had access to ovens, sinks, and clean counter tops. Fun, practical, and life learning skills. Japanese language sensei, Mrs. Fujinaka for teaching us one of the first things is, "Otearai e itte mo ii desu ka?" Translation in English, "May I please go to the restroom?" Reserved for when really got to go and having a brain fart. Hiragana, katakana, and some of the kanji ingrained in memory. Economics teacher, Mrs. Leung taught us how to write checks which I thought was cool as it applies to signing legal documents till this day. Sports was and still is an integral part of the student body. I remembered running between two to four old football field laps daily after school, where dirt would kick up and if wearing white shoes, would get dirty fast. I vividly recalled running snakes weekly on red and gold bleachers, north, south, east, and west, in no particular order. Legs would get jiggly or charley horse if out of shape. Yet, great cardio, conditioning for the body. Sports practices ended at 6 PM. Games on Saturdays either on or off campus. Loved the swimming pool especially during P.E. Earned school credits while working on a life skill. They're also known for their band. Many clubs offered on campus too. Enjoyed underground cafeteria, choice to eat indoor or outdoors. Cafeteria staff offered a choice of school lunch or chef salad. Limited parking. First come, first get in the morning at 7 AM. Some lessons I don't recall learning and wish instructors taught at that time were study skills, time management, and financial literacy. There were cliques here and there. Now, we're all grown peeps and if we run into each other in public, it's "Hey! How's it going?" followed with a hug and honi on the cheek.

    I'm sure this is a great school, however, there has been a very loud siren or alarm coming from the…read morehigh school a few blocks away from where I live. It starts around 11 PM and continues until about 6 AM, making it difficult to sleep. I live over 30 floors up and can still hear it clearly, so I imagine it's affecting many people in the neighborhood. I'm not sure if others have reported it yet, but I hope this issue can be addressed and fixed soon.

    Photos
    Roosevelt High School
    Huli huli chicken plate purchased from the Roosevelt High School 2024 ROTC group at the Pagoda Restaurant pick up location!
    Huli huli chicken plate purchased from the Roosevelt High School 2024 ROTC group at the Pagoda Restaurant pick up location!
    808 Basketball Club

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    808 Basketball Club

    Punahou School - elementaryschools - Updated July 2026

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