For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 3,298 students in Lihue, HI (there are , serving 549 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in Lihue, HI are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 80%).
The top-ranked public schools in Lihue, HI are King Kaumualii Elementary School, Elsie H Wilcox Elementary School and Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lihue, HI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the Hawaii public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Lihue have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Hawaii public schools.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Asian), which is more than the Hawaii public school average of 89% (majority Asian).
Best Public Schools in Lihue, HI (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
King Kaumualii Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4381 Hanamaulu Rd
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3150
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3150
Gr: PK-5 | 524 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #22.
Elsie H Wilcox Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
4319 Hardy St
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 274-3150
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 274-3150
Gr: PK-5 | 724 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #33.
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4431 Nuhou St
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3200
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3200
Gr: 6-8 | 846 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #44.
Kauai High School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3577 Lala Rd
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 274-3160
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 274-3160
Gr: 9-12 | 1,036 student Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #55.
Kawaikini - Ncpcs
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3-1821 J Kaumualii Hwy
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 632-2032
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 632-2032
Gr: K-12 | 168 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Lihue, HI?
The top-ranked public schools in Lihue, HI include King Kaumualii Elementary School, Elsie H Wilcox Elementary School and Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Lihue?
5 public schools are located in Lihue.
What percentage of students in Lihue go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in Lihue are educated in public schools (compared to the HI state average of 80%).
What is the racial composition of students in Lihue?
Lihue public schools minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Asian), which is more than the Hawaii public schools average of 89% (majority Asian).
Which public schools in Lihue are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Lihue include: King Kaumualii Elementary School vs. Elsie H Wilcox Elementary School, Elsie H Wilcox Elementary School vs. King Kaumualii Elementary School
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.