The Best Private Schools in Hawaii National Park, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hawaii National Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus
Kamehameha Schools
Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus is part of the prestigious Kamehameha Schools system, serving students from Hawaii National Park and surrounding areas. Located just 15 miles from Hawaii National Park, this campus combines rigorous college preparatory academics with deep integration of Hawaiian culture, language, and values. The school features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and cultural learning spaces. With a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and cultural identity, Kamehameha Schools offers comprehensive programs in STEM, humanities, and visual/performing arts. The school maintains small class sizes and provides extensive support services for student success.
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Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Hawaii Preparatory Academy is a highly respected independent college preparatory school serving the Big Island, including Hawaii National Park area. With a 75-year history, HPA offers a rigorous academic program with strong STEM focus, environmental sustainability education, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. The school serves day students from across the island and offers boarding options. HPA is known for its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive college counseling program that consistently places graduates in top universities nationwide.
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St. Joseph School - Hilo
Catholic Diocese of Honolulu
St. Joseph School in Hilo serves families from Hawaii National Park and the broader East Hawaii region. As a Catholic private school with over 85 years of educational excellence, St. Joseph offers a values-based education combined with strong academic preparation. The school provides comprehensive programs from early childhood through high school, featuring dedicated faculty, modern facilities, and a supportive community environment. Academic offerings include advanced placement courses, robust fine arts programs, competitive athletics, and extensive community service opportunities. The school's location in Hilo makes it accessible for Hawaii National Park families seeking quality private education with a moral foundation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hawaii National Park, Hawaii
What are the realistic private school options for families living in Hawaii National Park, HI, given the island's geography?
While Hawaii National Park itself is a small, rural community within the Puna district, families typically look to schools in nearby Hilo or the Waimea area on the west side of the island. The schools you mentioned—Hawaii Preparatory Academy (in Waimea), Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus (in Kea'au, near Hilo), and St. Joseph School (in Hilo)—are the primary options, but all require a significant commute. Hawaii Preparatory Academy is about a 90-minute drive via the Saddle Road, while schools in Hilo are roughly 45-60 minutes away. This makes transportation and daily logistics a major consideration for Hawaii National Park residents.
How does the cost of private school tuition in the Hawaii National Park area compare to the state average, and are there unique financial aid considerations?
Tuition for the top schools accessible from Hawaii National Park varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Hawaii Preparatory Academy's day student tuition is approximately $30,000, while St. Joseph School is closer to $8,000-$10,000. Kamehameha Schools offers heavily subsidized tuition for students of Hawaiian ancestry. The state's high cost of living means even "lower" tuition rates represent a significant portion of family income. Importantly, financial aid at these schools often considers the unique economic challenges of Big Island families, including costs for inter-island travel (for boarding programs) and the high price of goods and gasoline, which impacts commuting families from rural areas like Hawaii National Park.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Hawaii National Park offer that leverage the island's environment?
Schools in this region uniquely integrate 'āina (land)-based learning. Hawaii Preparatory Academy features a renowned Energy Lab and sustainability programs that align with the volcanic and ecological studies relevant to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus has strong Hawaiian language immersion programs and cultural studies that connect students to the history of the region. St. Joseph School incorporates marine science and volcanology into its curriculum, with potential for field studies in the nearby national park. These programs offer hands-on learning opportunities that are deeply connected to the local environment, which is a significant draw for families in Hawaii National Park.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for private schools near Hawaii National Park, and are there deadlines specific to this region?
Enrollment timelines are critical due to limited space. Most schools, like Hawaii Prep and St. Joseph, have application deadlines in January or February for the following fall. Kamehameha Schools has its own early application process, often a year in advance, with strict ancestry verification requirements. A key consideration for Hawaii National Park families is the "geographic preference" or lottery system some schools use for neighbor island applicants. It's highly recommended to begin the process 12-18 months in advance, schedule campus visits while planning for the long drive, and inquire about remote interview options. Many schools are accustomed to working with families from rural Puna districts and can accommodate some parts of the process virtually.
For a family living in Hawaii National Park, what are the practical trade-offs between the local public school and commuting to a private school in Hilo or Waimea?
The local zoned public school is typically Volcano School of Arts & Sciences (a public charter) or Kea'au public schools. The primary trade-off is time and community versus specialized resources. A private school commute can mean 2-3 hours daily in the car for a parent and child, impacting family time and extracurricular participation. However, private schools often offer smaller class sizes, more robust college counseling, and specialized facilities not available in the rural public system. For high school, the academic and extracurricular offerings at a school like Hawaii Prep may justify the commute for some. Many families make this decision based on their child's specific needs and the family's capacity for a long-term transportation commitment.