The Best Private Schools in Hawi, Hawaii
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hawi. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Independent School
Hawaii Preparatory Academy is a highly respected independent school serving the entire Big Island region, including Hawi in North Kohala. Founded in 1949, HPA offers a comprehensive college-preparatory education with exceptional STEM programs, extensive arts offerings, and competitive athletics. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With both day and boarding options, HPA serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade and is known for its strong academic reputation, small class sizes, and personalized attention. The school's location in Waimea is approximately 30 minutes from Hawi, making it accessible for North Kohala families seeking premium private education.
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West Hawaii Explorations Academy
Public Charter School (Private School Alternative)
West Hawaii Explorations Academy is a highly innovative public charter school that serves as a premier private school alternative for families in Hawi and throughout West Hawaii. Founded in 2000, WHEA specializes in project-based learning with exceptional programs in marine science, environmental studies, and sustainability. The school serves grades 6-12 and is particularly noted for its hands-on, experiential approach to education that includes field research, community partnerships, and real-world problem solving. Located in Kailua-Kona, approximately 45 minutes from Hawi, WHEA has earned strong parent satisfaction ratings for its engaging curriculum, dedicated teachers, and successful college placement record. The school's unique educational model appeals to families seeking alternatives to traditional private schooling.
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Makua Lani Christian Academy
Christian School
Makua Lani Christian Academy is a well-regarded private Christian school serving students from across the Big Island, including the Hawi area. Established in 1996, the school provides a comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a Christian worldview. The curriculum includes advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Located in Kailua-Kona, approximately 45 minutes from Hawi, the school features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's caring community, strong moral foundation, and college preparatory focus that prepares students for higher education success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hawi, Hawaii
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Hawi, Hawaii, and what are their educational approaches?
The primary private school options serving the Hawi and North Kohala area are Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA), Makua Lani Christian Academy, and West Hawaii Explorations Academy (WHEA). HPA, located in nearby Waimea, is a well-established college-preparatory day and boarding school offering a rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Makua Lani, in Kailua-Kona, provides a Christian-based education from a Protestant perspective. WHEA, with campuses in Kailua-Kona and Waimea, is a public charter school with a unique project-based learning model, though it functions similarly to a private school in its application process. Due to Hawi's rural setting, most options require a significant commute, making transportation a key consideration for local families.
How does the high cost of living on the Big Island impact private school tuition and available financial aid in the Hawi area?
Tuition at private schools serving Hawi reflects Hawaii's high cost of living, with annual costs ranging significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, HPA's upper school day tuition is approximately $30,000, while Makua Lani's high school tuition is around $11,000. Importantly, these schools offer substantial financial aid and scholarship programs specifically designed to support local island families. HPA, for instance, awards millions in aid annually. Parents should apply for financial aid simultaneously with admissions, as deadlines are strict. Additionally, Hawaii's unique "Barber's Point" and other state-funded scholarship programs for private schools are not applicable, making institutional aid and payment plans critical resources for North Kohala residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from Hawi offer that leverage the Big Island's environment and culture?
Schools in this region excel in programs that utilize Hawaii's natural and cultural landscape. Hawaii Preparatory Academy is renowned for its Energy Lab and sustainability-focused science programs, alongside strong marine biology and astronomy offerings that take advantage of the Maunakea observatories. Both HPA and West Hawaii Explorations Academy emphasize place-based and experiential learning, with projects often centered on local agriculture, ocean conservation, and Hawaiian cultural studies. Makua Lani integrates Christian stewardship with environmental care. For a child in Hawi, this means potential involvement in hands-on learning about ranching, aquaculture, volcanic geology, and Hawaiian language and history in a way that most mainland private schools cannot replicate.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like HPA and Makua Lani for a family residing in Hawi?
The enrollment process for these schools begins early, often a full year in advance. Key deadlines for applications and financial aid are typically in January or February for the following fall semester. The process involves submitting an application, student records, teacher recommendations, and often a student visit or interview. For families in Hawi, planning for the logistical reality of a 30-60 minute commute to Waimea or Kona is a crucial part of the process. Many families arrange carpools with other North Kohala residents. It's highly recommended to attend open houses or schedule campus tours (often held in the fall) to fully understand the commute and community fit before applying.
For a family in Hawi, what are the major considerations when choosing between the local public school (Kohala Middle/High) and a private school requiring a commute?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Kohala schools offer a strong, community-centered education with the advantage of no commute or tuition. However, private options provide smaller class sizes, different curricular approaches (like IB or project-based learning), and often more extensive college counseling resources. The major trade-off for a Hawi family is the daily commitment to driving to Waimea or Kona, which can add 1-3 hours of travel per day, impacting family time and extracurricular participation. Parents must weigh the value of a specialized academic program against the quality of life and deep community connection available through the local public school. Many families find a middle ground by starting locally and considering a private school for high school years.