We went to see a performance of a hula performance and was amazed by the Moanalua High School performing Arts Center it is fabulous and well designed. The seats and the set up and sound handled by the students was amazing, it is top notch. The view from any where you sit. They had handicapped access and seating area and the restroom were well kept and clean. Parking lot, lots of parking available read more

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Five stars for the Epic Sport of USA WRESTLING! A HUGE SHOUT OUT to the Coaches, Wrestlers, Officials, Tournament directors & Table Volunteers that make USA HAWAII WRESTLING a great event with that ALOHA SPORTSMANSHIP & Pin to Win High Altitude Greco throws! The cream of the Islands are here today, vigorously striving for that victorious win that will qualify them for the USA Wrestling National Tournament in the mainland. I'm excited to see the young generation of wrestlers learning to Officiate as well. Love this sport! Love these Hawaiian wrestling enthusiasts in attendance! Aloha Saturday! read more

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It's sure crafty here...yup this is for their craft fair that's usually during the holidays as many have been certainly for gifting as we all do. Fast forward to 2022 and after a horrifically long two years for many of us I was so delighted to see through a favorite vendor posting their participation at this craft fair unusually placed in March but luckily had the day off I darted off to Moanalua with anticipation. Yes parking just about impossible we all know that but this is all about the school and to raise funds so when I drove up and saw that it's $5 for parking which goes directly to the school you know I'm all in in fact gave them an additional $5 which the adorable student was puzzled lol. Aside for the obvious parking it's completely free and in comparison to the usual town location with $8 parking and $4+ entry fee this is a bargain that's going to a fantastic place...our local school. With my check in and post I've been asked if it was worth it...with response of not to complete your Christmas shopping as I was talking to some vendors it was their very first event since the closure and some had forgotten their passcodes to sign in to their accounts for credit cards and what not. I'm just so happy to see some newbies and old friends which is a great start to somewhat of a normalcy and got to reconnect with some that don't have Instagram outlet to keep up with. So much shifting going around with shop closure, moving and reopening...let's all support local artist and small business. Thank you!! read more

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Established in 1972 and with its first graduating class in 1975, Moanalua High School (MoHS) serves a portion of the Salt Lake and Moanalua areas of Oahu. For the school year 2019-2020, it has 1,942 students, 118 fulltime teachers and a 16:1 student-to-teacher-ratio. With grades 9 -12, the school is nationally recognized for its academic, music program, and media communications learning center. School colors are royal blue and silver. Our grandson just graduated from MoHS this past weekend in May 2020. We are proud of him, graduating summa cum laude despite a challenging year on being pretty much on his own. His parents and three siblings moved permanently to Toronto, Canada in Aug. 2019 to tend to the family's businesses. Both sets of grandparents on Oahu watched over him; however, his maternal grandparents were traveling back and forth from Oahu to Toronto to deal with the family businesses. So hubby and I spent much time tending to his needs. This review highlights the school's music program, which our grandson was involved in helping him to get through his senior year. MoHS is known for its music program, and thus, there are many students across Oahu who are enrolled in MoHS with geographic exceptions just to be part of the music program. Music programs include: concert and symphonic bands, symphonic wind ensemble, "Menehune" marching band and color guard, chorus, concert choir, concert orchestra, piano, and jazz band. Our grandson's initial introduction to music started with playing the clarinet in band at Moanalua Middle School and continued on to MoHS while progressing through various bands during his four years there: marching band, symphonic wind ensemble, and symphonic orchestra with being a clarinet section leader. His passion for music led to his selection as a member of Central District's Honor Band, made up of students of various schools in the Central District who auditioned and were selected. But it didn't come easy. We credit the teachers in the Music Department for the highly acclaimed music program. The band program, led by Music Director, Elden Seta, and Associate Music Directors, Cavin Takesue and Todd Oshima, go beyond their limits to provide their students with the best music education possible. Their tireless hours go way beyond a 40-hour work week, as they spend much time outside the normal school hours for endless practices that involve absolute precision in their performances. The marching band practices until they are perfect, including the color guards throwing their weapons high in the air and catching them in unison. Our grandson even received private lessons from Mr. Seta at no charge. The students are all nurtured in their passion for music. But what is incredible is Mr. Seta's philosophy in teaching the kids. At many of the concerts, he thanks family and friends for supporting their kids by being there. And he explains how music applies to the kids' everyday lives in changing them from inside out. Their love of music requires discipline to participate in the program, e.g., need to be prompt and on time for rehearsals and concerts, washing their uniforms, showing respect to others, abiding by strict rules of concert etiquette, keeping your grades up, thinking positive, and many more. Yes, we've seen the positive changes and maturity in our grandson over the years and appreciate this nurturing and encouragement by staff. And we've seen how all the kids become one big ohana, as they spend so many hours together. Many BFFs are found in this close-knit group. The kids have participated in many concerts island wide: Central District Band Festival, Winter Concert, Aloha Concert, Rainbow Invitational Marching Band Festival, Aloha Week Parade, Carnegie Hall in NY, Tournament of Roses Parade in CA, and much more. We've taken our grandson all over Oahu for rehearsals and concerts in school gyms, auditoriums, and stadiums; Blaisdell Center; Pearl City Cultural Center; Windward Mall; Ala Moana Shopping Center; and many more. With so many rehearsals and performances, we're excited that MoHS is nearing completion of a new state-of-the-art 4,600 sq. ft. Performing Arts Center on campus that will have an auditorium with rehearsal and instructional spaces, storage rooms, music library, and other supporting facilities for expanding music and drama departments. As I watched our grandson's commencement ceremony, it brings joyous tears to my eyes to see him grow to a fine young man to start a new chapter in his life. He will certainly succeed in his future endeavors, and I sincerely thank Mr. Seta, Mr Takesue, and Mr. Oshima for the finest guidance that they could possibly give. I also thank the Principal, Ms. Robin Martin and staff, for making their music program a priority at MoHS, as well as the Band Boosters Association, that has supported the kids in every way that they can. Thank you, MoHS! You're the best! read more

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I actually went to school here and it was terrible I'm not going to mention how the teachers are rude bullies but I will say when a teacher is in professional and out of line administrators will do nothing about it I reported to multiple "adults" and my counselor that my marine biology teacher mr yoshioka was sharing with my class his physical exam and telling us students which on if his testicles hung lower and educating us students in MARINE BIOLOGY as to why men in Africa r@pe children and nothing was done about this the choir teacher bullied a student and called the students parents names and the school did nothing when reported don't send your kids here read more

I don't RECOMMEND no parent send their children here.They don't take bullying serious at this school. Teachers are rude and don't want to help their students. Admin office also have attitude. They don't support military families. Teachers take weeks to grade students work. I wish I can give this school zero stars. read more

This review is for the McKinley adult school on the moanalua high school campus. I'm in a masters program to get my masters in teaching and thought it would be a good idea to get my substitute teaching certificate for several reasons. 1) the subs that I've encountered this semester have been terrible (talking on their phones in class, handing out worksheets and then sitting at the teachers desk to play on their phones etc.) 2) I love teaching math and would be 2883017390107x better than the subs I had to work with 3) it's something fun to do while I'm not in class or doing homework. I've been looking for a substitute class for months. There are several locations around the island, but they all make it so hard to get into a class. Whhyyyy? I have no idea. It's literally the dumbest class I've ever had to take. I heard there used to be an online version of the program. It would definitely save me a lot of time and eye rolling. Smh.... Moanalua is the better one of the junky situation that is this substitute teacher program. It's no wonder there are so few good subs. The admin is pleasant on he phone and I guess they try to open more classes depending on demand. Moanalua high school campus is nice. The rooms and facilities are relatively clean and there are always groups of students doing extracurricular activities in the afternoons. read more

It is cheerful and upbeat to hear and see the many birds that are on and around the track and football field. There are Java finches, cardinals, mynah birds, bright yellow and orange finches (usually a matched pair), green Indian ring-neck parrots, grey doves, grey ring-neck doves, kolea (golden plover), tiny black finches with red beaks, and mejiro (white eye). There are also mongoose that run up and down the bleachers looking for scraps. I'm in good company as I exercise! Woo hoo! read more

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I went to the high school for their annual craft fair. It was awesome! There were a lot of vendors selling a variety of items. It's a really good place to buy unique gifts for friends and family. The vendors were spread out throughout the school both outdoor and indoor. I'm very thankful that it wasn't raining. They also had a variety of food and beverages made by locals to snack on for a pretty decent price. I bought a bottle of water for about $2. They also had bathrooms open that were decently clean. Parking was pretty difficult. The school lot filled up quickly, so we had to find parking on the street nearby. We tried a small parking lot, but were unsuccessful. We actually got lucky later when driving down a residential street. We spent about 2 hours there. Definitely making plans to go to the craft fair again next year, if they have it. read more

This is a shitty school. I also went to Moanalua Elementary, middle, and high school. However, the school and it's reputation have really gone down. The staff they hire is a joke, the principal is a joke and engages in illegal activity. He favors certain students and from being in sports I hear that the only reason his son made captain on the basketball team was because he's the principal. Everyone says his son is one of the least favored player. In recent years, it has not caught up with other schools such as renovation, having clean fountains, having online portals to check your grades etc. The experience of high school great but as far as the school itself. Far from perfect. I transferred my senior year to a private school. VERY DIFFERENT! There are certain good teachers but majority of them are as far as crappy high school goes. Also, the entire 3 years of my CAP (CAP NOW) I had 4 different teachers come and go. My first day as a freshman, we were waiting outside of our CAP for 20 minutes...the teacher didn't show...2...we had a sub for the next month and our teacher came back after giving birth...then left again because she got preggos...3...had another sub...then another sub.....and then a permanent teacher. Talk about guidance through all 4 years.lol. I'm from Moanalua Gardens and let me tell you Moanalua High School is not in Moanalua...it's in Salt Lake...with a bunch of apartment buildings and it's the center of Salt Lake ghetto. The SCHOOL bus system runs throughout Salt Lake but only goes to a very small part of Moanalua Valley...not actually MoANALUA...per se. So they mainly cater to the poorer students. Among other things though there is a good marching band and cheer squad, they are lacking so much more that I have seen other schools come through on. Academically, they grad the most valedictorians but again it's the teachers who give out grades like flyers. For a supposedly new high school, someone should at least donate a track so they don't have to run on dirt. C'mon Oregon who is super financially worst off than Hawaii has tracks at all their public schools. You can make it out of rubber from donated shoes. Kaiser and several other schools already have rubber tracks. read more

Call is school pride...or what ever you want...lol i was fortunate enough to go to Moanalua Elementary, Intermediate, and High School...WOW!!! The Campus has gone through allot of change since i was there...there are new buildings and New programs being offered. We always had the best marching band, band, and orchestra program in the state...but i was never in any of those programs...haha Well my fav classes were the art classes, graphic design, marketing, and ceramics...oh and junior, senior english was fun...haha read more

12.14.13. During the holiday season, Moanalua High School hosts one of the best and largest craft fairs, which is what this review will be mostly about! MHS looks really small from the main road...but it is very deceiving! This was my first year coming to this craft fair and going beyond just the track (graduation) and gym; seeing the number of participants and the spread of the vendors throughout the campus made me realize how big this campus is. Vendors are located in the cafeteria, courtyard/open area, and in the hallways. Also, don't forget to check out the Art Department/Classroom; they sell student artwork that is either donated or left behind and the art teachers had some SUPER cool letter/alphabet photography that they were selling--I hope they'll be back again next year!! As for parking...the parking at this school is TERRIBLE, especially when it comes to large or popular events like this craft fair. Either 1) come early to find parking on campus (there are two entrances, you can chance either or both), or 2) look for street parking and walk; don't forget that to get to the craft fair area, it's an uphill battle. If you have handicapped family members/friends/whomever that you come with you can be helped at the top-side entrance. Despite the fighting the parking craziness, I did enjoy coming to this craft fair a lot and I hope the school will continue to host it! Yelp 365 Challenge: #347/365 read more

I barely graduated from here but I was able to graduate because of the support staff (mainly counseling and alternative programs)! They helped me with my with all my teenage issues, believed in me, and had the support necessary for me to graduate. Also, there are programs for the more academic students such as band, orchestra, sports, media, just to name a few. There are also many clubs such as language clubs, interact club, etc.. I can seriously go on and on. Know that if your child attends this school he/she will have many activities to participate in. Your child will also be academically challenged. If your child has issues this school has the VERY BEST outreach counselor ever! HUGE Warning- if you want to work here know that it may not be a school you want to begin at. Get some years of "experience" then work here. Im just sayin'. read more

Campus looks a little ghetto for one of the supposedly better public high schools. They have a good media program, good orchestra program. Some of the teachers seem a little removed from reality. Others seem really awesome. read more

Class of 09!! This school holds many memories for me. At the time I wasn't such a fond person of the high school, but because of the great staff (MR.PARKS) I was able to graduate. The teachers here are probably the most caring, (not all of them though haha). I could be able to talk to my teachers as if they were my parents/friends. Security guards as well, letting us ditch to grab a bite or smoke a stoge and make it back before the bell rings. (not sophie though haha) The school itself isn't so pretty, multiple people thought it looked like jail lol. But I must say I am glad I went to this high school, learned so much and gained many great friends. Lunch was okayyyy at the time, but now I wish I could go back and eat the nachos they had!! Even the two portuguese sausage pieces with two scoops of rice! yum! My class overall had a lot of students (like me) that never showed for classes or were failing, but to see all those people at graduation walking with everyone, was such a great heart warming feeling. (I have Mr.Parks to thank for that againnn) It was nice to live across from the school as well! No need for car or bus! I truly do miss this high school and now realize what people meant when they said enjoy high school while you can. I was such in a rush to get out, that at times I wish I could go back and spend time with my friends like before. I was lucky though that my class (09) was the last class to have a certain amount of credits, because I heard the next class had to achieve 2 extra credits after us. Sucks!! In conclusion, if you are deciding between another school or Moanalua, I highly suggest Moanalua. I enjoyed my time there!! read more

It is very true that Moanalua High School is the next best thing to private school in Oahu. There really is something to say about this school. So I'm a bit surprise/miffed that this institution has not had that many reviews on Yelp. I am proud to say I graduated from this High School. My experience is ineffable and if I even tried to talk about the things I loved and hated, it would take too long! Nevertheless, if you're a parent with high school aged children about to move to Hawaii and cannot afford private school, please call the administration and ask about enrollment. How awesome is this school? Every year there are out-of-district families and kids who attempt to enroll into this school from the REST of the island. Total student population is over 1,000 because of it. Class size is HUGE, but what can you say? Athletics, Arts and Academia are on equal levels at this school. A very high standard is set in each category. The school attempts to streamline their academic classes by tracking student performance, then placing them in "remedial", "regular", "honors" and even AP classes. This is done by thorough student evaluations performed by teachers by the end of Freshman year. Unfortunately, you're basically screwed if you don't try your best your first year in high school. Additionally, if you are an out-of-district student going to Moanalua, low grades can be a factor to getting kicked out. Needless to say, you'll see the same kids who excel in all three categories. Teachers on the whole are cool. They are youthful and can be your friend. This is great practice for getting to know your professors in college. Which goes into another great aspect of this school: if you want to go to college, you can have the resources right there for you. The college and career center is probably the most intimidating place in Moanalua. When I was a student, I felt too insecure to be feeling like I deserved to go to an awesome university (competition between the top students are tough). But Mrs. Mau, the college counselor, at the time gave me self-confidence and a realistic perspective on all the private universities I applied to (I got accepted to all of them). Looking back though, she did push me to do an Ivy League and a few top 20 schools which I regret not applying to knowing now that the university I graduated from was more of a safety school for me. If you go to this school or is a parent looking at this school for your child, please understand that you have to make the most of MOHS. There will not be a lot of in your face support and outside encouragement so a student will have to seek out the resources out there. Once a student gets over that hump, then you're golden! read more

About as good a public school as you can expect. Still so things could be improved ... but that's always the case. Good band and orchestra, good athletic program as well as many clubs and other extra curricular programs. The CTE program is excellent ... primarily due to excellent teachers/mentors. read more

Supposed to be one of the "best", but have my doubts. Still can't believe a D is a passing grade in Hawaii, but at least my SPED kid will be able to get a diploma instead of a certificate. SPED lady, Mrs. Leong, is great though. Going above and beyond to help my son with extra tutoring every morning. read more

Decent school, nice music program which is the reason why we applied for GE just so my child can pursue her love of music. Teachers seem nice, never had problem dealing with the office so far. Daughter did switch classes because she was not learning anything from her previous teacher. She kept getting D's but moved up to As and Bs after she transferred classes and retook exams to check how well she knew the subject. read more

Having a daughter who earlier attended private school, I can offer a view from both sides. In a word, what a bargain compared to the money we spent for private school. As the expression goes, I am now a believer! Good teachers, caring staff, facilities good to excellent (Have you been to the gym lately!), and a good mix of students from different backgrounds. Our daughter has really thrived there and wishes she had tansferred sooner! read more

for my sons football team dinner..... football tomorrow moanalua vs. mililani gooo menes chhhheeehhhuuuuu!!!!!!