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    Punahou School

    4.6 (50 reviews)
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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.

    Raining! No shoes...
    Katy P.

    I was fortunate enough to attend a special Chapel Program at Punahou school. My granddaughter goes there and really loves it. She is in kindergarten and had a choice of going to Kamehameha or Punahou and as you can see she choose Punahou. I have read the reviews and I am very familiar with their high cost of tuition (thank GOD for scholarships) the influence of drugs, their awesome sports program and of course their great academic programs. But while I was there I noticed something I have never seen at any other school. All the children and many of the teachers were barefoot and walking around outside the campus!!! This gives a new meaning to our culture of taking your shoes off before you go into your home. I heard one little girl say "it's so you can feel what's around you". I asked my granddaughter and she said "it's optional" " you can or you don't have to". At first I thought it was kind of weird, but then I noticed how comfortable all the children were and it wasn't just the kindergarten children it was children of all ages. I think this shows the warmth and kindness the children feel in their surroundings. If you don't feel comfortable you don't take off your shoes no matter whose house your at. Thank you Punahou for excepting my granddaughter into your warm school. I now know that she is in great hands when we send her to school and that she feels at home.....

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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 - Eating area

    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
    Hanahauoli School - Wow!  A koi pond on their campus...cool!

    Wow! A koi pond on their campus...cool!

    Hanahauoli School - Cute stools

    Cute stools

    Hanahauoli School - Steps to the flagpole

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    Steps to the flagpole

    Liholiho Elementary School

    Liholiho Elementary School

    4.7(7 reviews)
    2.2 miKaimuki

    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
    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 - 11-26-23 ready to assemble "Genki Balls" for the Ala Wai Canal Restoration Project

    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
    Nuuanu Elementary School - Making kadomatsu with Troop 181 on 13.23.23

    Making kadomatsu with Troop 181 on 13.23.23

    Nuuanu Elementary School - Making kadomatsu on 12.23.23 with Troop 181

    Making kadomatsu on 12.23.23 with Troop 181

    Nuuanu Elementary School - My school

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    'Iolani School - The young men and women of Iolani Schools present "Les Miserables"!

    '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
    'Iolani School
    'Iolani School

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    Manoa Elementary School - The first "Festival of Music"

    Manoa Elementary School

    4.2(11 reviews)
    1.7 miManoa

    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
    Manoa Elementary School - Student artwork by Ms. Tellio's 3rd grade Summer School class (2023)

    Student artwork by Ms. Tellio's 3rd grade Summer School class (2023)

    Manoa Elementary School - Windy and cool in Manoa Valley

    Windy and cool in Manoa Valley

    Manoa Elementary School - 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

    Maryknoll School - The Grade School campus...it sure has changed! There are elevators now! There's grass where asphalt was ...

    Maryknoll School

    4.8(9 reviews)
    0.3 miMakiki

    Our family has had a very positive experience at this private Catholic school. My child is…read morecurrently in middle school and is genuinely excited to continue on to the high school next year, which speaks volumes about how supported and comfortable he feels in this community. One of the school's greatest strengths is its size. The student-to-teacher ratio feels just right--small enough for individualized attention, but large enough to offer a well-rounded experience. I've seen my child both supported when he needs help and challenged to grow academically, which is exactly what we hoped for. Equally important has been the social environment. He has built a strong, close-knit group of friends who I truly believe will remain an important part of his life well beyond school. That sense of belonging and community was something we deeply valued when choosing a school, and it's a big reason he never felt the need to look elsewhere. Like any school, it's not perfect. At times, administrative decisions can take longer than expected. However, I've come to see this as a reflection of the school's thoughtful and compassionate approach--they take the time to carefully consider situations and prioritize what's best for their students rather than rushing to judgment. Overall, we're grateful to be part of a school community that nurtures both academic growth and meaningful relationships. It has been a great fit for our child, and we look forward to the years ahead.

    Tonight they had their Fall Festival. Nadine invited me to go with her. It was fun. They were doing…read morea movie night and played the Super Mario Bros. movie. That must have been the theme as some of the students had on the costumes. They had a lot of food vendors. Chick-Fil-A was there selling their chicken sandwiches. They were the main sponsor. Other booths were selling popcorn, baked goods, pizza, hot dogs, chicken strip, fries, hamburger curry and lumpia. One booth was doing free airbrushed tattoos. The students must really like this as the line was so long. Another booth was selling Maryknoll merchandise such as T-shirts, hoodies and sunglasses.

    Photos
    Maryknoll School - Administration Building... Where the Convent used to be!

    Administration Building... Where the Convent used to be!

    Maryknoll School - Celebrating 95 years in Hawaii in 2022...

    Celebrating 95 years in Hawaii in 2022...

    Maryknoll School - Directory for the Community Center

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    Directory for the Community Center

    Punahou School - elementaryschools - Updated May 2026

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