Choosing the right school is a major factor for families considering a move to Haleiwa and the North Shore. While the area has fewer schools than urban Oahu, the smaller class sizes and strong community connections create a unique educational environment. This guide covers every public and private school option serving Haleiwa families.
We're Kristy and Austin Nakamura of Your Oahu Home Team brokered by eXp Realty. We live in Mililani and regularly work with families relocating to the North Shore. Call or text (808) 670-1548 with questions.
Public Elementary Schools
Haleiwa Elementary School
Located at 66-505 Haleiwa Road, Haleiwa Elementary serves grades PK through 6 with approximately 220 students. The school has a student-teacher ratio of about 14:1 and is part of the Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua Complex Area. The school emphasizes community involvement and offers a small, nurturing environment typical of North Shore schools.
Sunset Beach Elementary School
Located at 59-360 Kamehameha Highway, Sunset Beach Elementary serves grades PK through 6 with approximately 380 students. The school is well-regarded in the community and uses differentiated instruction with a focus on sustainability education, including partnerships with local farmers. It has a student-teacher ratio of about 13:1 and consistently ranks among the higher-performing North Shore schools.
Middle and High School
Waialua High and Intermediate School
Located at 67-160 Farrington Highway in Waialua, Waialua High and Intermediate serves grades 7 through 12 with approximately 635 students. The school is part of the Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua Complex Area and emphasizes developing well-rounded, community-minded lifelong learners. Waialua High offers a variety of programs including career and technical education pathways, and its smaller size allows for strong relationships between students and faculty. The campus is just a short drive from Haleiwa along the coast.
Kahuku High and Intermediate School
Some Haleiwa families also consider Kahuku High and Intermediate, located further along the North Shore in Kahuku. Kahuku is known for its strong athletics programs, Hawaiian Immersion program, and Health Learning Center. The school serves grades 7 through 12 and has a proud tradition of community involvement and cultural education on the North Shore.
Private School Options Near Haleiwa
St. Michael School
Located at 67-340 Haona Street in nearby Waialua, St. Michael School is a Catholic school serving Pre-K through 8th grade with about 90 students. The school offers small class sizes, a faith-based curriculum, and a tight-knit community atmosphere that many North Shore families appreciate.
Other Private Options
Families seeking additional private school options often look to schools in the greater Honolulu area or central Oahu, including Kamehameha Schools, Punahou School, and Iolani School. While these require a longer commute, many North Shore families find the drive worthwhile for specialized academic programs and extracurricular opportunities.
Tips for Choosing the Right School in Haleiwa
When evaluating schools for your family, consider the commute from your specific neighborhood, class sizes, available extracurricular activities, and how well the school's culture aligns with your family's values. Visiting campuses and talking with other North Shore parents can give you valuable firsthand perspective. The Haleiwa community is close-knit, and word of mouth is one of the best resources for school selection.
We're Kristy and Austin Nakamura of Your Oahu Home Team brokered by eXp Realty. We live in Mililani and regularly help families find the perfect home near the best schools on the North Shore. Call or text (808) 670-1548 with questions.