Schools in Kalihi: A Guide for Families Moving to Central Honolulu
Kalihi is one of Honolulu's most diverse and culturally rich neighborhoods, located just west of downtown between Iwilei and Moanalua. If you're considering a move to Kalihi — whether for its affordability, central location, or proximity to military bases — understanding the local school options is essential for families with children.
Kalihi falls within the Farrington-Kaiser-Kalani Complex Area of the Hawaii Department of Education. Here's a breakdown of the public and private school options available to Kalihi families.
Elementary Schools
- Kalihi Elementary School — Grades K–5, located at 2471 Kula Kolea Drive. A small neighborhood school with about 183 students and a student-teacher ratio of 10:1. Part of the Farrington complex.
- Kalihi Uka Elementary School — Grades K–5, located in upper Kalihi Valley. Ranked among Hawaii's better elementary schools with a focus on STEM and community engagement.
- Kalihi Kai Elementary School — Grades K–5, serving the lower Kalihi area near the harbor. Known for its leadership development program and community events.
- Kalihi Waena Elementary School — Grades K–5, centrally located in Kalihi. Offers a well-rounded curriculum with after-school programs.
- Puʻuhale Elementary School — Grades K–5, on the border of Kalihi and Moanalua. Serves families in the Salt Lake-adjacent areas.
Middle Schools
- Dillingham Middle School — Grades 6–8, located at 1940 Kalihi Street. The primary feeder middle school for Kalihi elementary schools. Offers elective programs in technology, arts, and athletics.
- Kalakaua Middle School — Grades 6–8, also serving some Kalihi students depending on district boundaries. Located nearby in the Kalihi-Palama area.
High Schools
- Farrington High School — Grades 9–12, located at 1564 North King Street. The main high school serving Kalihi, with over 2,000 students. Ranked among Hawaii's top public high schools with strong academy programs in STEM, business, and health sciences. Farrington is a National Historic Landmark-eligible campus designed by architect Charles William Dickey.
- Kamehameha Schools — A prestigious private school system nearby that serves students of Native Hawaiian ancestry. Campus is located in Kalihi Valley with beautiful hillside grounds.
Private & Charter School Options
- Kamehameha Schools – Kapālama Campus — One of Hawaii's top private schools, located in Kalihi Valley. K–12 education with a focus on Hawaiian culture, leadership, and college preparation.
- Damien Memorial School — A Catholic college-prep school for boys in grades 7–12, located in Kalihi. Strong athletics and academic programs.
- St. Anthony School — Catholic elementary school serving Kalihi families with a faith-based curriculum.
Tips for Families
- School zoning in Hawaii is managed by the state DOE — check hawaiipublicschools.org for current boundaries.
- Geographic exceptions (GEs) allow students to attend schools outside their zone if space is available.
- Military families may qualify for inter-district transfers through the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.
Explore Kalihi Homes
Kalihi offers some of the most affordable housing in the Honolulu metro area, with easy access to downtown, H-1 freeway, and military bases. If you're looking for a home near great schools, start your search today.