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Needs Improvement

#281 of 292 schools in HI

Honaunau Elementary School

Elementary School · Hawaii Department of Education

83-5360 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704

Enrollment

145

Student-Teacher

14.5:1

Score

3.1

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Hawaii schools

#281 of 292

In Captain Cook

#1 of 2

public schools

In district

#281 of 292

Hawaii Department of Education

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Honaunau Elementary School

3.1/10

Elementary School in Captain Cook · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Kona Adventist Christian School

3.3/10

3.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Hookena Elementary School

3.1/10

4.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Honaunau Elementary School

Honaunau Elementary School is a public elementary school in Captain Cook, HI, part of Hawaii Department of Education. Honaunau Elementary School serves approximately 145 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 14.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Honaunau Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.1 out of 10 and ranks #281 of 292 schools in HI.

Structured state assessment records for Honaunau Elementary School show 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 48% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares3.3 pts below district
  • This school 3.1 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 6.4
  • HI avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

At 145 students, Honaunau Elementary School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Honaunau Elementary School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

48% of students at Honaunau Elementary School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress1.3Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-4.19 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics5.5Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency24.5% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency34.5% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency30% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)25% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+4.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile38th
Resources & Environment4.1Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$20,056
Chronic Absenteeism48.3%

Honaunau Elementary School — Students at Honaunau Elementary School score 30% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 25%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

76.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores HI EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 42.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 48.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 28 test records from HI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
64.5%
ELA
74.5%
2010
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2011
Math
62%
ELA
67%
2012
Math
57%
ELA
67%
2013
Math
64.5%
ELA
64.5%
2014
Math
42%
ELA
47%
2015
Math
42%
ELA
42%
2016
Math
47%
ELA
52%
2017
Math
42%
ELA
47%
2018
Math
27%
ELA
42%
2019
Math
27%
ELA
42%
2020*
Math
7.5%
ELA
12%
2021*
Math
7.5%
ELA
12%
2022
Math
24.5%
ELA
34.5%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.3/10.

How Honaunau Elementary School Compares

See how Honaunau Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.1/10
4th percentile in HI
Academic
5.5/10
Average
Growth
1.3/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.1/10
Below Average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
77%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
10 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
48.3%

Location

83-5360 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Honaunau Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Kona Pacific - PCS (rated 8.5/10, 5.4 miles away, in nearby Kealakekua), which scores notably higher. Another option is Innovations - PCS (rated 6.2/10, 14.0 miles away, in nearby Kailua-Kona), which scores notably higher. Additionally, KULEANA EDUCATION ACADEMY (rated 6.0/10, 17.5 miles away, in nearby Kailua-Kona), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Captain Cook, see our Captain Cook schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 33.3 mi
School Distance Rating
KONA ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Captain Cook 3.4 mi 3.3
Hookena Elementary School Captain Cook 4.4 mi 3.1
Konawaena Middle School Kealakekua 4.7 mi 5.6
Konawaena High School Kealakekua 4.7 mi 6.4
Ke Kula o Ehunuikaimalino Kealakekua 4.8 mi 4.6
Konawaena Elementary School Kealakekua 4.8 mi 4.3
Kona Pacific - PCS Kealakekua 5.4 mi 8.5
Holualoa Elementary School Holualoa 12.3 mi 4.3
Kahakai Elementary School Kailua-Kona 13.0 mi 5.4
Innovations - PCS Kailua-Kona 14.0 mi 6.2
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS KONA Kailua-Kona 14.4 mi
Kealakehe Elementary School Kailua-Kona 16.5 mi 2.4
Kealakehe Intermediate School Kailua-Kona 16.6 mi 2.8
Kealakehe High School Kailua-Kona 17.0 mi 5.2
MAKUA LANII CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Kailua-Kona 17.1 mi 4.0
MAKUA LANI CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Kailua-Kona 17.2 mi 5.5
KULEANA EDUCATION ACADEMY Kailua-Kona 17.5 mi 6.0
West Hawaii Explorations Academy Kailua-Kona 20.9 mi 5.6
Kau High & Pahala Elementary School Pahala 31.2 mi 3.6
Naalehu Elementary School Naalehu 33.3 mi 3.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 96704 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$95,492

Median Home Value

$586,200

Median Rent

$1,705/mo

Population

7,975

College Educated

33.5%

Homeownership

72.2%

Avg Commute

34 min

Poverty Rate

14.8%

Median Age

49.2

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Hookena Elementary School Captain Cook, HI 3.1
Malama Honua Charter School Waimanalo, HI 3.6
Na Wai Ola - PCS Mountain View, HI 3.6
Haaheo Elementary School Hilo, HI 4.3
Kamalani Academy Wahiawa, HI 4.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Honaunau Elementary School

What grades does Honaunau Elementary School serve?

Honaunau Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Honaunau Elementary School?

Honaunau Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 145 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Honaunau Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Honaunau Elementary School is 14.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Honaunau Elementary School rank in HI?

Honaunau Elementary School ranks #281 of 292 schools in HI.

What is Honaunau Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Honaunau Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Honaunau Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Honaunau Elementary School has 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 48% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Honaunau Elementary School a charter school?

No, Honaunau Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Honaunau Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Honaunau Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Honaunau Elementary School?

76.6% of students at Honaunau Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
23 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
6 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
145
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
10
Free/Reduced Lunch
76.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Hawaii County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
48.3%

District

Hawaii Department of Education
District Enrollment
169,308
Schools in District
295
Per-Pupil Spending
$20,056
District Rank
#281 of 292

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