Waiākea High School is a public, co-educational secondary school in Hilo, Hawaii. The school's mascot is the Warrior. It is part of the Hawaii State Department of Education. Founded in 1976, the school graduated its first class in 1980.[4] The campus boasts the sculpture Landscape on the Ocean by Satoru Abe. Waiākea High School's crosstown rival is Hilo High School.
| Waiākea High School | |
|---|---|
 Logo of Waiākea High School | |
| Location | |
 | |
155 W. Kawili Street , 96720 United States | |
| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| Motto | Learn for life! |
| Established | 1976 |
School district | Hawai'i Department of Education (Hawai'i District) |
| Superintendent | Keith T. Hayashi |
Principal | Kelcy Koga |
| Faculty | 77.00 (FTE)[1] |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Gender | Coeducational |
| Enrollment | 1,183 (2024-2025)[2] |
Student to teacher ratio | 15.36[1] |
Campus size | 43 acres |
| Color | Navy White [3] |
Athletics conference | BIIF |
| Mascot | Warrior |
| Rival | Hilo High School |
| Accreditation | WASC, NCAC |
| Newspaper | Ka Leo O Ke Koa |
| Endowment | Waiakea High School Foundation |
| Budget | $ 7,503,496 |
Communities served | Waiākea, Waiakea-Uka |
Feeder schools | Waiākea Intermediate School |
| Website | waiakeahigh |
The school sits on approximately 43-acres of land, which are adjacent to feeding schools Waiākea Elementary and Waiākea Intermediate. The school is also located across from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.
For academics, the school offers a variety of dual credit options, including Advanced Placement (AP), Early College and Running Start. The school also utilizes a Smaller Learning Community (SLC) system of career academies.[5]
History
editThe school opened in 1976 to 17 teachers and 385 sophomore students. The school's name, Waiākea, meaning broad waters, was chosen due to the area the campus was located in,[6] while its mascot and colors were chosen by the first freshman class in a poll.[7] It was established due to overcrowding at Hilo High School, about ten years after adjacent schools Waiākea Elementary and Waiākea Intermediate were built. Although the school was founded in 1976, the campus itself was not built until the following year.
When the campus was first built, it originally had two classroom and two portable buildings. By the school's 25th anniversary in 2002, there were 21 buildings, including a gymnasium, cafeteria, and a library.[8]
Principals
editWaiākea High School has had a number of principals over its history. They are as follows in chronological order: Robert Bean, John Sosa, Danford Sakai, Michael Tokioka, Patricia Nekoba, and Kelcy Koga.
A Honolulu Star-Bulletin article (published Monday, February 18, 2002) states, "Since its beginning, Waiākea has had six principals: Robert Bean, John Sosa, Danford Sakai, Michael Tokioka, Patricia Nekoba and currently Judith Saranchock. It has had three principals and two interim principals in the past four years." It is uncertain if all "three principals and two interim principals" were included in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin's list.[8][original research?]
The current principal, Kelcy Koga, returned to Waiākea High School after the retirement of Dr. Patricia Nekoba, who left in December 2006. He previously served as Vice Principal until his departure for Haʻaheo Elementary School. As of the 2025-2026 school year, he is still principal.
Fires
editIn 2002, a fire started overnight in building R, causing an estimated $400,000 in damage. The building was restored and reopened in 2005.[9] In 2006, another fire broke out in building A (the administration building), purportedly started by an arsonist, resulting in a purported $1.5 million in damage.[10]
Track and field
editIn 2012, funds were released to construct a new all weather track and football field, which would replace a dirt running track.[11] The track was completed in multiple phases. Phase one marked the opening of the track facility. Phase two was completed in 2016, which constructed new training facilities, bleachers, and a building with a concession stand and restrooms.[12] The facility was named the Ken Yamase Memorial Stadium, after former athletic director Ken Yamase, who died in 2008.
School shooting threat
editIn April 2023, Waiākea High and other schools within the Waiākea complex received a threat of a school shooting. The school was put on lockdown, and Hawaii Police Department was called on-scene. It was later deemed to be a hoax, called in by an anonymous person.[13]
Academics
editTo graduate, as with all HIDOE schools, the school requires four credits in English and social studies, and three credits in science and mathematics. For electives, students are required to take 2 credits in either fine arts, world language, or career and technical education, one credit in physical education, half a credit in health, and half a credit in Transition to High School.[14]
For dual credit, Waiākea High School offers advanced placement and Early College classes for 10th-12th graders, along with Running Start classes for 11th-12th graders at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and the Hawaii Community College, which are part of the University of Hawaii system.[14][15]
As of 2024, the school offers 10 Advanced Placement classes. These classes include AP English, AP Literature, AP World History, AP Calculus, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Seminar and AP Research. Classes are open to all students, however may be restricted by grade level or other prerequisites. As of the 2023-2024 school year, the school had a participation rate of 26% for AP classes, with 18% passing the AP exam.
Academies
editIn 2003, Waiākea High School began restructuring itself into Smaller Learning Communities from money allocated through a federal grant. These Smaller Learning Communities (more commonly referred to as SLCs or Academies) include a Freshman Academy for 9th grade and career academies for 10-12th graders.[5]
The career academies are: Arts & Communications, Academy of Industry & Technology, Health Services, and Public Services.[16] Each career academy has 3 career pathways, for a total of 12 overall.[14] As part of the academy system, each career academy requires its own designated amount of community service hours. Within these academies, students are given opportunities for mentorships and work-based learning experiences. All 5 academies of Waiākea High School are nationally certified by the National Career Academies Coalition, or NCAC.
To graduate, students are required to do a cumulative senior project.[14]
Enrollment and demographics
editAs of the 2024-2025 school year, the school has 1,183 students with 77.00 classroom teachers (on a FTE basis). Of the student population, 1 is American Indian/Alaska Native, 241 are Asian, 5 are black, 283 are Hispanic, 102 are white, 308 are Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 243 are two or more races, 562 are male and 621 are female, and 480 are free and reduced-price lunch eligible.[17]
Overcrowding
editIn the 1990s, the school became overcrowded as the number of students from the Keaʻau area was growing. As a result, the school became the largest school on the island.[18] In 1998, Keaʻau High School was opened, therefore reducing the amount of students who attended the school.[19]
Notable achievements
editThe school was a recipient of the Hawaii Frito Lay Blue Ribbon award in 1989 and 1996.[8] Additionally, it has received Academy Model accreditation status for all of its academies by the National Career Academy Coalition.[20]
In 2019, the student council won a Decade of Excellence award from the National Association of Student Councils. It also won National Council of Excellence Awards between 2020 and 2025.[21][22]
In 2021, biology teacher and alumnus Whitney Aragaki received a 2022 Hawai'i State Teacher of the Year award and was a National Teacher of the Year Finalist. In 2025, she was a recipient of a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.[23][24]
In 2024, mathematics teacher Rory Inouye won a Milken Educator Award.[25]
Extracurricular activities
editThe school offers a wide range of clubs for students to get involved in. Service clubs include Key Club, Leo Club, and Interact Club. Curriculum related clubs include National Honor Society, DECA, and robotics. Special interest clubs include a gender–sexuality alliance, color guard, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.[14]
Athletics
editAthletic Director: Kalei Namohala[26]
Assistant Directors: Donn Yamamoto, Tori Daligon-Pomakai[26]
Athletic Trainers: Sharyn Kodama and Dayton Uyeda[26]
Waiākea is a member of the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF). Sports offered include air riflery, boys' baseball, basketball, bowling, canoe paddling, cross country, girls' flag football, boys' football, golf, judo, soccer, girls' softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, girls' water polo, and wrestling.
The school has won Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) state athletic championships in several sports, including 14 in boys golf, most recently in 2024.[27] The boys Air Riflery team also took the state championship in 2004 and in 2010.[28]
In 2003, the girls' swimming team took the state championship in both freestyle and individual medley relays. In 2003, 2009, and 2014, the cheerleading team placed second at the state championship.
In 2012 and 2015 the cheerleading team placed second at the JAMZ National Cheer & Dance Competition.
In 2008, Ryan Higa took first place in state for his weight division for wrestling and took second in Judo.
| Boys Soccer BIIF champions |
|---|
| 1984 |
| 1996 |
| 2020 |
| Baseball BIIF champions |
|---|
| 1982 |
| 1984 |
| 1996 |
| 1998 |
| 1999 |
| 2000 |
| 2001 |
| 2003 |
| 2004 |
| 2005 |
| 2007 |
| 2008 |
| 2011 |
| 2012 |
| 2014 |
| 2016 |
| 2016 |
bold denotes HHSAA tournament champions
| Girls Swimming |
|---|
| 2002 |
| 2003 |
bold denotes HHSAA tournament cha
| 2015 | |
| 2016 | |
| 2017 | 2017 |
| 2018 | 2018 |
| Boys Wrestling |
|---|
| 2011 |
| 2012 |
| 2013 |
| 2014 |
| 2020 |
| Boys Track and Field |
|---|
| 2011 |
| 2015 |
| 2016 |
| 2019 |
| Cheerleading |
|---|
| 2003 |
| 2009 |
| 2014 |
| 2015 |
| 2016 |
| 2017 |
| 2018 |
| 2019 |
| Football |
|---|
| 1994 |
| 1995 |
| 1996 |
| 1997 |
| 2001 |
| Cross Country |
|---|
| 2015 |
| 2016 |
| 2017 |
| 2018 |
| 2019 |
Robotics
editWaiākea High offers robotics through the HIDOE Learning Center program.[29] The team, Hot Rocks, has participated in a variety of robotic competitions, including VEX, First Robotics, and Microbots.[30][31]
Notable alumni
edit- Kai Correa - Major League Baseball coach for the San Francisco Giants
- Ryan Higa - YouTube personality
- Greggor Ilagan - member of the Hawaii House of Representatives since 2020[32]
- Billy Kenoi - former Mayor of Hawaii County 2008-2016
- Darren Kimura - businessman
- Onan Masaoka - former professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers
- Kodi Medeiros - professional baseball player
- Kala'i Rosario - baseball player in the Minnesota Twins organization[33]
- Brad Tavares - professional Mixed Martial Artist (who competes for UFC)[34]
- Quintin Torres-Costa - professional baseball player[35]
- Kean Wong - MLB player for the Los Angeles Angels
External links
editReferences
edit- 1 2 "Waiakea High School". National Center for Education Statistics. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
- ↑ "Search for Public Schools - Waiakea High School (150003000052)". nces.ed.gov. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
- ↑ "BIIF Waiakea High School - Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA)". hhsaa.org. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- ↑ "WHS Online". Archived from the original on February 26, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2006.
- 1 2 "Proactive School-wide Discipline Plan - Policies - Waiakea High School". www.waiakeahigh.k12.hi.us. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
- ↑ "Waiakea High School name". Hawaii Tribune-Herald. October 21, 1973. p. 15. Retrieved November 21, 2025.
- ↑ "Call 'em Warriors". Hawaii Tribune-Herald. September 26, 1976. p. 21. Retrieved November 21, 2025.
- 1 2 3 "Honolulu Star-Bulletin Features". archives.starbulletin.com. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ↑ "Fire Damage Shuts down all of Waiakea High School" Archived 2012-10-08 at the Wayback Machine, "The Honolulu Advertiser"
- ↑ "Fire Shuts Down Waiakea High" Archived 2012-10-08 at the Wayback Machine, "The Honolulu Advertiser"
- ↑ "Construction to begin on Waiakea High School track". www.hawaiitribune-herald.com. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
- ↑ "Department of Education – Waiakea High School – Ushijima Architects Inc". usharch.com. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
- ↑ H. N. N. Staff (April 3, 2023). "False active shooter report triggers lockdown at Waiakea High, surrounding schools". www.hawaiinewsnow.com. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Waiākea High Course Catalog 2025-2026. 2024.
- ↑ "Academies". Waiakea High. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ↑ "Academies". Waiakea High. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
- ↑ "Search for Public Schools - Waiakea High School (150003000052)". nces.ed.gov. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
- ↑ "Waiakea High overcrowding". Hawaii Tribune-Herald. September 18, 1998. p. 12. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
- ↑ "Honolulu Star-Bulletin Features". archives.starbulletin.com. Retrieved October 27, 2025.
- ↑ "Two Waiakea High School career academies achieve 'model' status". www.hawaiitribune-herald.com. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
- ↑ "Decade of Excellence". NASC. April 23, 2019. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
- ↑ "2025 Winners". NASC. April 8, 2025. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
- ↑ Lee, Suevon (January 19, 2022). "Hilo Science Teacher Is A Finalist For National Teacher of the Year". Honolulu Civil Beat. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
- ↑ Staff (January 17, 2025). "UH Hilo alumna receives nation's highest STEM teaching award". UH Hilo Stories. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
- ↑ "Hilo Hometown Hero Rory Inouye Scores $25,000 National". Milken Family Foundation. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- 1 2 3 "WHS Athletics". sites.google.com. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ↑ Lasquero, Michael (May 3, 2024). "Waiakea repeats as state boys golf champion, Seabury Hall's Tyler Loree wins individual title". Hawaii Sports Radio Network. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
- ↑ "WHS Online". Archived from the original on October 9, 2006. Retrieved May 12, 2006.
- ↑ "Learning Center". Waiakea High TLC. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
- ↑ "Waiakea High TLC". Waiakea High TLC. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ↑ "WHS Robotics Program - Waiakea High School Foundation". waiakeahsfoundation.org. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ↑ "Meet Greggor – Vote for ILAGAN, Greggor". Vote for Ilagan. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
- ↑ "Kala'i Rosario Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
- ↑ "Five Things You Might Not Know About Brad Tavares". Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved July 17, 2018.
- ↑ "Quintin Torres-Costa College, Amateur, Minor, Fall & Independent Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.