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Hilo High School

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Coordinates: 19°43′16″N 155°05′46″W / 19.72102°N 155.09608°W / 19.72102; -155.09608
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Hilo High School
Address
Map
556 Waianuenue Avenue

Hilo
,
Hawaii
96720

United States
Information
TypePublic, co-educational
Motto"Once a Viking...Always a Viking"
Established1906
School districtHawaii District
PrincipalJasmine Urasaki
Faculty78.00 (FTE)[1]
Grades9–12
Number of students1,317 (2022–23)[1]
Student to teacher ratio16.88[1]
CampusSuburban
Color(s)Blue and Gold    
AthleticsBig Island Interscholastic Federation
MascotViking
AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges
NewspaperKVIKS News Bulletin
MilitaryUnited States Army JROTC
Websitewww.hilohs.k12.hi.us
DesignatedJune 29, 2002
Reference no.50-10-35-07522[2]
Part ofPublic Schools on the Island of Hawaiʻi

Hilo High School is a public, co-educational high school operated by the Hawaii State Department of Education, and serves grades nine through twelve. Established in 1906, its first class graduated in 1909.

Hilo High School is near the Wailuku River in Hawaii County on the Big Island of Hawaii, United States. The campus boasts the black marble terrazzo and gray gravel sculpture Matrix by Ken Shutt.[3]

The school is situated at 556 Waianuenue Avenue on across the street from Hilo Intermediate School, one of its two feeder schools, the other being Kalanianaole Intermediate School. Hilo's symbol and mascot is the Viking and its school colors are blue and gold. Hilo High School celebrated its centennial during the Homecoming presentation of 2006.[4] Hilo High School's crosstown rivals are the Warriors of Waiakea High School.

History

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Hilo High School was started by the school authorities in September 1905. The idea for a high school is attributed to Josephine Deyo, principal of Hilo Union School. The weak public interest eventually grew stronger as the public realized the benefits from a high school in Hilo, Hawaii. At the time, the only High Schools on the island were Kau High and Pahala Elementary School and Honokaa High & Intermediate School, both over 30 miles away in rural sugar communities that were disconnected from most of the island and were only accessible by railroad. Most students who wished to attend high school went to boarding school in Honolulu, Hawaii.[5]

The school changed location in 1907 to the District Annex location and was then named Hilo Junior High School. It was moved yet again in 1922 to its present location on Waianuenue Avenue.

Gym construction

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In 2010, an enviornmental assessment was released regarding the construction of a new gym. The new gym would be provided as an alternative to the other gym located on-campus, which would be used for physical education classes. In 2012, funds were released by then-governor Neil Abercrombie to construct the facility, which began in the same year. The building was planned to be finished by September 2014, but was delayed to due to issues with paving.[6] The building was opened in December of that year, with a grand opening happening in April 2015. The building is designated as an emergency shelter and is LEED certified.

Track construction

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In December 2023, construction started on the resurfacing of the track and field facility, which had been planned since 2017. The project, costing $11 million, consisted of replacing the previous track with an all new track and field made of artificial turf. On March 5, 2025, the facility was blessed with a traditional Hawaiian blessing.[7]

Academics

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In 2024, the school was ranked #7,392 in National Rankings on the U.S. News & World Report.

Academies

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As part of a restructuring process started in the 2022-2023 school year, Hilo High School has converted into a career academy system. 9th graders are placed into a cohort academy, with wall-to-wall career academies being implemented for 10-12th graders. The academies are the Academy of Health & Human Services, Academy of Construction & Engineering, and the Academy of Business and Natural Resources.[8]

Curriculum

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To graduate, the school requires four credits in English and Social Studies, and three credits in Science and Math. 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 for the Class of 2026 and beyond, half a credit in Transition to High School.[8]

For dual-credit options, the school offers AP (Advanced Placement), Early College, and Running Start classes.[8] For AP classes, as of the 2021-2022 School year, the school had a participation rate of 19%, with 9% passing the AP exam.[9] Running Start classes are offered at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and the Hawaii Community College,[10] which are both part of the University of Hawaii system.

With the introduction of AP classes to Hilo High, it is possible for more than one student to become a valedictorian within the same graduating class. In 2017, 24 seniors graduated as valedictorians.[11] Per the Board of Education (BOE), students graduating with the Class of 2016 or later are required to have a weighted GPA (grade point average) of 4.0 and a distinguished BOE diploma in order to become a valedictorian.[8]

Extracurricular activities

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Clubs

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Hilo High offers a total of 27 clubs, including AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), DECA, Key Club, KVIKS Media, Leo Club, Math League, Taiko Club, Band, and Robotics.[8]

Performing Arts Learning Center

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As part of the Hawaii Department of Education's Learning Center program, Hilo High School offers The Performing Arts Learning Center (PALC). Established in 1987, PALC provides students in grades 7–12 with the opportunity to participate in theater arts and earn half a credit per semester. Admission to the program requires an application. PALC has been recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Hawaii DOE.[8]

The program stages two productions per school year in the school's 300-seat auditorium, with one performance in the first semester and a musical in the second semester. PALC offers courses in singing, acting, stage management, and stagecraft.[12]

Commencement

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Hilo High School's commencement exercises are normally held during the end of May.

Hilo High school has several commencement traditions that stretch back to the school's first graduation in 1909. The graduating class recites a variation of Gaudeamus Igitur with lyrics directly referencing Hilo High.

Endownment

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In 1990, the Hilo High Foundation was created. According to the foundation's website, the endownment was created with the goal of providing the school with funding for school clubs and activities that would not be available through state funds.[10] The program is overseen by a committee appointed by the school principal, which evaluates proposals from staff for potential educational opportunities that could be funded.[13]

The foundation has donated over $522,000 to the school.[10] According to its 2005 financial report, the foundation’s assets were valued at $724,063.44.[14]

Class mascot and colors

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  • Class of 2028: Panthers, Blue and Gray
  • Class of 2027: Cobras, Red and Silver
  • Class of 2026: Tigers, Black and Gold
  • Class of 2025: Jaguars, White and Gold
  • Class of 2024: Phoenix, Black and Blue
  • Class of 2023: Wolves, Black and Red
  • Class of 2022: Dragons, Black and White
  • Class of 2021: Panthers, White and Gold
  • Class of 2020: Lions, Black and Gold
  • Class of 2019: Wolves, Black and Silver
  • Class of 2018: Honus, Teal and White
  • Class of 2017: Dragons, Black and Red
  • Class of 2016: Sharks, Black and White
  • Class of 2015: Wolves, Blue and Gold
  • Class of 2014: Pink Panthers, Black and Pink
  • Class of 2013: Tigers, Black and Red
  • Class of 2012: Dragons, Black and Silver
  • Class of 2011: Phoenix, Black and Green
  • Class of 2010: Panthers, Black and Gold
  • Class of 2009: Sharks, Black and Red
  • Class of 2008: Tigers, Black and Silver
  • Class of 2007: Dragons, Blue and Silver
  • Class of 2006: Panthers, Black and White
  • Class of 2005: Honu, Black and Green
  • Class of 2004: Tigers
  • Class of 2003: Dragons, Black and Red
  • Class of 2002: Monkeys, Blue and Silver
  • Class of 2001: Elmo, Black and White
  • Class of 2000: Honu, Black and Green
  • Class of 1972: Super Chicken, Red, White and Blue
  • Class of 1971: Pink Panthers, Pink and Purple

Commencement

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Hilo High School's commencement exercises are normally held during the end of May.

Hilo High school has several commencement traditions that stretch back to the school's first graduation in 1909. The graduating class recites a variation of Gaudeamus Igitur with lyrics directly referencing Hilo High.

Notable alumni

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  • Main Office
    Main Office
  • The School gym
    The School gym

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Hilo High School". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  2. ^ "Historic Register Counts". Hawai'i State Historic Preservation Division. State of Hawaii. February 1, 2022. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  3. ^ "Matrix in Hilo, HI". Public Art Archive. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  4. ^ "Hilo High celebrates 100 years | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper". the.honoluluadvertiser.com. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  5. ^ "History of Hilo High". www.hilohs.k12.hi.us. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  6. ^ "Grand opening slated Saturday for much-delayed gym". www.hawaiitribune-herald.com. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  7. ^ @vikqueensbooster, hilohighfootball, hilohighgirlsflagfootball (March 6, 2025). "FOREVER BLESSED ✨ Today, we had the honor of blessing the newly improved Hilo High School field alongside our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and school leadership. Mahalo to Kahu Charles Kama (Uncle Puff) for his guidance and prayers, reminding us that while we all strive for victory, the true blessing is in playing safely, having fun, and creating memories on this field. We were also grateful to include the Hilo High Track Team and their coaches, as well as Principal Jasmine, VP, and teachers, in this special moment. May this field be a place of growth, camaraderie, and lifelong friendships for all teams who step onto it. Go Vikings! 💙💛 #VikQueens #HiloHigh #VikingPride #BlessedAndGrateful #PlayWithHeart". Hilo High School – via Instagram.
  8. ^ a b c d e f "Wayback Machine" (PDF). hilohs.k12.hi.us. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 30, 2025. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  9. ^ "Hilo High School in Hilo, HI". US News Best High Schools. January 1, 1970. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  10. ^ a b c "Who We Are | Hilo High Foundation". www.hilohighfoundation.org. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  11. ^ "Top of their class: Hilo High School graduation to feature 21 valedictorians". www.hawaiitribune-herald.com. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  12. ^ "Performing Arts Learning Center (PALC)". www.hilohs.k12.hi.us. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  13. ^ "What We Do | Hilo High Foundation". www.hilohighfoundation.org. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  14. ^ "Hilo High School Foundation Fiscal Report" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 28, 2007. Retrieved January 12, 2007.
  15. ^ "12. James Kealoha Park". Beaches of the Big Island. University of Hawaii Press. December 31, 1985. doi:10.1515/9780824840815-016. ISBN 978-0-8248-4081-5.
  16. ^ "2017-Patricia_Saiki.pdf" (PDF). Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  17. ^ "Yoshinobu Oyakawa". hawaiiswim.org. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
  18. ^ "UHH Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards". UH Alumni. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
  19. ^ Caraccio, David (July 25, 2022). "Investor, author of 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' lists Hawaii home on edge of ocean for $7.35M". Sacramento Bee. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  20. ^ "Genome editing pioneer and Hilo High graduate Jennifer Doudna speaks at UH Hilo about her discovery: CRISPR technology". UH Hilo Stories. September 19, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  21. ^ Pollack, Andrew (May 11, 2015). "Jennifer Doudna, a Pioneer Who Helped Simplify Genome Editing". The New York Times. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  22. ^ "Candidate Q&A — Senate District 4: Lorraine Inouye". Civil Beat. July 11, 2014. Retrieved December 2, 2014.
  23. ^ "Teen Tales", Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Hilo, Hawaii, 9 February 1951
  24. ^ Damon, Tucker (January 18, 2009). "Hilo High Grad Lois-Ann Yamanaka Gets New York Times Exposure". damontucker.wordpress.com. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
  25. ^ "Principal's Message". Archived from the original on July 21, 2011.
  26. ^ "BJ Penn Hall of Fame Member". September 14, 2018.
  27. ^ Buan, Robert (June 17, 2023). "Hilo High School product now playing in College World Series". KITV Island News. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
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19°43′16″N 155°05′46″W / 19.72102°N 155.09608°W / 19.72102; -155.09608

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