Ho'ala School in Wahiawa | Military Town Advisor

Posted: May 13, 2026

Our kids were homeschooled up until January this year, when we decided to put them into Ho'ala School in Wahiawa, HI. They are a private school (only K-8th), but I have found that their tuition is lower compared to others on the island. They also give a military discount. As someone who has worked in education, I was very skeptical about the school. But our kids have been happy- they want to be in school, and that means everything to me. They are a microschool, so they combine classes (which is what I was mainly skeptical of). But I have seen that the kids all work well together, and the teachers are super organized in helping students at their level. I rated lower on Special Education- the school is so small that I really just do not think they can support students with major disabilities. But, if you are considering transitioning from homeschool to a traditional school (or just wanting a school that focuses on the whole child) - consider Ho'ala.

Posted: March 7, 2026

We discovered Ho'ala last year after struggling with our daughter getting lost and left behind in the 25-30+ student to teacher ratio in public school. We watched painfully as our daughter began developing a significant loss of confidence and social separation.

In Ho'ala, we've seen her blossom with confidence, overcome fear of failure previously preventing her from even trying new things.

Their whole child perspective has turn our daughter's life around from a negative to a positive. She loves her teachers and staff, looks forward to going to school everyday.

As a parent, our experience has been nothing short of remarkable. Communication flows freely between us and the school helping us to understand where we fit and contribute to reinforce their program's goals to meet our child's needs for the whole child development.

This school is truly a hidden gem in the high country of Wahiawa town.

Posted: July 8, 2025

We've been so blessed to find Ho'ala. Our daughters have absolutely thrived in this school. The teachers and office staff truly seem to love the kids, and work hard to engage families in the school community.
Its hard to find a school that cherishes art and music, and Hoala SHINES for that. They don't look like much on the outside, but the inside is an explosion of color.
We're a military family, and our kids have done so well at Ho'ala that we're trying to extend on the island. If you want an awesome secular school that will foster academics and creativity, without spending your college fund and driving into town every morning, Ho'ala is wonderful!

Posted: May 22, 2025

We had a great experience at Hoala. My child attended Kindergarten there with Ms. Carolyn, prior to our move off island. Carolyn prepared my child to excel inside and outside of school. At his new school, his teacher comments on his problem-solving, ability to think deeper on a topic, and his emotional intelligence in the way he interacts with his peers. The methods used for reading at Hoala have allowed my child to read above his reading level, and there is a noticeable difference with his peers. I was actively involved in communicating with teachers and staff at Hoala, and it was a positive experience.

Posted: March 28, 2024

This school has been an amazing experience not only for my kid but for us as parents as well. The level of engagement from the admin office to every educator is above any other experience I have in other school. My daughter really loves the school her development have been increased immensely since she got to HOALA and the friendships developed has been great! 100 % recommend it!!

Posted: December 1, 2023

Loving this school so far ! I love how the teachers show they care about each child. And how this school keeps our childrens innocence a little longer :)

Posted: June 19, 2023

Truly a unique little enclave of hands-on, participative education for a fairly low price. We sent our daughter there for kindergarten after she just barely missed the cutoff for kindergarten at public school. We couldn't be happier with the results. By the time she left she was reading at the mid-1st grade level and was a considerable amount ahead of where her sister was at the same level in public schools!

Very military friendly and offer considerable discounts for service members. If you're PCSing to Hawaii and looking to avoid everything you've heard about the public schools here (all true), please consider Ho`ala as an alternative. The teachers care for the students and the students care for one another.

Posted: December 23, 2022

Hoala School is the greatest gift we could have given our daughter. As a military family, we got relocated from Virginia to Hawaii. On a short note, as the School opening date was coming up, the staff was walking us through the process every step that feels like getting a warm welcome hug. Our child is cared for, respected, listened to, encouraged, and challenged. She experiences joy in every aspect of her education. She feels connected to the community and supported in a way to learn in meaningful and memorable ways. The incredibly warm and talented staff creates an ideal environment for academic, social, and emotional growth. She grows to be a confident learner. Hoala School takes the matter of COVID-19 and social distancing seriously and with precautions to ensure all children are safe at all times. For almost 2 years, I am grateful every day for the amazing experience that is Hoala School. I wish every child could have the opportunity to attend this very special School.

Posted: October 18, 2019

I attended Hoala from the 1st - 12th grade. It has absolutely helped shape my life, career and the person that I am today. Not only did it give me a healthy educational foundation for my time at Boston University, it also gave me an unparalleled character education. This is what makes Hoala unique. In a world where children and adults are becoming more and more disconnected. It is important to create a foundation where students learn to take responsibility for their actions and have the emotional IQ to work through conflicts that will inevitably arise.

I think that the best testament to the positive impact of the school is when I see the kids of former teachers that are attending Hoala. Even though, the teacher themselves may no longer be at the school. They recognize the importance of the unique education that Hoala provides. This school helps to create citizens and stewarts for Hawaii and the rest of the world. Mahalo Hoala for what you do. There needs to be more school's like this.

Posted: October 18, 2019

Posted: May 25, 2017

It is my pleasure to write a testimonial for Ho'ala School located in Wahiawa, HI. As you may know, children must be five years old by July 31st in order to be eligible for kindergarten entry in the Hawaii Public School System. Unfortunately for us, our daughter was ineligible because she was born in September. My husband and I had to decide whether to keep her at home, or enroll her into preschool because we thought that the July 31st cut off date applied to all schools in Hawaii. Fortunately, this was not the case at Ho'ala School which has extended their cut off date to December 31st.

Ho'ala provides a safe and stimulating environment where children can make mistakes without judgment, develop confidence and a sense of belonging. Ho'ala also encourages parents and teachers to complete a 5-week Parenting Workshop to ensure that what is taught in the classroom is duplicated at home. At first, my husband and I were skeptical with the thought of attending a parenting class. However, we have learned how to effectively communicate with our daughter while at the same time, making her feel significant and taken seriously.

We owe quite a bit of gratitude to Hoala School. Ho'ala has been such a blessing to our family. Our daughter was such a timid little girl who lacked self-confidence at the beginning of the school year. Thanks to her kindergarten teacher, Ms. Carolyn Brown and the supportive staff at Hoala, she has become a lot more trusting, outspoken, and confident. We would like to thank Ms. Carolyn for her love, patience, and understanding. Our daughter has grown so much as an individual and we are confident that she will continue to thrive no matter where she goes.

Posted: May 25, 2017

Posted: June 1, 2016

I am currently enrolled as a college junior at an East Coast University and attended Hoala from 6th-12th grade. I can certainly say that it was an extraordinary place to receive an education. I believe that the small class sizes allowed for an individualized learning experience and invaluable connections with both teachers and peers. Before Hoala, I attended a public elementary school in central Oahu and was extremely shy and introverted. Over the years, through various experiences, I was able to open up and become the confident person that I am today. I am extremely thankful for many things that Hoala provided, namely the student-teacher bonds, the community service opportunities, and the unparalleled art program. They also did a wonderful job preparing me for college by offering multiple AP and Honors courses as well as a comprehensive senior project internship class and college application advising. Teachers and Staff at Hoala want to see each and every student succeed in all aspects and will go above and beyond to support their students. I am grateful and proud that I am a Hoala graduate.

Posted: January 10, 2016

Work does not prepare you for mainstream education of college. I can assure you, if you go back to public school with what they teach you, you will struggle.

Posted: January 10, 2016

Ho'ala was probably the most ineffective school I ever went to. I learned practically nothing here at this school. It did not prepare me whatsoever going back to public school. Concepts taught at this school are not college preparatory at all, and yet students are pushed through the grades with this education. Unless your kids have extreme learning issues, this is NOT the school for you.

Posted: December 11, 2015

If you have just a regular kid and are planning to send him/her here, this is NOT the place for you. Work here is is simply too easy and inadequate. Remember, just because your kids are getting A's doesn't mean they're learning anything. Also, the whole grading system is very unorganized. They don't even provide a syllabus at the beginning.

Posted: February 11, 2015

There is something very special going on at this learning institution. My granddaughter started Kindergarten in the middle of the first semester when all the other students were familiar with the rules and routine. Her classmates volunteered to be her "helper" to assist her. An older student from another class offered to be her big sister also to help. It is really endearing to watch the older students help the younger ones. All of the faculty and staff knows each and every child and is always available for them. They are all 100% committed to the Hoala philosophy of respect, responsibility resourcefulness. They also offer a Lego Club, Chess Club, Hula, Piano, Taiko Drum right on campus. Spanish is required K -12! Tina the fine arts teacher is amazing. She introduces all mediums of art while teaching Art History! They have gymnastics as part of their PhysEd There isn't a need for the school to have the expense of their own library. The kids visit the public library which is right across the street. It's a good opportunity to get out and walk and get some fresh air! If you believe that it takes a village to raise a child. Hoala is that and so much more!

Posted: September 21, 2014

Ho ala School far exceeded our expectations. My daughter attended Ho ala School from K-4th grade. We recently underwent a military move to the mainland and my daughter started 5th grade, middle school, in a premier school district. We received her first progress report at her new school and she received all A s and a B. I then went to a parent/teacher conference and was told by the teachers that they don t know why I came in for a conference- She s doing GREAT! I explained our recent move and one teacher stated How can she possibly be doing so well coming from Hawaii? I nodded and explained that this is why I chose to send her to Ho ala School. Hoala's investment in each child's development and well-being has allowed my daughter to thrive at her new school! She was definitely well prepared and ahead of the curve for this huge middle school transition due to Hoala's emphasis on respect, responsibility, responsiveness and resourcefulness. Ho'ala's emphasis on character education enriches the WHOLE child! She was not only prepared academically but given life skills through their character education program that are tools she will take with her forever.

Posted: November 8, 2013

At age 10 our daughter is excited about school and has come to value her education. She has become an introspective person who can act upon her feelings of empathy in the absence of coercion or self-centered conformity. Parent involvement in any school is vital to student success as well as to the success of the school community. We wish for every child and their family the opportunity of a Hoala education that has brightened every aspect of our daily lives and changed how we live in the world. The academics are updated and solid.

Posted: September 1, 2013

This school is the best kept secret on Oahu. It doesn't look much from the inside, but what goes on inside, is amazing. At this school, the child not only learns all the academics, but he's also taught how to be the best person he can be. And he learns how to be part of a community. This is the second year for my son at Hoala, and he loves it so much he wants to stay there until the last possible moment. All the teachers know all the kids and all the kids know each other. The older kids help the younger kids. It's just a fantastic place. If you're looking for a school that nurtures your child and allows them to go at their own pace ( whether that's accelerated, or not ) this is the place. I have nothing but good things to say about Hoala.

Posted: June 17, 2013

Ho'ala School is like an amazing hole-in-the-wall restaurant; once you find it, you wonder where it's been your whole life. I am a Ho'ala alumni (1st grade thru 12th) and so grateful for all the opportunities the school gave me, tiny as it may be. Where else can you go to receive an education (that fully prepared me & took me through college graduation), and have amazing experiences with your whole school instead of just your class? Scuba certification as part of a Marine Science course? Did it. Community Service trips to learn the importance of giving back and how much a small school can impact a community? Ho'ala does that, and more. Students in combined classes are something of the future, and something I think is helpful; it teaches a child that they are part of a group, that everyone working together in a respectful and responsible manner equals more efficient, intelligent and patient children. The school's principal was a former Ho'ala teacher and former Ho'ala parent, which I think adds to the sense of community and the well-oiled machine that is Ho'ala. I am grateful to my parents for sending me to Ho'ala and I continue to carry the values of Ho'ala with me into adulthood.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Fairway village	Condominium/Townhouse	Waipahu	HI	6.6 mi
2	Pacific Palisades	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Pearl City	HI	6.6 mi
3	Ewa by Gentry	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ewa Beach	HI	10.7 mi
4	Ewa Beach	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ewa Beach	HI	11.2 mi
5	Aliamanu Military Reservation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Honolulu	HI	11.9 mi
6	Ko Olina	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Kapolei	HI	12.5 mi
7	Ocean Pointe	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ewa Beach	HI	12.8 mi
8	Waena Apartments	Apartment Complex	Honolulu	HI	16.3 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Wahiawa	Wahiawa	HI	0.5 mi
2	Mililani	Mililani	HI	3.2 mi
3	Haleiwa	Haleiwa	HI	8.3 mi
4	Waialua	Waialua	HI	8.8 mi
5	Pearl Harbor	Honolulu	HI	11.2 mi
6	Waianae	Waianae	HI	11.2 mi
7	Kapolei	Kapolei	HI	11.4 mi
8	Kaawa Area	Kaawa	HI	11.6 mi
9	Ko Olina	Kapolei	HI	12.2 mi
10	La'ie	La'ie	HI	12.2 mi
11	Ewa Beach	Ewa Beach	HI	12.6 mi
12	Ewa Side	Ewa Beach	HI	12.6 mi
13	Makaha	Makaha	HI	12.9 mi
14	Kahuku	Kahuku	HI	13.4 mi
15	Kaneohe	Kaneohe	HI	16 mi
16	Kakaako	Honolulu	HI	17.8 mi
17	Waikiki	Honolulu	HI	19 mi

Base	Distance
Schofield Barracks	2 mi.
Camp Smith Hawaii	10.7 mi.
Pearl Harbor Naval Base	11.2 mi.
Hickam AFB	11.7 mi.
Tripler Army Medical Center	12.7 mi.
Fort Shafter	13.8 mi.
Coast Guard Barbers Point	13.9 mi.
Coast Guard Honolulu	16.3 mi.
Kaneohe Bay Marine Base	16.8 mi.

Ho'ala School

Wahiawa, HI 96786

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Ho'ala School

Wahiawa, HI 96786

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