Punahou School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026)

View full size Get directions

REQUEST INFO

SAVE SCHOOL

Quick Facts (2026)

Top Ranked HI School
Grades: Kindergarten-12
Enrollment: 3,724 students
Yearly Tuition: $34,230
Acceptance rate: 25%
Average class size: 15 students
Application Deadline: Oct. 1 / Nov. 1
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Punahou School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Hawaii for:

School Facts

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Kindergarten-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Punahou School
Kind	150
1	150
2	150
3	150
4	200
5	200
6	288
7	368
8	368
9	436
10	440
11	419
12	405

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Year Founded

1841

Colors

Buff, Blue

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students

3,724 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

83%

State avg.: 72%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

295 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

13:1

National avg.: 11:1

Average Class Size

15 students

Number of AP Courses

19 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Oct. 1 / Nov. 1

Yearly Tuition Cost

$34,230

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

2026 – 2027

% on Financial Aid

23%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$12,600

Acceptance Rate

25%

National avg.: 82%

College Acceptance Rate

100%

Admissions Director

Maile Uohara

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

24 sports

School Notes

Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawai`i, is an independent, coeducational day school with a student body of approximately 3,770 from kindergarten through grade 12.
The exceptional breadth and diversity of opportunities distinguishes the Punahou experience, allowing students to explore and develop their own interests and passions, building confidence and independence, and preparing each child for a future that is uniquely successful.
Punahou`s student body reflects the varied socio-economic levels and ethnicities of Hawai`i.
Our students exhibit a wide range of abilities, interests and talents, all contributing to a dynamic and diverse School community.

For more than 180 years, Punahou School has educated students to become the next generation of leaders and innovators. Through world-class academic and co-curricular programs from kindergarten through grade 12, we encourage students to cultivate their interests and talents, aim for their highest potential and become positive forces in the world. As one of the country's largest independent schools, with an enrollment that exceeds 3,700, we foster a well-rounded education that extends throughout one`s lifetime.
Our teachers and administrators distinguish themselves not only with their educational credentials and experience, but with their commitment and dedication to students and the School. The Punahou community, which includes students and their families, faculty and staff, alumni and others, has long been a force, united by their collective support for the School.
In recent years, Punahou has rebuilt or renovated a significant part of itscampus to offer cutting-edge, reimagined learning environments. These thoughtfully planned, technologically advanced and highly sustainable facilities offer indoor and outdoor spaces that allow students to develop skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century.
Punahou`s primary mission is to shape students into educated, capable and giving people who have the knowledge and skills to succeed in college, and ultimately contribute to the world. While Punahou remains committed to its longstanding excellence in core subjects such as math, English and science, the School also prepares students for the changing world and careers of the future by teaching students at all grade levels how to be adaptable, creative, collaborative and innovative.

Source: Verified school update

REQUEST FREE INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Punahou School cost?

Punahou School's tuition is approximately $34,230 for private students.

What schools are Punahou School often compared to?

Punahou School is often viewed alongside schools like Iolani School by visitors of our site.

What is the acceptance rate of Punahou School?

The acceptance rate of Punahou School is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 78%. Punahou School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Hawaii with low acceptance rates.

Does Punahou School offer a summer program?

Yes, Punahou School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does Punahou School offer?

Punahou School offers 24 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, E-sports, Flag Football, Football, Golf, Kayaking, Riflery, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Surf Team, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo and Wrestling. Punahou School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Hawaii for most sports offered.

What is Punahou School's ranking?

Punahou School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Hawaii for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Punahou School?

The application deadline for Punahou School is Oct. 1 / Nov. 1.

In what neighborhood is Punahou School located?

Punahou School is located in the Manoa neighborhood of Honolulu, HI. There are 2 other private schools located in Manoa.

School Calendar

View the Punahou School yearly calendar below.

School Reviews

5 4/26/2024

Good school, Came in 7th grade and met so many amazing people.

- Posted by Student/Alumni - ZS

Endorse Punahou School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Academic or athletic awards

Recent Articles

August 25, 2026

Will This Curriculum Still Matter in 2035?

Learn how to evaluate future-ready private school curricula for 2035, focusing on durable knowledge, critical thinking, AI literacy, adaptability, communication, creativity, and real-world learning before choosing a school.

August 25, 2026

Private Schools for Creators, Trades & Startups

Explore how private schools support non-traditional career paths in creative industries, skilled trades, and entrepreneurship, plus what families should evaluate when choosing specialized programs for future-ready students today.

August 25, 2026

First 90 Days at Private School: Parent Guide

Learn how to read your child’s first 90 days at private school, distinguish healthy adjustment from genuine struggles, and know when academic, social, or emotional concerns require action.

Request Info

Email:

Name of parent:

Student first name:

Student last name:

Student date of birth:

Student is:

Male

Female

Currently in grade:

Seeking entry for grade:

Target start date:

Please briefly describe academic, athletic, and extracurricular interests of the student:

Home address:

City:

Country:

State:

Zip: (enter "N/A" if not applicable)

Phone:

Save this data and create your user profile. Create your own user account so you don't have to re-type your user data each time you request information. You'll also be able to track your information requests, get reminded of application dates, and more!

Username:

Password:

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Honolulu, HI is $19,590 for elementary schools and $22,064 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Honolulu, HI is 75% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).