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Family is a high priority in Hilo and East Hawaii and extended families are often the primary social groups that residents spend time with. They have fun together at the local beaches, parks, and events. The importance of children and family is one of the reasons that we love Hilo.
Our son was home schooled, so we don't have direct experience with the public or private schools in Hilo. We have heard good and bad stories from parents about the public schools; it depends on the family and the kid and the school. We recommend checking out the schools before deciding whether it is the right place for your children. We have experience with the Hilo Community Adult School which offers GED testing and evening classes. The staff was fantastic supporting our son in getting his GED. Hawaii also offers a Competency-Based High School Diploma Program which combines taking classes and passing the GED to receive a Hawaii high school diploma. These programs are great for homeschool kids allowing them easy submission into colleges and high school equivalency for jobs. You can get reviews of Hilo schools at the Great Schools site or PrivateSchoolsReport Hilo Public Schools Hilo public schools are part of the Hilo-Laupahoehoe-Waiakea complex. Hilo High School is directly above downtown Hilo. Here are some pictures of Hilo Highschool. Waiakea High School is nearby Hilo in the Waikea area across the street from the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Here are some pictures of Waikea Highschool. Hilo has 8 elementary schools (Ernest Bowen deSilva, Haaheo, Hilo Union, Kalanianaole, Kapiolani, Kaumana, Keaukaha, Waiakea, and Waiakea Waena) and 3 intermediate schools (7-8) schools (Hilo, Waiakea, and Kalanianaole). Hilo has 3 public charter schools: Connections Public Charter School (K-10), Waters of Life Public Charter School (K-12), Ka'Umeke Ka'eo Hawaiian Immersion Public Charter School, (K-6) and Edith Kanaka'ole Foundation Ke Ana La'ahana Public Charter School (7-12). Private Schools If you can afford the tuition, there are many private schools in Hilo, most of them are associated with a religious organization. Some of the schools are alternative type schools.
Home School Resources Hawaii's homeschool requirements are different than other states. There are a lot of groups and families around the Big Island that support homeschool families, so if you are already homeschooling or choose to start homeschooling you won't be alone. GED testing is available regularily in Hilo and Kona through the Community school for Adults. Here are some resources and informational web sites about Homeschooling.
Competitive Sports Teams for Kids Hilo has several Swim teams. The Hawaii Swimming Club meets at the indoor Kawamoto Swim Stadium. Swim teams also practice at county NAS pool and pools at the Kamehameha School, St. Josephs, Hilo High School, Christian Liberty, and Waiakea High Schools. See pictures of county swimming pools in Hilo. The YWCA has a heated pool which offers swim classes. A Gymnastics school practices in Hilo at Pantheon Gymnatistics located on Kalanikoa Street. The Pacific Gymnastics Flippers team competes nationally.
Hilo has several competitive and recreational canoe and outrigger clubs including Kamehameha Canoe Club and Puna Canoe Club. Youth sailing and other boating is supported by the Na Hoa Holomoku of Hawaii Yacht Club.
Hilo has Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, Tennis, Golf, and Hunting and Fishing. Hawaiisportspage has information about the teams. Activities for Kids Hilo has abundant activities in addition to sports. The location of 6 telescope observatories, museums, the University of Hawaii, Hawaii Community college, and an active arts community creates an exciting intellectual and artistic community in Hilo with many activities for families and kids to participate in. 'Imiloa Astronomy Center has many programs for kids and families in addition to their regular planetarium shows, exhibits and Hawaiian cultural programs. They have afterschool programs during the school year and camps when school is out for kids and families. And the center is always looking for volunteers. Astronomers at UHH and local Hilo Observatories have created amateur Astronomy clubs and provide families the opportunity to view the stars in Hilo and at the visitor's center on Mauna Kea. Astroday Institute sponsors astronomy events year-round. Workshops at the East Hawaii Cultural Center include Kid's art camp, children's theater workshops, comedy workshops, ukulele instruction and more. Hilo has an impressive number of competitive Robotics Teams that have won numerous awards including Hilo High Schools Robotics Team and Waiakea High School Robotics Team. RoboticsHawaii describes the programs in Hawaii including FIRST, Botball, RoboFest, ROVs and others. Hawaiian Hula Schools, Halau Hula, are normally run by a Kumu that has inherited the position. The schools teach Hula to children and adults and often compete internationally in hula events. As a part of the instruction, students learn Hawaiian language, chants, meles, and lei making. Some of the most famous Kumu's are in Hilo such as Paul Neves and Johnny Lum Ho. You can find a list of the many Halau Hula in Hilo at mele.com. The Merry Monarch festival takes place in Hilo every Spring; it is the premiere international Hula event. Living in Hilo is a unique opportunity for families to learn about and become involved in Hawaiian culture and dance.
The County of Hawaii supports many sports and cultural activities for families and children through the parks and recreation division. Check out Hilo activities for links to county activity sites. There are many groups active in Theater and Performing arts in Hilo. The Big Island Theater Network Newsletter lists the events. The Hilo Community Players present professional, amateur, and youth theatre around Hilo. Hilo has a great library and special section just for kids.
If your kids are like my son, they can't do with out a supply of computer games and a place to sell used games. Fortunately, the Prince Kuhio mall in Hilo has a GameStop.
Pictures of Hilo Highschool
Pictures of Waikea Highschool
Pictures of Hawaii county swimming pools in Hilo
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