{{Short description|Public school in Hilo, Hawaii}} {{Use American English|date=August 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}} {{Infobox school | name = Hilo High School | logo = [[File:HHSLogo2017.gif|150px]] | established = 1906 | address = 556 Waianuenue Avenue | city = [[Hilo]] | state = [[Hawaii]] | zipcode = 96720 | country = United_States | campus = Suburban | type = Public, co-educational | affiliation = | principal = Adrian De Mello | teaching_staff = 74.00 (FTE)<ref name=NCES/> | ratio = 15.81<ref name=NCES/> | enrollment = 1,170 (2024–2025)<ref name=NCES>{{cite web|url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=1500030&SchoolPageNum=4&ID=150003000029|title=Hilo High School|publisher=National Center for Education Statistics|access-date=February 15, 2026}}</ref> | grades = 9–12 | accreditation = [[Western Association of Schools and Colleges]] | district = Hawaii District | mascot = Viking | colors = Blue and Gold {{Color box|Blue|border=darkgray}} {{Color box|Gold|border=darkgray}} | newspaper = KVIKS News Bulletin | motto = "''Once a Viking...Always a Viking''" | athletics = Big Island Interscholastic Federation | free_label = Military | free_text = United States Army JROTC | website = {{URL|http://www.hilohs.k12.hi.us/}} | module = {{Infobox historic site | embed = yes | designation1 = Hawaii Register of Historic Places | designation1_offname = | designation1_date = June 29, 2002 | designation1_number = 50-10-35-07522<ref name="hrhp">{{cite web |title=Historic Register Counts |url=https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/shpd/ |website=Hawai'i State Historic Preservation Division |publisher=State of Hawaii |date=February 1, 2022 |access-date=March 8, 2022}}</ref> | designation1_free1name = Part of | designation1_free1value = Public Schools on the Island of Hawaiʻi }} }}
'''Hilo High School''' is a [[Public school (government funded)|public]], [[Coeducation|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 [[Hawaii (island)|Big Island]] of [[Hawaii]], United States. The campus boasts the black marble terrazzo and gray gravel sculpture ''Matrix'' by [[Ken Shutt]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matrix in Hilo, HI |url=https://publicartarchive.org/search/art/1eb88b1e |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=Public Art Archive |language=en}}</ref>
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 (color)|gold]]. Hilo High School celebrated its [[centennial]] during the [[Homecoming]] presentation of 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hilo High celebrates 100 years {{!}} The Honolulu Advertiser {{!}} Hawaii's Newspaper |url=https://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Jul/20/ln/FP607200364.html |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=the.honoluluadvertiser.com}}</ref> Hilo High School's crosstown rivals are the Warriors of [[Waiakea High School]].
==History== 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]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Hilo High |url=https://www.hilohs.k12.hi.us/apps/pages/history |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=www.hilohs.k12.hi.us |language=en}}</ref>
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 === In 2010, an environmental 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 due to issues with paving.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grand opening slated Saturday for much-delayed gym |url=https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2015/04/10/hawaii-news/grand-opening-slated-saturday-for-much-delayed-gym/ |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=www.hawaiitribune-herald.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The building was opened in December of that year, with a grand opening happening in April 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grand opening slated Saturday for much-delayed gym |url=https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2015/04/10/hawaii-news/grand-opening-slated-saturday-for-much-delayed-gym/ |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=www.hawaiitribune-herald.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The building is designated as an [[emergency shelter]] and is [[LEED|LEED certified]].
=== Track construction === 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.<ref>{{Cite Instagram |postid=DG2XK7_OJUf |user=vikqueensbooster, hilohighfootball, hilohighgirlsflagfootball |title=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 |date=March 6, 2025 |location=Hilo High School |link=yes |df=mdy}}</ref>
== Academics == In 2024, the school was ranked #7,392 in National Rankings on the [[U.S. News & World Report]].
=== Academies === 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 [[Academy model|career academies]] being implemented for 10-12th graders. The career academies offered are the Academy of Health & Human Services, Academy of Construction & Engineering, and the Academy of Business and Natural Resources.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Wayback Machine |url=http://hilohs.k12.hi.us/ourpages/auto/2024/6/3/39315363005468448023/Catalog%202024%202025.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130163006/https://www.hilohs.k12.hi.us/ourpages/auto/2024/6/3/39315363005468448023/Catalog%202024%202025.pdf |archive-date=January 30, 2025 |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=hilohs.k12.hi.us |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hilo High School |url=https://www.hawaiiacademies.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=2804251&type=d&pREC_ID=2305875 |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=www.hawaiiacademies.net |language=en}}</ref>
=== Curriculum === To graduate, the school requires four credits in [[English studies|English]] and [[social studies]], and three credits in [[science]] and [[mathematics]]. For electives, students are required to take 2 credits in either [[fine art]]s, World Language, or [[Career and Technical Education]], one credit in [[physical education]], half a credit in [[Health education|health]], and for the Class of 2026 and beyond, half a credit in Transition to High School.<ref name=":0" />
For dual-credit options, the school offers [[Advanced Placement|AP (Advanced Placement)]], [[Early college high school|Early College]], and [[Running Start]] classes.<ref name=":0" /> As of the 2021-2022 School year, the school had a participation rate of 19% for AP classes, with 9% passing the AP exam.<ref name="c519">{{cite web |date=1970-01-01 |title=Hilo High School in Hilo, HI |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/hawaii/districts/hawaii-department-of-education/hilo-high-school-6135 |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=US News Best High Schools}}</ref> Running Start classes are offered at the [[University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo|University of Hawaii at Hilo]] and the [[Hawaiʻi Community College|Hawaii Community College]],<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Who We Are {{!}} Hilo High Foundation |url=https://www.hilohighfoundation.org/who-we-are |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=www.hilohighfoundation.org}}</ref> which are part of the [[University of Hawaiʻi|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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top of their class: Hilo High School graduation to feature 21 valedictorians |url=https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2017/05/15/hawaii-news/top-of-their-class-hilo-high-school-graduation-to-feature-21-valedictorians/ |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=www.hawaiitribune-herald.com |language=en-US}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":0" />
== Extracurricular activities == Hilo High offers a total of 27 clubs. Notable clubs include [[Advancement Via Individual Determination|Advancement via Individual Determination]] (AVID), [[Future Farmers of America]] (FFA), [[Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps]] (JROTC), and a robotics club, which participates in the [[FIRST Robotics Competition]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hilo Viking Robotics |url=https://www.hilohs.k12.hi.us/apps/pages/robotics |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=www.hilohs.k12.hi.us |language=en}}</ref> The digital-media program is run by KVIKS Media. The school offers a Performing Arts Learning Center, a learning center program that allows students to learn about theater arts and earn a semester credit. A student-run credit union is located on campus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HHS Student Credit Union |url=https://www.hilohs.k12.hi.us/apps/pages/scu |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=www.hilohs.k12.hi.us |language=en}}</ref> The students are represented by the Hilo High School Student Association, which has an executive board and 11 students who represent a part of the student body. Each grade level is represented by an executive board and a representative from their advisory classes.<ref name=":0" />
=== KVIKS Media === The school's digital media is run by KVIKS Media, a student-run [[nonprofit organization]] which started in 2017. The program's supporters include its own foundation and the Hilo High Foundation. The program's tasks include broadcasting of the morning bulletin, and the filming of school events. In 2023, the program broadcast a championship football game between Hilo and Konawaena, which earned them praise from [[Mufi Hannemann]], the former mayor of Honolulu. In addition, a group of interns were sent to assist in the 60th annual [[Merrie Monarch Festival]], where they assisted with social media, audio, and video editing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=https://kviks.org/about/history/ |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=KVIKS Media |language=en}}</ref> An alumni from the Class of 2023 was awarded with a scholarship from the Big Island Press Club.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Big Island Press Club awards scholarships to four students {{!}} Big Island Now |url=https://bigislandnow.com/2023/05/17/big-island-press-club-awards-scholarships-to-four-students/ |access-date=2025-04-08 |website={{!}} Big Island Press Club awards scholarships to four students}}</ref>
=== Performing Arts Learning Center === As part of the Hawaii Department of Education's [[Hawaii State Department of Education#Learning Centers|Learning Center program]], Hilo High School offers a 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. Courses include [[singing]], [[acting]], [[stage management]], and [[stagecraft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Performing Arts Learning Center (PALC) |url=https://www.hilohs.k12.hi.us/apps/pages/palc |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=www.hilohs.k12.hi.us |language=en}}</ref> Admission to the program requires an application. PALC has been recognized as a Center of Excellence by the HIDOE.<ref name=":0" /> The program stages four productions per school year, with a haunted house at Halloween, a Shakespeare performance in the second quarter, a student talent show in the third quarter, and a musical in the fourth quarter. Productions are located in the school's 300-seat auditorium.
== Endownment == 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.<ref name=":1" /> The foundation is overseen by a [[committee]] appointed by the [[school principal]], which evaluates proposals from school staff for potential educational opportunities for funding.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What We Do {{!}} Hilo High Foundation |url=https://www.hilohighfoundation.org/what-we-do |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=www.hilohighfoundation.org}}</ref>
The foundation has donated over $522,000 to the school.<ref name=":1" /> In a 2005 financial report, the foundation’s assets were valued at $724,063.44.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hilohighfoundation.org/documents/HiloHighFdn032006.PDF |title=Hilo High School Foundation Fiscal Report |access-date=2007-01-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928133425/http://www.hilohighfoundation.org/documents/HiloHighFdn032006.PDF |archive-date=2007-09-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Class mascot and colors== {{div col|colwidth=30em}} *Class of 2029: [[Shark]]s, Teal and White *Class of 2028: [[Panthera|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 (mythology)|Phoenix]], Black and Blue *Class of 2023: [[Wolves]], Black and Red *Class of 2022: [[Dragons]], Black and White *Class of 2021: [[Pantherinae|Panthers]], White and Gold *Class of 2020: [[Lion]]s, Black and Gold *Class of 2019: [[Wolves]], Black and Silver *Class of 2018: [[Honu]]s, Teal and White *Class of 2017: [[Dragon]]s, Black and Red *Class of 2016: [[Shark]]s, Black and White *Class of 2015: [[Wolves]], Blue and Gold *Class of 2014: [[The Pink Panther (character)|Pink Panthers]], Black and Pink *Class of 2013: [[Tiger]]s, Black and Red *Class of 2012: [[Dragon]]s, Black and Silver *Class of 2011: [[Phoenix (mythology)|Phoenix]], Black and Green *Class of 2010: [[Black panther|Panthers]], Black and Gold *Class of 2009: [[Sharks]], Black and Red *Class of 2008: [[Tiger]]s, Black and Silver *Class of 2007: [[Dragon]]s, Blue and Silver *Class of 2006: [[Panthera|Panther]]s, Black and White *Class of 2005: [[Honu]], Black and Green *Class of 2004: [[Tigers]] *Class of 2003: [[Dragon]]s, Black and Red *Class of 2002: [[Monkey]]s, 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: [[The Pink Panther (character)|Pink Panthers]], Pink and Purple {{div col end}}
==Notable alumni== * [[James Kealoha]] (1926), first lieutenant governor of Hawaii<ref>{{cite book |title=Beaches of the Big Island |date=1985-12-31 |publisher=University of Hawaii Press |isbn=978-0-8248-4081-5 |chapter=12. James Kealoha Park |doi=10.1515/9780824840815-016 |ref={{sfnref|University of Hawaii Press|1985}}}}</ref> * [[Pat Saiki]] (1948), United States Congresswoman<ref>{{cite web |title=2017-Patricia_Saiki.pdf |url=https://www.hilohighfoundation.org/sites/default/files/documents/2017-Patricia_Saiki.pdf |access-date=2025-02-20 |ref={{sfnref|Anon.}}}}</ref> * [[Yoshi Oyakawa]] (1951), Olympic swimming gold medalist in the [[1952 Summer Olympics]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yoshinobu Oyakawa |url=https://hawaiiswim.org/legacy/Yoshinobu.html |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=hawaiiswim.org}}</ref> * [[Gil Kahele]] (1960), American politician and Democratic member of the Hawaii Senate<ref>{{Cite web |title=UHH Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards |url=https://uhalumni.org/hilo/story/uhh-distinguished-alumni-and-service-awards |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=UH Alumni |language=en}}</ref> * [[Robert Kiyosaki]] (1965), author of [[Rich Dad, Poor Dad]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Caraccio |first=David |date=2022-07-25 |title=Investor, author of 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' lists Hawaii home on edge of ocean for $7.35M |url=https://www.sacbee.com/news/business/real-estate-news/article263819453.html |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=Sacramento Bee}}</ref> * [[Jennifer Doudna]] (1981),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hilo.hawaii.edu/chancellor/stories/2018/09/19/genome-editing-pioneer-and-hilo-high-graduate-jennifer-doudna-speaks-at-uh-hilo-about-her-discovery-crispr-technology/ |title=Genome editing pioneer and Hilo High graduate Jennifer Doudna speaks at UH Hilo about her discovery: CRISPR technology |date=19 September 2018 |publisher=UH Hilo Stories |access-date=October 7, 2020}}</ref> American biochemist, developer of the [[CRISPR]]-Cas9 genome editing method, 2020 Nobel laureate<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/12/science/jennifer-doudna-crispr-cas9-genetic-engineering.html|title=Jennifer Doudna, a Pioneer Who Helped Simplify Genome Editing|newspaper=The New York Times|date=11 May 2015|access-date=October 7, 2020|last1=Pollack|first1=Andrew}}</ref> * [[Lorraine Inouye]], Hawaii County Mayor and State Senator<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.civilbeat.com/2014/07/candidate-qa-senate-district-4-lorraine-inouye/|title=Candidate Q&A — Senate District 4: Lorraine Inouye|work=Civil Beat|date=11 July 2014|access-date=December 2, 2014}}</ref> * [[Sonny Tanabe]] (1953), All America High School swimmer for Hilo High and Olympic swimmer in the 4x200 meter freestyle relay at the [[1956 Summer Olympics]]<ref>"Teen Tales", ''Hawaii Tribune-Herald'', Hilo, Hawaii, 9 February 1951</ref> * [[Lois-Ann Yamanaka]] (1979), author<ref>{{cite web |url=https://damontucker.wordpress.com/2009/01/18/hilo-high-grad-lois-ann-yamanaka-gets-new-york-times-exposure/ | title = Hilo High Grad Lois-Ann Yamanaka Gets New York Times Exposure | last = Damon | first = Tucker | date = January 18, 2009 | website = damontucker.wordpress.com | access-date = October 23, 2020}}</ref> * [[Sean Saturnio]] (1985), American college football coach, 2024 [[AFCA Coach of the Year Award|AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeMello |first=Rob |date=December 12, 2024 |title=Army's Saturnio of Hilo selected Assistant Coach of the year |url=https://www.khon2.com/sports/armys-saturnio-of-hilo-selected-assistant-coach-of-the-year/ |access-date=June 21, 2025 |website=khon2.com}}</ref> * [[B.J. Penn]] (1995), retired [[Mixed martial arts|MMA]] Fighter <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hilohs.k12.hi.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=16%3Aarticle-pages&id=204%3Aprincipals-message&Itemid=48 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721001908/http://www.hilohs.k12.hi.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=16:article-pages&id=204:principals-message&Itemid=48 |archive-date=2011-07-21 |title=Principal's Message}}</ref> former [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] Lightweight and Welterweight Champion and [[UFC Hall of Fame]] Member<ref>{{cite web|title=BJ Penn Hall of Fame Member|date=14 September 2018 |url=https://www.ufcespanol.com/athlete/bj-penn}}</ref> * [[Maui Ahuna]] (2020) Current baseball player for the [[San Francisco Giants]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Buan |first=Robert |date=2023-06-17 |title=Hilo High School product now playing in College World Series |url=https://www.kitv.com/news/local/hilo-high-school-product-now-playing-in-college-world-series/article_d4b3409a-0d4a-11ee-a8e6-ab137a06c173.html |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=KITV Island News |language=en}}</ref>
==Gallery== <gallery> File:Hilo_High_School.jpg|Main Office File:Hilo_High_School_Gymnasium.jpg|The School gym </gallery>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *{{Official website|https://www.hilohs.k12.hi.us}} *[http://www.hilohighfoundation.org/ Hilo High School Foundation]
{{coord|19.72102|N|155.09608|W|source:placeopedia|display=title}} {{Hilo, Hawaii}}{{Education in Hawaii County, Hawaii}}{{Big Island Interscholastic Federation}}{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1906]] [[Category:Schools in Hawaii County, Hawaii]] [[Category:Public high schools in Hawaii]] [[Category:Buildings and structures in Hilo, Hawaii]] [[Category:1906 establishments in Hawaii]] [[Category:Hawaii Register of Historic Places in Hawaii County, Hawaii]]