{{Use American English|date=August 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}} {{Infobox school | name = Waiākea High School | logo = Waiakea High School logo.png | alt = | caption = Logo of Waiākea High School | motto = Learn for life! | address = 155 W. Kawili Street | city = [[Hilo, Hawaii|Hilo]], [[Hawaii County, Hawaii|Hawai{{okina}}i County]] | state = [[Hawaii|Hawai{{okina}}i]] | zipcode = 96720 | country = United States | coordinates = <!-- {{Coord|LAT|LON|type:edu|display=inline,title}} --> | established = 1976 | opened = | closed = | type = [[State school|Public]] | gender = Coeducational | district = [[Hawai'i Department of Education]] (Hawai'i District) | grades = 9-12 | superintendent = Keith T. Hayashi | principal = Kelcy Koga | enrollment = 1,183 (2024-2025)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Search for Public Schools - Waiakea High School (150003000052) |url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&Miles=10&Zip=96720&ID=150003000052 |access-date=February 15, 2026 |website=nces.ed.gov}}</ref> | enrollment_as_of = | accreditation = [[Western Association of Schools and Colleges|WASC]], [[National Career Academy Coalition|NCAC]] | faculty = 77.00 (FTE)<ref name=NCES>{{cite web|url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&Zip=96760&Miles=15&SchoolPageNum=2&ID=150003000052|title=Waiakea High School|publisher=National Center for Education Statistics|access-date=March 17, 2024|archive-date=July 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715025047/https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&Zip=96760&Miles=15&SchoolPageNum=2&ID=150003000052|url-status=live}}</ref> | ratio = 15.36<ref name=NCES/> | campus_type = | campus_size = 43 acres | team_name = | athletic_conference = [[Big Island Interscholastic Federation|BIIF]] | mascot = Warrior | rival = [[Hilo High School]] | newspaper = Ka Leo O Ke Koa | endowment = Waiakea High School Foundation | budget = $ 7,503,496 | colors = Navy {{Color box|navy|border=darkgray}} White {{Color box|White|border=darkgray}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=BIIF Waiakea High School - Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) |url=https://hhsaa.org/schools/waiakea_high_school |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=hhsaa.org}}</ref> | communities = [[Waiākea]], [[Waiakea-Uka]] | feeder_schools = Waiākea Intermediate School | website = {{URL|http://waiakeahigh.k12.hi.us/}} | footnotes = }} '''Waiākea High School''' is a public, co-educational secondary school in [[Hilo, Hawaii|Hilo]], Hawaii. The school's mascot is the [[Warrior]]. It is part of the [[Hawaii State Department of Education]]. Founded in 1976, the school graduated its first class in 1980.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://waiakeahigh.k12.hi.us/infodesk/aboutwhs.htm |title=WHS Online<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2006-05-12 |archive-date=2018-02-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226185858/http://waiakeahigh.k12.hi.us/infodesk/aboutwhs.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> The campus boasts the sculpture ''Landscape on the Ocean'' by [[Satoru Abe]]. Waiākea High School's crosstown [[sports rivalry|rival]] is [[Hilo High School]].
The school sits on approximately 43-acres of land, which are adjacent to feeding schools Waiākea Elementary and Waiākea Intermediate. The school is also located across from the [[University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo]].
For academics, the school offers a variety of dual credit options, including [[Advanced Placement]] (AP), [[Early college high school|Early College]] and [[Running Start]]. The school also utilizes a [[Small Learning Community|Smaller Learning Community]] (SLC) system of career academies.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Proactive School-wide Discipline Plan - Policies - Waiakea High School |url=https://www.waiakeahigh.k12.hi.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=606703&type=d&termREC_ID=&pREC_ID=1164431 |access-date=2026-05-19 |website=www.waiakeahigh.k12.hi.us}}</ref>
== History == The school opened in 1976 to 17 teachers and 385 sophomore students. The school's name, Waiākea, meaning broad waters, was chosen due to the area the campus was located in,<ref>{{Cite news |date=1973-10-21 |title=Waiakea High School name |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hawaii-tribune-herald-waiakea-high-schoo/185378237/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |work=Hawaii Tribune-Herald |pages=15}}</ref> while its mascot and colors were chosen by the first freshman class in a poll.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1976-09-26 |title=Call 'em Warriors |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hawaii-tribune-herald-call-em-warriors/185378127/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |work=Hawaii Tribune-Herald |pages=21}}</ref> It was established due to overcrowding at [[Hilo High School]], about ten years after adjacent schools Waiākea Elementary and Waiākea Intermediate were built. Although the school was founded in 1976, the campus itself was not built until the following year.
When the campus was first built, it originally had two classroom and two [[Portable building|portable]] buildings. By the school's 25th anniversary in 2002, there were 21 buildings, including a gymnasium, cafeteria, and a library.<ref name=":4" />
=== Principals === Waiākea High School has had a number of principals over its history. They are as follows in chronological order: Robert Bean, John Sosa, Danford Sakai, Michael Tokioka, Patricia Nekoba, and Kelcy Koga.
A Honolulu Star-Bulletin article (published Monday, February 18, 2002) states, "Since its beginning, Waiākea has had six principals: Robert Bean, John Sosa, Danford Sakai, Michael Tokioka, Patricia Nekoba and currently Judith Saranchock. It has had three principals and two interim principals in the past four years." It is uncertain if all "three principals and two interim principals" were included in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin's list.<ref name=":4" />{{Original research inline|date=April 2026}}
The current principal, Kelcy Koga, returned to Waiākea High School after the retirement of Dr. Patricia Nekoba, who left in December 2006. He previously served as Vice Principal until his departure for Haʻaheo Elementary School. As of the 2025-2026 school year, he is still principal.
=== Fires === In 2002, a fire started overnight in building R, causing an estimated $400,000 in damage. The building was restored and reopened in 2005.<ref>[http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2002/Aug/21/ln/ln13a.html "Fire Damage Shuts down all of Waiakea High School"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008223044/http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2002/Aug/21/ln/ln13a.html|date=2012-10-08}}, "The Honolulu Advertiser"</ref> In 2006, another fire broke out in building A (the administration building), purportedly started by an arsonist, resulting in a purported $1.5 million in damage.<ref>[http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Apr/12/ln/FP604120348.html "Fire Shuts Down Waiakea High"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008223056/http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Apr/12/ln/FP604120348.html|date=2012-10-08}}, "The Honolulu Advertiser"</ref>
=== Track and field === In 2012, funds were released to construct a new all weather track and football field, which would replace a dirt running track.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Construction to begin on Waiakea High School track |url=https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2012/09/12/hawaii-news/construction-to-begin-on-waiakea-high-school-track/ |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=www.hawaiitribune-herald.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The track was completed in multiple phases. Phase one marked the opening of the track facility. Phase two was completed in 2016, which constructed new training facilities, bleachers, and a building with a [[concession stand]] and restrooms.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Department of Education – Waiakea High School – Ushijima Architects Inc. |url=https://usharch.com/portfolio/department-of-education-waiakea-high-school/ |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=usharch.com}}</ref> The facility was named the '''Ken Yamase Memorial Stadium''', after former athletic director Ken Yamase, who died in 2008.
=== School shooting threat === In April 2023, Waiākea High and other schools within the Waiākea complex received a threat of a school shooting. The school was put on lockdown, and [[Hawaii Police Department]] was called on-scene. It was later deemed to be a hoax, called in by an anonymous person.<ref>{{Cite web |author=H. N. N. Staff |date=2023-04-03 |title=False active shooter report triggers lockdown at Waiakea High, surrounding schools |url=https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/04/03/false-active-shooter-report-triggers-lockdown-waiakea-high-surrounding-schools/ |access-date=2025-01-28 |website=www.hawaiinewsnow.com |language=en}}</ref>
== Academics == To graduate, as with all HIDOE schools, 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|fine arts]], [[world language]], or [[Career and Technical Education|career and technical education]], one credit in [[physical education]], half a credit in [[Health education|health]], and half a credit in Transition to High School.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |title=Waiākea High Course Catalog 2025-2026 |year=2024}}</ref>
For dual credit, Waiākea High School offers [[Advanced Placement|advanced placement]] and [[Early college high school|Early College]] classes for 10th-12th graders, along with [[Running Start]] classes for 11th-12th graders at the [[University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo|University of Hawaii at Hilo]] and the [[Hawaiʻi Community College|Hawaii Community College]], which are part of the [[University of Hawaiʻi|University of Hawaii system]].<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Academies |url=https://www.waiakeahigh.k12.hi.us/academic-excellence |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Waiakea High |language=en}}</ref>
As of 2024, the school offers 10 Advanced Placement classes. These classes include [[AP English Language and Composition|AP English]], [[AP English Literature and Composition|AP Literature]], [[AP World History: Modern|AP World History]], [[AP Calculus]], [[AP Biology]], [[AP Chemistry]], [[AP Environmental Science]], [[AP Capstone|AP Seminar]] and AP Research. Classes are open to all students, however may be restricted by grade level or other prerequisites. As of the 2023-2024 school year, the school had a participation rate of 26% for AP classes, with 18% passing the AP exam.
=== Academies === In 2003, Waiākea High School began restructuring itself into [[Smaller Learning Communities Program|Smaller Learning Communities]] from money allocated through a federal grant. These Smaller Learning Communities (more commonly referred to as SLCs or Academies) include a Freshman Academy for 9th grade and [[School organizational models#Academy model|career academies]] for 10-12th graders.<ref name=":5" />
The career academies are: Arts & Communications, Academy of Industry & Technology, Health Services, and Public Services.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Academies |url=https://www.waiakeahigh.k12.hi.us/academic-excellence |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Waiakea High |language=en}}</ref> Each career academy has 3 [[Career Pathways|career pathways]], for a total of 12 overall.<ref name=":3" /> As part of the academy system, each career academy requires its own designated amount of [[community service hours]]. Within these academies, students are given opportunities for mentorships and work-based learning experiences. All 5 academies of Waiākea High School are nationally certified by the National Career Academies Coalition, or NCAC.
To graduate, students are required to do a cumulative [[Culminating project|senior project]].<ref name=":3" />
== Enrollment and demographics == As of the 2024-2025 school year, the school has 1,183 students with 77.00 classroom teachers (on a FTE basis). Of the student population, 1 is American Indian/Alaska Native, 241 are Asian, 5 are black, 283 are Hispanic, 102 are white, 308 are Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 243 are two or more races, 562 are male and 621 are female, and 480 are free and reduced-price lunch eligible.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Search for Public Schools - Waiakea High School (150003000052) |url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&Zip=96760&Miles=15&SchoolPageNum=2&ID=150003000052 |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=nces.ed.gov}}</ref>
=== Overcrowding === In the 1990s, the school became overcrowded as the number of students from the Keaʻau area was growing. As a result, the school became the largest school on the island.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1998-09-18 |title=Waiakea High overcrowding |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hawaii-tribune-herald-waiakea-high-overc/195925223/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |work=Hawaii Tribune-Herald |pages=12}}</ref> In 1998, [[Keaʻau High School]] was opened, therefore reducing the amount of students who attended the school.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Honolulu Star-Bulletin Features |url=https://archives.starbulletin.com/2002/02/18/features/story3.html |access-date=2025-10-27 |website=archives.starbulletin.com}}</ref>
== Notable achievements == The school was a recipient of the Hawaii [[Frito-Lay|Frito Lay]] [[National Blue Ribbon Schools Program|Blue Ribbon award]] in 1989 and 1996.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Honolulu Star-Bulletin Features |url=https://archives.starbulletin.com/2002/02/18/features/index3.html |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=archives.starbulletin.com}}</ref> Additionally, it has received Academy Model accreditation status for all of its [[School organizational models#Academy model|academies]] by the [[National Career Academy Coalition]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Two Waiakea High School career academies achieve 'model' status |url=https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2019/05/21/hawaii-news/two-waiakea-high-school-career-academies-achieve-model-status/ |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=www.hawaiitribune-herald.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2019, the [[student council]] won a Decade of Excellence award from the [[National Association of Student Councils]]. It also won National Council of Excellence Awards between 2020 and 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-23 |title=Decade of Excellence |url=https://www.natstuco.org/council-recognition/national-councils-of-excellence/current-winners/decade-of-excellence/ |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=NASC |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-08 |title=2025 Winners |url=https://www.natstuco.org/council-recognition/national-councils-of-excellence/current-winners/2025-winners/ |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=NASC |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2021, biology teacher and alumnus Whitney Aragaki received a 2022 Hawai'i State Teacher of the Year award and was a [[National Teacher of the Year]] Finalist. In 2025, she was a recipient of a [[Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Suevon |date=2022-01-19 |title=Hilo Science Teacher Is A Finalist For National Teacher of the Year |url=https://www.civilbeat.org/beat/hilo-science-teacher-is-a-finalist-for-national-teacher-of-the-year/ |access-date=2025-01-28 |website=Honolulu Civil Beat |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=2025-01-17 |title=UH Hilo alumna receives nation's highest STEM teaching award |url=https://hilo.hawaii.edu/chancellor/stories/2025/01/16/whitney-aragaki-presidential-award/ |access-date=2025-01-28 |website=UH Hilo Stories |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2024, mathematics teacher Rory Inouye won a [[Milken Educator Award]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hilo Hometown Hero Rory Inouye Scores $25,000 National |url=https://www.mff.org/newsroom/press-releases/view/rory-inouye-hilo-hi |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Milken Family Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Extracurricular activities == The school offers a wide range of clubs for students to get involved in. Service clubs include [[Key Club]], [[Leo clubs|Leo Club]], and [[Interact Club]]. Curriculum related clubs include [[National Honor Society]], [[DECA (organization)|DECA]], and robotics. Special interest clubs include a [[gender–sexuality alliance]], [[Color guard (flag spinning)|color guard]], and [[Fellowship of Christian Athletes]].<ref name=":3" />
=== Athletics === '''Athletic Director:''' Kalei Namohala<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=WHS Athletics |url=https://sites.google.com/k12.hi.us/waiakea-high-school-athletics/athletics-home |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=sites.google.com |language=en-US}}</ref><br /> '''Assistant Directors:''' Donn Yamamoto, Tori Daligon-Pomakai<ref name=":0" /><br /> '''Athletic Trainers:''' Sharyn Kodama and Dayton Uyeda<ref name=":0" />
Waiākea is a member of the [[Big Island Interscholastic Federation]] (BIIF). Sports offered include [[air riflery]], boys' [[baseball]], [[basketball]], [[bowling]], [[canoe paddling]], [[Cross country running|cross country]], girls' [[flag football]], boys' [[American football|football]], [[golf]], [[judo]], [[Association football|soccer]], girls' [[softball]], [[Swimming (sport)|swimming]], [[tennis]], [[track and field]], [[volleyball]], girls' [[water polo]], and [[wrestling]].
The school has won [[Hawaii High School Athletic Association]] (HHSAA) state athletic championships in several sports, including 14 in boys golf, most recently in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lasquero |first=Michael |date=2024-05-03 |title=Waiakea repeats as state boys golf champion, Seabury Hall's Tyler Loree wins individual title |url=https://hawaiisportsradio.com/2024/05/02/waiakea-repeats-as-state-boys-golf-champion-seabury-halls-tyler-loree-wins-individual-title/ |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=Hawaii Sports Radio Network |language=en-US}}</ref> The boys Air Riflery team also took the state championship in 2004 and in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://waiakeahigh.k12.hi.us/athletics/index.html |title=WHS Online<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2006-05-12 |archive-date=2006-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061009103101/http://waiakeahigh.k12.hi.us/athletics/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2003, the girls' swimming team took the state championship in both freestyle and individual medley relays. In 2003, 2009, and 2014, the cheerleading team placed second at the state championship.
In 2012 and 2015 the cheerleading team placed second at the JAMZ National Cheer & Dance Competition.
In 2008, [[Ryan Higa]] took first place in state for his weight division for wrestling and took second in Judo.
{| class="wikitable" |- ! Boys Soccer BIIF champions |- | 1984 |- | 1996 |- | 2020 |}
{| class="wikitable" |- ! Baseball BIIF champions |- | 1982 |- | 1984 |- | 1996 |- | 1998 |- | 1999 |- | 2000 |- | 2001 |- | 2003 |- | 2004 |- | 2005 |- | 2007 |- | 2008 |- | 2011 |- | '''2012''' |- | 2014 |- | 2016 |- | 2016 |} <small>'''bold''' denotes HHSAA tournament champions</small>
{| class="wikitable" |- ! Girls Swimming |- | '''2002''' |- | '''2003''' |} <small>'''bold''' denotes HHSAA tournament cha</small> {| class="wikitable" |- | |- | 2015 || |- | || 2016 |- | 2017 || 2017 |- | 2018 || 2018 |} {| class="wikitable" |- ! Boys Wrestling |- | 2011 |- | 2012 |- | 2013 |- | 2014 |- | 2020 |}
{| class="wikitable" |- ! Boys Track and Field |- | 2011 |- | 2015 |- | 2016 |- | 2019 |}
{| class="wikitable" |- ! Cheerleading |- | 2003 |- | 2009 |- | 2014 |- | 2015 |- | 2016 |- | 2017 |- | 2018 |- | 2019 |} {| class="wikitable" |- ! Football |- | 1994 |- | 1995 |- | 1996 |- | 1997 |- | 2001 |}
{| class="wikitable" |- ! Cross Country |- | 2015 |- | 2016 |- | 2017 |- | 2018 |- | 2019 |}
=== Robotics === Waiākea High offers robotics through the [[Hawaii State Department of Education#Learning Centers|HIDOE Learning Center]] program.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Learning Center |url=https://waiakeahighschoolrobotics.squarespace.com/about |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Waiakea High TLC |language=en-US}}</ref> The team, Hot Rocks, has participated in a variety of robotic competitions, including [[VEX Robotics|VEX]], [[First Robotics]], and [[Microbotics|Microbots]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Waiakea High TLC |url=https://waiakeahighschoolrobotics.squarespace.com/ |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Waiakea High TLC |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=WHS Robotics Program - Waiakea High School Foundation |url=https://waiakeahsfoundation.org/projects/whs-robotics#:~:text=Waiakea%20High%20School%20Robotics |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=waiakeahsfoundation.org}}</ref>
==Notable alumni== *[[Kai Correa]] - [[Major League Baseball]] coach for the [[San Francisco Giants]] *[[Ryan Higa]] - [[List of YouTube personalities|YouTube personality]] *[[Greggor Ilagan]] - member of the [[Hawaii House of Representatives]] since 2020<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meet Greggor – Vote for ILAGAN, Greggor |url=https://voteilagan.com/meet-greggor/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112000003/https://voteilagan.com/meet-greggor/ |archive-date=2022-11-12 |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=Vote for Ilagan}}</ref> *[[Billy Kenoi]] - former [[Mayor of Hawaii County]] 2008-2016 *[[Darren Kimura]] - businessman *[[Onan Masaoka]] - former professional baseball player for the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] *[[Kodi Medeiros]] - professional baseball player *[[Kala'i Rosario]] - baseball player in the [[Minnesota Twins]] organization<ref>{{cite web |title=Kala'i Rosario Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=rosari000kal |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> *[[Brad Tavares]] - professional [[Mixed Martial Artist]] (who competes for [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Five-Things-You-Might-Not-Know-About-Brad-Tavares-138847 |title=Five Things You Might Not Know About Brad Tavares |access-date=2018-07-17 |archive-date=2019-04-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404015800/https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Five-Things-You-Might-Not-Know-About-Brad-Tavares-138847 |url-status=live }}</ref> *[[Quintin Torres-Costa]] - professional baseball player<ref>{{cite web |title=Quintin Torres-Costa College, Amateur, Minor, Fall & Independent Leagues Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=torres000qui |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> *[[Kean Wong]] - [[MLB]] player for the [[Los Angeles Angels]]
==External links== *[https://waiakeahigh.k12.hi.us Official website] *[http://starbulletin.com/2002/02/18/features/story3.html Honolulu Star-Bulletin articles: "Waiakea shines at silver anniversary" and "School puts kids in real-world classroom"]
==References== {{reflist}} {{Hilo}} {{Education in Hawaii County, Hawaii}}{{Big Island Interscholastic Federation}} {{coord|19.70098|N|155.07610|W|source:placeopedia|display=title}}
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[[Category:Public high schools in Hawaii County, Hawaii]] [[Category:Buildings and structures in Hilo, Hawaii]] [[Category:Educational institutions established in 1976]] [[Category:1976 establishments in Hawaii]] [[Category:Education in Hilo, Hawaii]]