Kainalu Elementary School

Exceeded my expectations for my two boys. Between the two of them, we experienced K - 3 and I would recommend this elementary school over other area schools based on my experiences. Approachable & professional teachers along with a dedicated support staff allow this school to bust the myth regarding Hawaii schools being bad. The principal encourages parents to get involved and volunteer. The philosophy at this school is that they are a partner in our children's education to support us as parents. The facilities may not look pretty but the environment is safe, welcoming, warm and the kids enjoy being on campus.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two kids that go to Kainalu and they love it. So do I. The curriculum is strong, there are lots of extra curricular and other activities that keep the families involved with the school in a fun and informative way. The student body is great as well, a lot of good, nice, smart kids with good parents.
--Submitted by a parent

We are SO happy that this is the school in our neighborhood. All sorts of family stuff going on that makes for a very community feeling school!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is currently in 5th grade and has attended Kainalu since Kindergarten She especially enjoys all of the extracurricular activities. She is involved in the environmental Green Team, Chorus, Morning News Tech Club, and Zumba. They have stepped up their academics in the past few years and seem to have a rigorous and dynamic curriculum with a strong focus on Language Arts and Math. We enjoy all of the family functions and love the feeling of ohana. Many, many, many wonderful teachers and students!
--Submitted by a parent

great ohana - teachers that care!
--Submitted by a parent

I moved my son from a nearby school and he is VERY happy at Kainalu. When picking him up at the beginning of the year, he had a skip in his step, and he kept thanking me over and over for sending him to Kainalu. He likes his teacher and pretty much everything. And he just loves his PLAYTIME in the afterschool program. I feel so relaxed when I pick him up. I feel that happiness in school is so important, and it has to be real and spontaneous. Kainalu has that, and more. My son can be a challenge on occation and could use extra help in reading, but he's coming along. Kainalu is a happy place, just as an elementary school should be. The principal and vice principal are in the weave of the fabric. Who needs the directives of the BOE ? 5 stars! He still loves it.
--Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with the staff and teachers at Kainalu. The Principal and Vice Principal show their love for the kids, many times when i used to drop off my daughter the Vice Principal Mr.Graham would be out in the front of the school greeting all the kids dropped off by car or bus. He was warm and funny and knew most of the kids by name. Ms. Sunabe was always warm and friendly as well as the administration staff. The teachers my daughter has had would keep me informed of her strengths and weaknesses and always asked how they can help her more as far as working together (we had to make adjustments in Kindergarten with her). The school sends her home every night except Friday with homework and on Thursdays she brings home a folder with flyers regarding information of whats going on at Kainalu. Overall it's Excellent.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Kainalu from Kindergarden through 6th grade and every teacher was a gem! The office staff are great and I could not have found a better school public OR private. The feeling of family continues to this day. We still visit Kainalu, even though my daughter is in 9th grade now.
--Submitted by susan runnells, a parent

The academic program at this school is awesome. The third grade teachers are especially strong in both teaching and very nurturing.overall the teachers all seem to care and go the extra mile to help the students. I especially like the schoolwide R.Log and they also have good test results on the HSA.As a parent and volunteer, I know that the 3rd, and 4th grade teachers are solid and are consistent in what they are teaching amongst their grade level.The only downside is the playground is 'bare'.
--Submitted by a parent

I love what Kainalu elementary has shown my 5th grader. We are so blessed to be apart of a school that shows so much interest in their student ohana. Walk through the halls and feel the aloha. The teachers, EA's, administration and cafetorial staff are absolutely wonderful. What a gem we have stumbled upon. We count ourselves lucky when it comes to the education of our child @ Kainalu. The AGT program is so in tact, so productive, and we as parents are thrilled to have our child here! One visit will have you hooked. Check it out for yourselves!
--Submitted by a parent