Honolulu's Schools And Hospitals: Top-Notch Or Not?

Honolulu, Hawaii, is served by a range of hospitals and schools. The Queen's Medical Center is nationally ranked in two adult specialties and is considered the best hospital in Hawaii by U.S. News & World Report. Other hospitals in Honolulu include Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center, Adventist Health Castle, and Leahi Hospital. Honolulu has a single state-wide public school system with 295 public schools, and several private schools, including the college-prep-focused Iolani School.

Honolulu's public and private schools

Honolulu has a mix of public and private schools catering to the educational needs of its residents. The city is served by a single state-wide public school system, with one centralized school board located on Oahu that governs all 295 public schools across Hawaii. Funding for each public school is determined by the Hawaii Department of Education.

One notable private school in Honolulu is Punahou School, a college-prep institution that serves students from kindergarten through grade 12. Punahou School is known for its diverse and inclusive community, welcoming students regardless of their background or identity. The school also boasts lush outdoor spaces filled with native Hawaiian plants and flowers, providing a unique setting for students to learn about the island's culture and history.

Iolani School is another well-known private school in Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu. Iolani places a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and athletics, with more than two-thirds of its students participating in at least one of the 32 competitive sports teams offered by the school.

While specific information on other public schools in Honolulu is scarce, it is worth noting that some public high schools in the city have received recognition for their efforts in preparing students for college success. These schools are commended for their focus on the whole child, offering a range of social-emotional learning activities and fostering a positive school culture.

In addition to the public and private school options, Honolulu is also home to several institutions of higher education, including Chaminade University and the University of Hawaii, which offers degrees at the bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and post-doctoral levels.

Iolani School in Honolulu

Honolulu, Hawaii, is home to many good schools and hospitals. One notable educational institution in the area is ʻIolani School, a private coeducational K-12 college preparatory school. With a rich history dating back to 1863, ʻIolani School currently serves over 2,200 students from diverse racial, religious, and cultural backgrounds. The school's name, ʻIolani, means "heavenly hawk" in the Hawaiian language.

ʻIolani School has a strong focus on academics, arts, and athletics. The school offers a wide range of courses and extracurricular activities to engage its students. For instance, there are 32 performing arts groups and 18 visual arts course offerings, with nearly all Upper School students participating in some form of arts. ʻIolani also has a robust athletics program, sponsoring 107 teams at all levels. Athletic participation is high, with 71% of Upper School students participating in at least one sport.

The school community is known for its welcoming and inclusive spirit, referred to as the "One Team" spirit. ʻIolani School embraces cultural diversity and empowers students from various backgrounds to share their culture and form lasting friendships. The school also has a strong academic reputation, consistently producing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for college and ready to pursue their dreams.

ʻIolani School has a long tradition of academic excellence. The math team, for example, has been participating in the Oahu Mathematics League since the mid-1970s and has won the league championship an impressive 37 times, including a current streak of 32 consecutive wins. The school's newsmagazine, Imua ʻIolani, was named the best school newspaper in the state in 2008. Additionally, ʻIolani's Model United Nations club, founded in 2011, has competed in various conferences and amassed numerous awards.

The school has also invested in its campus infrastructure, with recent additions including a state-of-the-art residence hall, a Science & Innovation Center (STEAM) for K-6, the Sullivan Center for Innovation (7-12), performance studios, and an esports gaming center. The ongoing construction of the Arrillaga Student Center, estimated to be completed in January 2026, will further enhance the campus by providing a gathering space for the entire school community.

Best hospitals in Honolulu

Honolulu, Hawaii, is served by several hospitals that cater to a range of medical needs. Here is an overview of some of the best hospitals in Honolulu:

The Queen's Medical Center

The Queen's Medical Center, commonly referred to as Queen's Hospital, is located in downtown Honolulu and is the largest private, nonprofit hospital in the city. Founded in 1859 by Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV, it has 575 acute care beds. The hospital has been recognised as a leader in innovative and advanced neuroscience and has the only organ transplant programme in Hawaii. It is also the state's first and only level-one trauma centre. Queen's Medical Center has been ranked as the number one hospital in Hawaii by U.S. News & World Report for 12 consecutive years, including for 2024-2025. It is nationally ranked in two adult specialties.

Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center

This medical centre provides care in various areas, including cancer treatment and common procedures such as knee replacement.

Adventist Health Castle

Adventist Health Castle is another hospital in Honolulu that offers medical services across different specialties.

Hawaii State Hospital

This hospital provides comprehensive care to meet the needs of its patients.

Kahuku Medical Center

Kahuku Medical Center is dedicated to serving the community's healthcare needs and offers a range of medical services.

Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children

This medical centre specialises in women's health and paediatrics, offering dedicated care for mothers and children.

Kuakini Medical Center

Kuakini Medical Center is committed to providing quality healthcare services, with a focus on patient-centred care and community engagement.

Leahi Hospital

Leahi Hospital strives to deliver exceptional patient care and continuously improve the health and well-being of the community it serves.

Pali Momi Medical Center

Pali Momi Medical Center is recognised for its quality care and patient safety, offering a range of medical services.

Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific

This hospital specialises in rehabilitation medicine and provides comprehensive care for individuals with disabilities or those recovering from injuries.

Leahi Hospital

Honolulu is home to many good hospitals and schools. One of these hospitals is Leahi Hospital, a large facility with 155 beds and state ownership. It offers a wide range of services, including traditional long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, and adult day health care. The hospital's staff, which includes nurses, nutritionists, therapists, dieticians, and social workers, work with patients' physicians to develop comprehensive treatment plans. Leahi Hospital has a rating of 5 out of 5 for long-term care and a rating of 4.3 stars overall.

The hospital's high rating in long-term care reflects its ability to provide sustained support and treatment for patients requiring extended stays. This is particularly relevant for individuals needing ongoing care for chronic conditions or those requiring rehabilitation over a more extended period.

In addition to its medical services, Leahi Hospital also prioritizes the comfort and well-being of its patients and their families. It aims to provide a supportive environment and assist them throughout their healthcare journey. This includes offering resources and assistance during the decision-making process, ensuring that patients and their families feel informed and involved in their care.

While Leahi Hospital excels in many areas, it is important to consider other hospitals in Honolulu as well. Queen's Medical Center, for example, is nationally ranked in two adult specialties. Other notable hospitals in the area include Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center, Adventist Health Castle, and Kahuku Medical Center. Each of these facilities offers quality healthcare services and contributes to the overall standard of healthcare available in Honolulu.

Queen's Medical Center

Honolulu is home to several highly-ranked hospitals and schools. One of the most notable hospitals in the city is the Queen's Medical Center, which has a rich history and an impressive range of medical services.

About Queen's Medical Center

The Queen's Medical Center, commonly known as Queen's Hospital, was founded in 1859 by Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV. It is the oldest and largest private, nonprofit hospital in Honolulu, with 575 acute care beds. The hospital has a long history of providing advanced healthcare to the people of Hawaii and the Pacific Basin.

Specializations and Services

Recognition and Awards

The Queen's Medical Center has received numerous accolades and recognition for its excellence in healthcare. In 2017-2018, U.S. News & World Report voted it the "Best Hospital in Honolulu." It is also nationally ranked in two adult specialties. The hospital's commitment to high-quality, compassionate care has earned it a reputation as one of the leading medical institutions in the region.

Education and Research

In addition to its clinical excellence, Queen's Medical Center is a major teaching hospital for the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. It serves as one of the largest clinical sites for medical students, fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals. The hospital also prioritizes research and education, ensuring that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.

Community Impact

Frequently asked questions