South Hilo, often simply called Hilo, is a district located on the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is known for its lush tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and stunning coastal views. The district is characterized by a laid-back lifestyle, a rich culture, and a welcoming community. South Hilo’s tropical climate, with ample rainfall, makes it an ideal environment for flora and fauna to thrive.
South Hilo: lay of the land
South Hilo is bordered by the districts of North Hilo to the north, Puna to the south, and Hamakua to the northwest. The district lies along the eastern coastline of the Big Island, facing the Pacific Ocean. It covers an area of approximately 577 square miles, and its topography is defind by the slopes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, two of the largest volcanoes on the island.
The lifestyle in South Hilo is generally laid-back and slow-paced, with a strong emphasis on the community and the natural environment. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace of life with a focus on outdoor activities and cultural experiences. The area has a strong Hawaiian cultural heritage and is known for its aloha spirit, where people are warm, friendly, and welcoming.ed by the slopes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, two of the largest volcanoes on the island.
As of the last available data from the United States Census Bureau in 2020, the population of the South Hilo district was approximately 55,000 residents. Keep in mind that these numbers may have changed since then, as population data can fluctuate over time. For the most current population data, it is recommended to consult the Hawaii State Department of Health or the United States Census Bureau.
South Hilo is known for its diverse population, with a mix of Native Hawaiians, Asians, Caucasians, and Pacific Islanders. The district has a strong educational foundation, with the University of Hawaii at Hilo being one of the main educational institutions in the area. The district is also home to the Merrie Monarch Festival, an annual week-long celebration of Hawaiian culture, hula, and the arts
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March 26, 2023Towns, cities and villages in South Hilo
City of Hilo: The largest city in the district, Hilo is the county seat of Hawaii County and the second-largest city on the Big Island. It is home to a diverse range of attractions, from the historic downtown area to the Pacific Tsunami Museum and the Imiloa Astronomy Center. Hilo’s picturesque waterfront is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
School systems in South Hilo
Public Schools:
Hilo High School: Serving grades 9-12, Hilo High School is a comprehensive high school offering a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and sports teams.
Hilo Intermediate School: Catering to students in grades 7 and 8, Hilo Intermediate School provides a bridge between elementary and high school education, focusing on academic and social development, as well as offering various elective courses and extracurricular activities.
Waiakea High School: A public high school for grades 9-12, Waiakea High School offers a diverse curriculum that includes AP courses, career and technical education programs, and a variety of sports and clubs.
Waiakea Intermediate School: Serving students in grades 7 and 8, Waiakea Intermediate School offers a comprehensive middle school education, with a focus on academic, social, and emotional development, as well as elective courses and extracurricular activities.
Hilo Union Elementary School: A public elementary school for grades K-6, Hilo Union Elementary School focuses on providing a strong foundation in core academic subjects, with an emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and social skills development.
Waiakea Elementary School: Serving students in grades K-6, Waiakea Elementary School provides a well-rounded elementary education, with a focus on academic and social development, as well as offering various enrichment programs.
Kaumana Elementary School: A public elementary school for grades K-6, Kaumana Elementary School emphasizes a strong foundation in academics, along with fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Kalanianaole Elementary and Intermediate School: This combined elementary and intermediate school serves students from grades K-8, providing a comprehensive education that focuses on academic, social, and emotional growth.
Keaau Elementary School: Located in the neighboring town of Keaau, this K-6 public elementary school offers a strong academic foundation and a variety of extracurricular activities.
Keaau Middle School: Serving grades 6-8, Keaau Middle School provides students with a well-rounded middle school education, emphasizing academic achievement, personal growth, and social development.
Keaau High School: A public high school in Keaau, serving students in grades 9-12, Keaau High School offers a diverse curriculum, including AP courses, career and technical education programs, and a variety of sports and clubs.
Daycare and Preschools
Here is a list of some preschools and daycares in the South Hilo district. Keep in mind that this list may not be exhaustive, and it is recommended to consult local resources for the most up-to-date information on preschools and daycares in the area.
Hilo Hongwanji Preschool: A preschool affiliated with the Hilo Hongwanji Mission, it provides a nurturing, play-based educational environment for young children, with an emphasis on social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Busy Buddies Preschool: A private preschool and daycare center in Hilo, Busy Buddies Preschool focuses on providing a safe, nurturing environment where young children can grow and learn through play and exploration.
Haili Christian Preschool: Located in Hilo, this faith-based preschool offers a Christ-centered early education program for children ages 2-5, with a focus on nurturing the whole child – academically, spiritually, and socially.
Hilo Union Preschool: A public preschool program affiliated with Hilo Union Elementary School, it offers a curriculum designed to prepare children for kindergarten through hands-on learning experiences, with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development.
Kamehameha Preschool – Hilo: Part of the Kamehameha Schools’ early education program, this preschool offers a Hawaiian culture-based education for children ages 3-5, focusing on nurturing a strong sense of cultural identity, along with academic and social development.
Montessori Education Center of Hawaii: A private preschool in Hilo, the Montessori Education Center of Hawaii follows the Montessori educational philosophy, emphasizing independence, self-directed learning, and a hands-on approach to learning for children ages 2.5-6.
Rainbow Friends Preschool: Located in Hilo, Rainbow Friends Preschool offers a play-based early education program for children ages 2-5, with a focus on developing the whole child through a variety of learning experiences.
Waiakea Uka Head Start: A federally funded preschool program in Hilo, Waiakea Uka Head Start provides comprehensive early education services for children from low-income families, with a focus on academic, social, and emotional development.
This list provides an overview of some preschools and daycares in the South Hilo district. Be sure to verify the information and check for any updates, as programs and offerings may change over time.
