About Us

Ka’ū Academies Promise

“In Kaʻū, academies give me purpose. They make me feel confident, supported, and motivated to explore my hopes and dreams, and discover new ones. I am building skills for success in career and life and Iʻm growing comfortable in the security of my future. Academies instill pride for Kaʻūʻs culture and history by connecting students with the community to care for our ʻāina from mauka to makai.”

Vision

All students of Ka`ū High and Pāhala Elementary School purposefully pursue their passions and demonstrate pride in their culture, history, and community with academic and technical skills that ensure success in their careers, lives, and futures.

Mission

In partnership with the community, Ka`ū High and Pāhala Elementary School empowers all students by providing authentic innovative learning opportunities throughout all academic experiences.

BACKGROUND

Ka’u High & Pahala Elementary School is a small, rural, K-12 school, founded in 1881. It is located in the southern district of Ka’u in the town of Pahala on the island of Hawai’i. Ka’u is the largest district in the state and encompasses 600,000 acres. The three major communities in the district are Pahala, Na`alehu-Waiohinu (located approximately 12 miles southwest of Pahala, including Mark Twain, Green Sands, and Discovery Harbor subdivisions), and Hawaiian Ocean View Estates/Ocean View Ranchos (located approximately 27 miles southwest of Pahala).

Two schools serve the district, Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School (K-12) and Na`alehu Elementary School (K-6). Na’alehu School was a K-8 school until 2005-06 when 8th grade students joined Ka’u High & Pahala Elementary School. Na’alehu 7th graders joined the Ka’u campus during the 2009-10 school year.

Public transportation, through the County of Hawai’i bus system, services the Ka’u district. School buses provide students who live in outlying areas with transportation to and from school. The school had two vans donated and two full sized buses purchased with grant funds which allow more opportunities to transport students to athletic events and field trips.

ALMA MATER

Here's to thee who's name we'll ever

Cherish in our song

Honor, love, and true devotion

All to thee belong

Ka'u High School Alma Mater

True to thee we'll stand

You're the pride of our

Hawaii, Our Hawaii nei

SCHOOL COLORS

Maroon and White

SCHOOL MASCOT

Trojans

SCHOOL FACILITIES

Ka’u High & Pahala Elementary’s entire campus encompasses thirty-three acres. The campus is divided into three distinct areas: Elementary (K-6), MS (7-8), and High School (9-12). The main building houses the administrative offices, registrar, Student Services Coordinator, and numerous classrooms.

Other buildings include the music building, industrial arts facility, physical education building, agricultural building, greenhouses, MS/building H, gymnasium, cafeteria, and elementary buildings which houses the office of the health aide and the special education fully self-contained classroom.

The county swimming pool, gym, and football field are located on the campus. Adjoining the campus are the county tennis court, ballpark, and district gym.

ACCREDITATION

Ka’u High and Pahala Elementary School is currently accredited by the Western Association for Schools and Colleges.