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Hawaii Elementary School Reopens Following $25M Campus Modernization

  • By Matt Jones
  • 08/04/26

Key Takeaways

  • Haʻaheo Elementary School reopened after a three-year, $25-million modernization project that expanded and upgraded its historic Hilo campus.
  • The project added new classroom, library, and cafeteria facilities while renovating existing buildings to nearly double the school's educational space.
  • Construction on some new facilities will continue through the end of 2026 as students and staff return to the campus for the new school year.

Haʻaheo Elementary School in Hilo, Hawaii, has reopened to students following a three-year, $25-million campus modernization and expansion project that significantly increases the school's instructional space while preserving one of the island's oldest educational institutions, according to local news.

The renovation allows students and staff to return to the Wainaku campus after temporarily relocating to nearby Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Elementary School during construction, which began in summer 2023. The project added three new buildings while renovating and repurposing existing campus facilities, local news reports.

The new facilities include a classroom building, a multipurpose cafeteria, and a library/computer lab. Existing structures, some dating back to 1931, were renovated to create larger classrooms as well as additional meeting, administrative, and storage space. School officials said the expanded campus nearly doubles the school's educational space. While students have returned for the start of the academic year, construction on the cafeteria and library buildings is expected to continue through the end of 2026 with safety measures in place.

“I think because the learning spaces were so tight all these years, that having adequate space will give way more learning opportunities,” said Principal Jennifer Sueoka. “One of our big pushes is every kid needs to have the support they need, and now we have the space. It’s so exciting.”

Originally established in 1888, Haʻaheo Elementary is among the oldest public schools on Hawaiʻi Island. School leaders expect enrollment to rebound now that students have returned to the renovated campus after several years at the temporary location. Before classes resumed, families were invited to visit the campus during a school supply drop-off event, giving students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with their new learning environment before the first day of school.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

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