Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School

Set in Lihue, Hawaii, Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School is an average-sized 6-8 campus, overseen by Hawaii Department of Education. It teaches 826 students across grades 6 through 8. Compared to the state average of about 665 students per school, that is 24% larger than typical.

Within Hawaii Department of Education, which oversees 296 schools and 167,071 students, Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School is one campus in the system.

Demographically, Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School reports that the largest single group is multiracial at 26%, but no single group is in the majority. Other groups include 26% Asian, 20% Hispanic, 20% Pacific Islander, 8% White.

In terms of school funding signals, Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School shows 59 full-time-equivalent teachers, putting the student-to-teacher ratio at about 14.0:1. That tracks the state average closely. About 51% of enrolled students meet the income threshold for free or reduced-price lunch, which schools and policymakers use as a rough income-mix signal.

In the surrounding community, ACS estimates for Kauai County put median household income runs about $97,668, 30% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and roughly 7% of residents live below the federal poverty line. Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School is one of 22 public schools in Kauai County (combined enrollment of about 9,236 students).

The closest other public school is Kawaikini - NCPCS, roughly 0.7 miles away. 4 of the 8 nearest public schools sit inside a five-mile radius.

Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School operates from a town-based location.

Looking at the recent track record. Looking back 7 years, enrollment at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School has fell 14%, going from 963 students in 2018 to 826 in 2025. Asian enrollment moved from 39% to 26% across the same window. The student-to-teacher ratio tightened from 15.5:1 in 2018 to 14.0:1 today.

On this page, the page collects discussion, questions, and updates around sports schedules, lunch menu changes, and school spirit week. Contributors range from current parents to recent graduates and teachers.