‘Iolani School is a culturally diverse, co-educational, world-renowned college-preparatory school founded upon Christian values. Academic excellence and personal growth flourish in an atmosphere that values collaboration, humility, and respect for all community members. Through dynamic & personalized instruction, ‘Iolani develops liberally educated, well-rounded individuals who are prepared for college and ready to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.
Founded in 1863, ‘Iolani has about 2,300 students in grades K-12. Recent campus additions include a residence hall housing up to 112 students from around the world; a K-1 community featuring biophilic design; a Science & Innovation Center (STEAM) for K-6; Sullivan Center for Innovation (7-12); performance studios for dance, music, and theater; & an esports gaming center. ‘Iolani also has a robust athletics program sponsoring 107 teams at all levels. 73% of upper school students are athletes.
What Makes Us Unique
1. The Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership
The Sullivan Center is a 40,000-square-foot, four-story facility entirely dedicated to forward-thinking, experiential learning. Unlike traditional science labs, this space focuses on design thinking, robotics, coding, entrepreneurship, and sustainable agriculture (including a rooftop greenhouse). It serves as a collaborative hub where students don't just learn theory, but actively develop solutions for real-world problems.
2. A Rich Historical Legacy with a Culturally Grounded Global Community
Founded in 1863, 'Iolani has a deep historical legacy, famously counting Dr. Sun Yat-sen (the father of modern China) among its alumni. Today, that global connection is paired with a distinct sense of Hawaiian ʻohana (family). Its residential life program uniquely integrates a diverse group of international and domestic boarding students directly into a thriving local day-school campus, creating a rare blend of global perspective and deep-rooted local community.
Campus Highlights
STEM Labs
Dedicated STEM Center
Arts
Theater & Ceramics
Campus
25 acres
Key Stats
Boarding4%
International10%
Students of Color80%
Founded1863
Campus Size25 acres
Nearby AirportsHNL (20 min)
Global Diversity
United StatesChina,South KoreaJapanHong KongTaiwan