One mother preparing to settle in Hilo once asked over the phone, "What is a boarding school, and how is it different from a day school?" She mentioned feeling overwhelmed by many unfamiliar terms and didn't know where to start. In such cases, it's best to explain things one by one in simple terms.

The school most frequently mentioned among Korean parents on the Big Island is Hawaii Preparatory Academy, abbreviated as HPA. However, since it is located in Waimea, which is closer to the opposite side of the island, many families consider dormitory living instead of commuting from Hilo. Simply put, a day school is a school where students commute, while a boarding school is one where students live on campus.

HPA serves 572 students from kindergarten through 12th grade, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 8 to 1. According to official school data, the tuition for day students is approximately $32,500 per year, while boarding tuition is around $64,800. The school offers 14 AP courses, and 95 percent of graduates go on to four-year colleges.

If the terminology is unfamiliar, think of it this way: AP refers to college-level courses taken in high school, and if students score well on the exams, they can earn college credit. Among HPA graduates, 9.54 percent attend top 50 universities, and 4.9 percent enroll in elite institutions like Harvard or Yale.

So, what about housing prices in Hilo? According to Zillow, as of the end of June 2026, the average home value in Hilo is $479,998, which is a 0.8 percent decrease from a year ago. This indicates that the market has been moving steadily without significant fluctuations.

In simpler terms, this means that Hilo has not seen drastic price increases or decreases in the past year. There's no urgent need to rush into buying or selling, and it's a good time to compare listings at a comfortable pace.

When deciding between renting and buying, it's helpful to first consider how long you plan to stay. If your child is young and you're not sure which school they will attend, it may be safer to rent for the first year to experience the schools and neighborhoods before making a purchase.

For families who prefer not to send their children to boarding school, it's practical to look for homes in neighborhoods within Hilo that are close to schools, hospitals, and grocery stores. The younger the child, the more families tend to minimize commuting burdens, while older students may keep boarding options open.

The mother who initially called ultimately decided to look for schools in Hilo that her child could commute to until middle school, and then consider HPA's boarding option for high school. As you clarify each term, the choices often become surprisingly clear.

To summarize, choosing a private school in Hilo requires a different approach than in major cities on the mainland. It's not about finding a private school within walking distance; rather, it's about planning across a wide range of options, including boarding, by grade level. This aspect often confuses newcomers the most.

If you're coming from another state, it's also good to know that Hawaii's property tax and insurance conditions differ significantly from those on the mainland. Due to the island's characteristics, fire and flood insurance may be required, so it's wise to check these details when budgeting. The most accurate and reliable way to get this information is to obtain quotes directly from local insurance companies.

Hawaii has varying school districts and living conditions on each island and even within the same island, so be sure to verify the specific address before making a purchase or enrollment. This is not investment or legal advice, and it's recommended to consult with professionals before proceeding. It's perfectly fine to take your time to clarify each term before making decisions.