The public Hawaiian language immersion school opened in 1995, and is receiving national and international recognition for revitalizing the Hawaiian language and culture. Puna Sugar Co. The old Keaau School, in fact, was built in 1900 by the plantation, which initially called it Olaa School. Puna Sugar started shutting down in 1982, leaving 500 people jobless and wondering about their children's future. Now thoughts are more upbeat. There are good reasons why the schools would choose Keaau.
Land is available and relatively cheap.
By Dennis Oda, Star-Bulletin Construction worker Shannon Uehara walks through a future hallway of Kea'au High School. Its location about 10 miles south of Hilo makes it convenient from most of East Hawaii. The University of Hawaii at Hilo is close by. The schools could give a distinct identity to Keaau, long considered a Hilo bedroom community. Public and private educational institutions are part of the mix.