Established in 1883 under the reign of King David Kalākaua, the school was first built directly above Kealia River and then moved up the hill to where it currently stands on Mailihuna Hill.

A line of green and white shirts, jackets and sweaters were designed to help create unity and safety at the school.

The campus has the stainless steel sculpture Hukilau by Wayne Zebzda and the mixed media sculpture Seven Pillars of Wisdom by Carol Kouchi Yotsuda.

Kapaʻa High School is home to one of the original Warriors mascots in Hawaii.

The school sported the colors of green and white, which is reflected in the campus buildings, art, uniforms, and banners.