Speech and Debate

The Hilo High Speech and Debate Team is a successful and growing program representing their school and the Big Island at state and national levels, known for strong performances in tournaments like the Hawaii State Debate Tournament, where they've earned top placements and national bids. Being the only public high school team on Hawaii Island, they participate in a variety of events, such as Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas Debate, as well as 5 different speech categories competing against private and public schools. In 2025, the Hilo High School Speech and Debate team had 3 students who placed second in their events at the State tournament, qualifying to compete at the National Tournament in DesMoines that June.

Weekly practices are on Wednesdays from 1:30-4 in A-12a. For information about Speech and Debate, see either Ms. Laliberte (R-10) or Ms. Baum (A-12a)