How to Homeschool in Hawaii

Hawaii is both a beautiful place to live and a welcoming destination for homeschoolers. The Hawaii homeschool laws are comprehensive enough to protect children’s rights to a quality education without being overly restrictive. You must follow a few simple regulations, but you also have significant freedom to decide what your child studies. This handy guide covers the basics and answers some of your most frequently asked questions.

How Do I Start Homeschooling in Hawaii?

The state requires parents to file a formal Notice of Intent to Homeschool with the local school. The notice must include a brief outline of the curriculum you intend to use, the subjects you will cover, and the materials you will use. Therefore, your very first step to homeschooling in Hawaii is deciding what curriculum and resources you want to use. One of the most critical curriculum choices in the early years will be your reading program. Fluency in reading and mastery of phonics will lay the foundation for greater confidence and proficiency with later academics. We recommend you check out this article on Preparing Your Child for Reading for tips on how to begin a reading program.

Once you decide on the curriculum, you’re ready to fill out the Notice of Intent (Hawaii form 4140). The Hawaii Department of Education provides this 4140 form with instructions.

Hawaii Homeschooling Laws

The statute regulating homeschooling in Hawaii, Hawaii Revised Statutes §302A-1132(a)(5), provides a homeschooling exception to the laws requiring children to attend public school. There are four simple measures you need to take to comply with Hawaii state requirements for homeschooling.

1. Submit a Notice of Intent (Form 4140): Parents must file a letter of intent to homeschool with the principal of the local public school. The school principal will either sign the form or stamp the word “approved” on Form 4140 and return it to the parents. A copy will be kept on file at the school as well.
2. Provide a Curriculum Description: As mentioned above, you should include a brief outline of the curriculum with the Notice of Intent. The state does not mandate which subjects must be taught, but does caution against educational neglect. The law specifies that your curriculum must “be structured and based on educational objectives as well as the needs of the child, be cumulative and sequential, provide a range of up-to-date knowledge and needed skills, and take into account the interests, needs, and abilities of the child.”¹ If your child is not progressing appropriately in basics like reading, spelling, math, writing, and history, the school principal has the right to intervene.
3. Submit Annual Progress Reports: This includes a year-end assessment as well as standardized tests in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. The assessment can take one of these forms:
   
   
   • Submit their score from a standardized achievement test, which must demonstrate grade-level achievement appropriate to the child’s age.
   • Show progress on standardized test scores that indicate one grade level of improvement per calendar year.
   • Get a written evaluation by a Hawaii-certified teacher.
   • Provide a written evaluation by the parent (should include description of progress in each subject area, samples of the child’s work, and tests and assignments with grades) that demonstrates progress.
   • Have the children participate in Hawaii’s statewide testing program.
4. Maintain Records: Keep a simple three-ring binder with a list of curriculum used, copies of progress reports, grades, and work samples. For college-bound students above grade 6, track extracurricular activities, awards, volunteer work, and community involvement.

Required Ages to Homeschool in Hawaii

You must enroll your child in school or file your Notice of Intent to Homeschool if she is 5 years old on or before July 31 of the current school year. Your child is no longer required to attend school if she will be 18 years old before January 1 of the current school year.

How Many Days Are Required for Homeschool in Hawaii?

Hawaii homeschool regulations do not specify a minimum number of days per year, but the law stipulates that home education must be comparable to that of a public school. In Hawaii, public schools run for 180 days a year.

How Many Hours Per Day Are Required for Homeschooling in Hawaii?

Just like with the number of days you must homeschool per year, the state of Hawaii does not stipulate the number of hours per day. Again, the law specifies an education that is on par with public school education. A quality education can be maintained with roughly 3 hours per day for elementary-age children. Middle and high school studies can take up to 5 hours a day.

How Much Does Hawaii Pay for Homeschooling?

There are no state funds available to support homeschooling in Hawaii. The parent has the sole responsibility for providing all curriculum, materials, and other learning opportunities. However, there is a wealth of options for sharing curriculum or using other community resources such as libraries. Check with your local homeschool support group for more ideas.

How Do I Enroll My Child in Homeschooling in Hawaii?

To enroll in homeschooling in Hawaii:

1. Fill out and submit a 4140 form or a Notice of Intent to your local public school.
2. Provide a curriculum summary.
3. Begin homeschooling within 5 days of withdrawing your child from the school year, or, if it’s summer, at the start of the upcoming school year.

How Do I Switch From Public School to Homeschool in Hawaii?

Once you file your Notice of Intent and have your curriculum choices figured out, it can be helpful to have a period of de-schooling. Homeschooling gives you the opportunity to break out of the traditional public school mold if that is what is best for your child. Take some time to explore together, work on hands-on projects, and enjoy lots of read-alouds. Consider what you want your child’s homeschooling experience to entail. In what ways can you customize his education to meet his unique learning style, needs, and strengths?

Once you decide what homeschooling will look like for your family, gradually incorporate formal lessons into your day.

How Do I Comply With Homeschool Laws in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, complying with homeschool laws involves two steps: filing the one-time Notice of Intent and completing annual progress reports and record-keeping.

What Do I Need to Homeschool My Child in Hawaii?

Curriculum.

Hawaii does not have a state-mandated homeschool curriculum, so you are free to choose the subjects and materials that fit your child’s needs and the family budget. You could use:

• Textbooks
• Online courses
• Educational apps
• Learning kits
• Community resources

When it comes to the all-important subjects of reading, spelling, and math, we recommend you check out All About Learning Press materials. Our programs are proven, research-backed, highly effective methods for teaching those core subjects in just 20 minutes a day, each with minimal parent preparation and high student satisfaction!

Required Subjects for Homeschooling in Hawaii

The Hawaii state homeschool laws do not require any specific subjects. However, they do mandate that a homeschool education should be comparable to that of a public school education. The public schools teach:

• Core: Language arts, math, science, and social studies
• Enrichment: Art, music, health, and physical education

Tips for a Successful Homeschool Education

• Stay Organized: Use planners and folders to track progress. Here is a helpful article with 7 Tips for Staying Organized.
• Join a Homeschool Group: Homeschool support groups in Hawaii are diverse and active in most areas. A quick search of Facebook groups will turn up many options. Hawaii homeschool co-ops are another source of socialization and support.
• Make Learning Engaging: Use field trips, hands-on projects, and local cultural experiences.
• Keep Records: Document everything from attendance to assignments.
• Be Flexible: Adapt to your child’s learning style and pace.
• Be Consistent: Children thrive with reliable, consistent routines and expectations.

FAQ About Homeschooling in Hawaii

Does Hawaii have education savings accounts?

No. As of May 2025, Hawaii does not offer Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for homeschoolers.

Do parents need qualifications to homeschool?

According to Hawaii State Department of Education: “A parent teaching his/her child at home shall be deemed a qualified instructor regardless of educational background or training.”²

Can I homeschool someone else’s child in Hawaii?

No, the law states, “The parent(s) submitting a notice to home school a child shall be responsible for the child’s total educational program, including athletics and other co-curricular activities.”³

Different organizations have interpreted this to mean you can homeschool someone else’s child, provided the parent retains responsibility for overseeing their child’s education. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), however, does not interpret the law to allow for homeschooling someone else’s child.

Disclaimer:

All About Learning Press cannot offer legal advice. We recommend that parents educate themselves on local and state regulations by visiting government websites or contacting a local homeschool advocacy group.

All information is correct as of May 2025

Resources:

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¹ HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association)

² Hawaii State Department of Education

³ Hawaii.gov compulsory attendance exceptions.