Help Paying for Preschool in Hawaii (2026)
Preschool is expensive, but Hawaii families have three main ways to lower or eliminate the cost: Head Start, public pre-K, and a childcare subsidy. Here's who qualifies for each — then check your family in seconds.
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Head Start & Early Head Start
Free, federally funded preschool (Head Start for ages 3–5, Early Head Start under 3). It's for families at or below the federal poverty line — or who qualify on other factors. Income limits in Hawaii (2026):
| Household size | Income at or below (100% FPL, 2026) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $31,420 |
| 4 | $37,950 |
| 5 | $44,480 |
| 6 | $51,010 |
You can also qualify regardless of income if your family is experiencing homelessness, your child is in foster care, or you receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI. Find a Head Start program in Hawaii →
Public pre-K in Hawaii
Hawaii's public pre-K, EOEL Public Pre-Kindergarten (Ready Keiki expansion), is income- or risk-based (ages 3–4 by July 31; priority to IDEA/ELL/low-income/at-risk; expanding toward universal, seats limited). Families under the program's income line — or who qualify on other factors (English learner, disability, foster, homeless) — can attend free. Official Hawaii program info →
Childcare subsidy in Hawaii
Separate from preschool programs, Hawaii's childcare subsidy — Child Care Subsidy Program — helps working families pay for care, for income up to at or below 85% of the state median income. Sliding fee scale applies. Apply or learn more →
Preschools in Hawaii
See also: when your child can start school in Hawaii · how to afford preschool · how much preschool costs.