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Hawaii · Some paperwork
Hawaii asks you to file a notice before you begin. Here is what goes in it, when it is due, and what happens after.
VerifiedMarch 2026
Written from Hawaii's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.
Withdraw from the school your child attends now
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.
Send your notice of intent
Hawaii asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: Submit DOE Form 4140 (or a letter with the child's name, address, phone, birth date, grade level and your signature) to the principal of your child's local public school before you begin homeschooling. The principal and complex area superintendent acknowledge it and return a copy. This is a one-time filing — you will not repeat it each year. It goes to Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) — principal of local public school for form submission and annual progress reporting.
Choose what to teach
Hawaii does not name required subjects, so your curriculum is your own decision. Most families still cover reading, writing, and math daily, and let interest lead the rest.
Keep a light record as you go
Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. Hawaii does not require you to keep records, but a simple folder of work samples makes transcripts and college applications far easier later on.
Plan the assessment early
Hawaii asks for an assessment. You can choose from: Nationally-normed standardized achievement test score; Progress report on a nationally-normed standardized assessment; Written evaluation by a teacher certified to teach in Hawaii; Written evaluation by the parent (progress in each subject, work samples, tests and grades if given). Deciding early which route you will take saves a scramble.
No program on file yet
We do not have a verified Hawaii education savings account, scholarship, or tax credit for homeschooling families on file. That may mean the state has none, or it may mean we have not confirmed one yet — we would rather say so than point you at something we have not checked. State programs change often, so it is worth asking Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) — principal of local public school for form submission and annual progress reporting directly.
Is homeschooling legal in Hawaii?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Hawaii. Hawaii has moderate homeschool regulation — some requirements apply but they are generally manageable. Koydo can put the dates your state lists on your calendar.
Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii requires families to file a Notice of Intent by Submit DOE Form 4140 (or a letter with the child's name, address, phone, birth date, grade level and your signature) to the principal of your child's local public school before you begin homeschooling. The principal and complex area superintendent acknowledge it and return a copy.. This is a one-time filing when you begin homeschooling.
How many instruction days are required in Hawaii?
Hawaii does not mandate a minimum amount of instruction time.
What subjects are required by law in Hawaii?
Hawaii does not mandate specific subjects, giving families complete freedom to design their own curriculum.
Does Hawaii require annual assessment for homeschoolers?
Yes. Hawaii requires annual assessment. Accepted methods include: Nationally-normed standardized achievement test score, Progress report on a nationally-normed standardized assessment, Written evaluation by a teacher certified to teach in Hawaii, Written evaluation by the parent (progress in each subject, work samples, tests and grades if given).
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Hawaii?
No. Hawaii does not require parents to hold a teaching certificate or any specific educational credential to homeschool their children.
Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in Hawaii?
Rules about homeschooled students taking part in public school sports and activities differ by state and by district. Check with your local school district and your state athletic association.
Hawaii has a statewide Department of Education process. You send Form 4140 (or a letter of intent) to your local public school principal before you start. You do not renew it every year, only if you move to a different school area or your child changes school level. You must keep a record of your planned curriculum, submit a yearly progress report, and provide nationally-normed test scores for grades 3, 5, 8 and 10 (the DOE notes public schools now test in grade 11). The rules do not set required subjects or a minimum number of days. You are responsible for athletics and other co-curricular activities.
The free tools below work whether or not you ever pay us a penny; each tile says what it needs. Use what helps with Hawaii's requirements and ignore the rest.
Last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) — principal of local public school for form submission and annual progress reporting. This is information for families, not legal advice.