We lived in Hawai’i for three glorious years, on the island of Oahu. It’s a very homeschool friendly state
with so much to see and do. My girls call it home and long to return there. Make sure to visit all the
other islands. They each have such a unique personality. We fell in love with each for different reasons.
Forbidden (privately owned) Niʻihau is exquisite and only available for day trips via helicopter.
Homeschool Laws in Hawai’i
To homeschool, you must file a notice of intent with the principal of the local public school. An annual
progress report is also required. You can choose: standardized test scores, an evaluation by a teacher
certified in the state of Hawai'i, or a parent-written report. Standardized test scores are required in
grades 3, 5, 8 and 10.
View the complete laws here:


Hawai’i Homeschool Association
HSLDA
Field trips/educational places or events.
Hawaii has a plethora of cultural and educational field trip locations. You can play tourist or get off the
beaten path to explore this great state and all its wonders.
History and science










Zoos


Bishop Museum – learn about Hawai’i history and culture
Iolani Palace – learn about the American annex and Hawaiian royalty
Polynesian Cultural Center – Learn about all the Polynesian Islands and experience a grand luau!
Mission Houses – Learn about the history of missionaries to Hawai’i.
Plantation Village – Learn about the different cultures who worked at the plantations in Hawai’i.
Big Island Volcano Park – learn about geology and volcanology in Hawai’i. We even stayed in a
cabin in the park!
Molokai – children under age 16 are not allowed on Kalaupapa.
Dole Plantation – a touristy look at the pineapple giant
Mauna Loa – macadamia factory tour
More Factory Tours for the state of Hawai’i
Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens – in Hilo with an albino tiger and talking parrots!
Honolulu Zoo – one of our favorite field trips was a behind the scenes look at what zookeepers
do.
Aquariums
 Waikiki Aquarium- a small aquarium focusing on Hawaiian sea life and coral conservation
 Sea Life Park – interact with ocean animals and see shows with trained animals
 Maui Ocean Center – a fantastic and educational aquarium center
Art

Honolulu Museum of Art – classes, tours, and Shangri La

Spam Festival – a festival celebrating Spam. Oh yes.
Fun
Religion
 Lantern Floating Ceremony – a lovely and magical Buddhist tradition
 Makahiki – Hawaiian ceremony of Thanksgiving and New Year to the god Lono. Visit an Aloha
Festival or find a private offering to attend. We attended a small gathering on Hickam AFB and it
was lovely.
 Sacred Sites of Hawai’i – heiau, kapu areas, petroglyphs, cultural events
 More Sacred Sites – also lists alternative events and sites than mainstream touristy places
Military history
Hawai’i has a proud history with the military. Visit, donate, show gratitude, pray for those lost at Pearl
Harbor.







Pearl Harbor – USS Missouri, USS Bowfin, Arizona
Valor in the Pacific National Monument
Pacific Aviation Museum – a great museum and educational events
Military Memorials in Hawaii
Pacific Historic Parks
Tropic Lightning Museum – Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Airfield
Hawaii Army Museum – Ft. DeRussy
Hiking and outdoors
All the beaches in Hawai’i are available to the public. Take advantage! Many homeschool groups have
weekly beach days.





Hanauma Bay – famous diving and snorkeling site
Ko’Olina – great swimming for little ones in the lagoons. Fun shows and whale watching tours.
Diamond Head – Hike this Hawaiian icon and see the view. Also a great farmers’ market on
Saturdays at the base!
Hiking trails list for each island
Maps of leveled hiking trails
Social stuff - support groups, forums, co-ops.
We didn’t participate much in any groups when we lived in Hawai’i. The military bases offered
connections through their education liaisons and Yahoo groups were active.






Christian Homeschoolers of Hawai’i – resources, news, support contacts, conference
Hawai’i Homeschool Association – list of support groups on Oahu and Maui
Hawai’i Virtual School Online Orion School
Leaping From the Box – eLists and support groups in Hawaii
Homeschool World – list of support groups in Hawaii
Home Ed Directory – list of groups on Big Island and Oahu
Conventions, used curriculum fairs, book sales.

Christian Homeschoolers of Hawai’i offers a conference
Educational supply stores, educational toy stores.






Logos Bookstore This is where we bought all our curriculum. Just as good as Christianbook.com!
Education Works Great educational toys and teacher supplies.
Teacher Plus Small but packed out teacher supply store in a warehouse district
Showers of Blessing Christian bookstore in Mililani
Kihei Christian Bookstore great Christian bookstore for homeschoolers on Maui
Thinker Toys – a unique toy store in Kahala
Jennifer Lambert is a displaced Southern belle. Amidst desperate attempts
to balance her various roles as an Air Force wife, home educator, writer,
editor, and teacher of marriage and child training…she seeks daily
dumptruck loads of God’s grace. She shares her heart and passions at
her personal blog and her family’s homeschooling journey at Royal Little
Lambs. Also, visit on Google+, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.