Watch the full discussion above to get the real story on Hawaii schools from three moms who’ve actually lived it—no sugar-coating, just honest experiences and practical advice.
If you’re considering a move to Hawaii with kids, the school situation is probably keeping you up at night. Public? Private? Charter? How do you even start figuring this out when you’re thousands of miles away?
In this week’s video, I sat down with Linda and Mara to break down everything you need to know about Hawaii’s school system. Linda brings 26 years of private school experience on Oahu to the table, Mara is a Big Island mom with kids in the public system, and I’ve got my own perspective raising 10 kids across both public and private schools here on Hawaii Island.
Here’s what we cover in the conversation:
The Real Deal on Public Schools
Despite what you might hear, public schools here aren’t the nightmare some people make them out to be. Mara shares how her kids have thrived in the public system, getting all the academic support they need plus the benefit of diverse perspectives you just don’t find everywhere. Both she and I went through public schools ourselves and came out just fine.
The convenience factor matters too—bus service, school lunch programs, and proximity to home all make a difference when you’re juggling work and family life. It’s not just about academics; it’s about what works for your whole family situation.
Private School Logistics You Need to Know
Linda drops some crucial information here: if you’re thinking private school on Oahu, you need to apply almost a year in advance. Like, if you want your kid in school for fall 2026, admissions already opened. Some of the bigger schools close their applications by December for the following year. This isn’t mainland timing—you can’t just show up in August and expect to enroll.
What Private Schools Actually Offer
Whether you’re looking for religious education, specific academic programs like International Baccalaureate, or that networking environment at Hawaii’s elite schools, private options exist. But they’re expensive, and you need to be ready for that reality.
The draw for many families is getting something the public system doesn’t provide—whether that’s a Christian education, a particular teaching methodology, or access to the kind of academic rigor and connections that come with Hawaii’s well-known private institutions.
Charter Schools as the Middle Ground
These are part of the public system but offer specialized focus—Hawaiian language immersion, technology programs, science emphasis. You get specialized education without the private school price tag. Linda acknowledges she doesn’t have direct charter school experience, but they’re definitely worth researching if you want something beyond traditional public school without going the private route.
The Application Game
This part is gold. We talk about how to actually navigate getting your kids into programs, especially after-school care which fills up fast. Mara’s advice? Be the nag. Call early, follow up constantly, document everything. Things get lost in the system, and you need to stay on top of it.
Set calendar reminders. Start asking about applications in the summer even though school just ended. Don’t wait until the last minute because you’re competing with hundreds or thousands of other families trying to secure the same spots.
The Stuff That Really Matters
Beyond test scores and curriculum, we get into the real questions: Is my child going to be safe? Will this school align with our family values? How do I prepare my kids for the diversity (or lack of it) they’ll encounter?
We touch on the reality of bullying, the importance of teaching kids to be kind but firm, and the value of exposing children to different cultures and backgrounds. Mara shares her own experience transitioning from private to public school in sixth grade—it was shocking at first, but ultimately gave her a better perspective on real life and dealing with people from all walks of life.
The Bottom Line
The best part of this conversation? It’s three moms being completely honest about our experiences—the good, the challenges, and everything in between. We’re not trying to sell you on any particular path because honestly, what works for one family might be completely wrong for another.
Linda talks about the value of doing your due diligence and finding schools that match your family’s mission. Mara shares her perspective on how exposure to different cultures and backgrounds in public school actually prepares kids for real life. And I’m here offering the reality check that comes from navigating this system with a big blended family.
Watch the full video to hear the specific details about timelines, costs, and the questions you should be asking. Whether you’re leaning toward public, private, or charter, this conversation will help you make a more informed decision about what’s right for your family.
No matter which path you choose, remember: you are your child’s first teacher. The foundation you build at home matters more than any school system. Look for schools that align with your values, but also recognize that every option—public, private, or charter—has something valuable to offer.
And if you have specific questions about schools in your target area of Hawaii, reach out to us at LivingInHawaii.com. We’re here to help you figure this stuff out before you make the move.
What do you think?