How to start homeschooling in Hawaii

Everything you need to legally begin homeschooling in Hawaii, broken into clear steps. Plan to spend about an hour completing the paperwork before your first day.

The short version

Hawaii requires notification, annual progress reporting, and periodic testing in select grades.

The full process, step by step

Step 1

Submit Form 4140 to your local public school principal.

Step 2

Submit a withdrawal letter to your child's public school if applicable.

Step 3

Plan a 'cumulative and sequential' curriculum.

Step 4

Keep records and arrange standardized testing in the required grades.

Step 5

Submit an annual progress report to the school principal.

Things that help on day one

A binder, folder, or app to keep paperwork in one place.
Your child's most recent report card or academic records.
A simple weekly rhythm sketched out — even one bullet list of subjects per day.
A camera or phone for documenting the first weeks of moments.
A list of any homeschool co-ops, libraries, or community groups in your area.

Disclaimer: This guide summarises commonly known Hawaii homeschool requirements. Laws change. For official, up-to-date legal guidance, consult the HSLDA state guide or your state Department of Education before submitting paperwork.

Read the full Hawaii homeschool law summary →

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