Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in Hawaii

Here is exactly what Hawaii requires to homeschool legally - how to notify (if needed), what records to keep, testing rules, and how to get started.

Last updated June 2026

Notice required
Required
Instructional days
Regular instruction
Portfolio
Required
Testing / evaluation
Required

Hawaii homeschool requirements

  • Notification: Submit Form 4140 (notice of intent to homeschool) to the principal of the public school your child would otherwise attend, before beginning.
  • Required subjects: No specific subject list is mandated; families typically cover language arts, math, science, and social studies.
  • Teacher requirement: No teacher certification is required to teach your own children.
  • Portfolio / records: Keep a record of the planned curriculum and the child’s educational progress.
  • Testing / evaluation: A standardized test or an annual progress report is required in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10; results are submitted to the school.
  • Recordkeeping: No retention period is set by the state; keep records organized year to year.

Key dates & deadlines

At the start of the yearFile your required notification with the district or state.
AnnuallyRenew your notification and complete the required assessment.

Getting started in Hawaii

  1. File your required notification with your district or the state (see requirements above).
  2. Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum for the subjects you’ll teach.
  4. Plan for the required annual assessment or evaluation.
  5. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in Hawaii

Hawaii does not currently run a state scholarship or education savings account program that homeschool families can use. Families here typically fund curriculum and materials themselves, which makes keeping clean purchase records useful at tax time and if the state's rules change.

Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in Hawaii?
Submit Form 4140 (notice of intent to homeschool) to the principal of the public school your child would otherwise attend, before beginning.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
No - there is no teacher-certification requirement.
Is standardized testing required?
A standardized test or an annual progress report is required in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10; results are submitted to the school.
How long should I keep records?
No retention period is mandated, but keeping thorough records is strongly recommended.
Is there scholarship or ESA funding for homeschoolers in Hawaii?
Not at present. Hawaii has no state scholarship or education savings account program open to homeschool families, though families still commonly track purchases for their own budgeting.
What subjects must I teach in Hawaii?
Hawaii does not set a required subject list. Most families cover language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and add subjects to suit the child.
How many days or hours of instruction does Hawaii require?
Hawaii does not set a specific hours or days requirement for homeschoolers. Keeping a simple record of instruction is still worthwhile if your circumstances change.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your Hawaii instructional days, required subjects, portfolio, and deadlines - and warns you before anything is due.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change - verify current requirements with your Hawaii department of education or county superintendent.