Kamehameha Schools’ Community-Based Early Childhood Division focuses on the prenatal period to 5 years of age.  The Division has three main programs: Hiÿilani, preschools, and community collaborations. Also included in this division is the Community Learning Center at Nänäkuli.

Our Hiÿilani Program is an early childhood family education program that serves children prenatal to 36 months of age and their families.  It supports families in the community via regularly-scheduled small group classes and activities during mornings, mid-days and evenings throughout the year. Hiÿilani is currently located in 4 communities: Hilo, Hawaiÿi, Lihue, Kauaÿi, Nänäkuli and Waimänalo.

Our center-based preschools provide a dynamic learning environment for 3 and 4 year olds. The focus is on building relationships and language skills through various indoor and outdoor activities.  We are located in over 30 sites throughout the state.  Parent involvement activities include classroom participation, workshops, field trips and advisory boards.

The community collaborations seek to inspire and equip families and communities for success and service in using timeless Native Hawaiian values and traditions. We also seek to collaborate with various organizations focused on the prenatal to age 5 group. 

Hiÿilani

Hiÿilani is an early childhood family education program that serves children prenatal to 36 months of age and their families. A child's first 3 years are a critical time during which they begin the development of emotional stability, physical health and development, cognitive skills, problem-solving skills and social competence. Hiÿilani offers small group classes that focus on strategies, tools and techniques that promote preschool readiness and well-being through positive parent-child interactions. The Hiÿilani program supports families in the community via regularly-scheduled classes and activities during mornings, mid-days and evenings throughout the year. These include:

• Parent and child interaction classes
• Prenatal classes
• Family activities
• Early childhood screening and referral
• Individual consultation

For general information, call (808) 534-8318 or a Hiÿilani site:

• Hilo, Hawaiÿi: 808 969-3883
• Lihue, Kauaÿi: 808 245-3897
• Nänäkuli: 534-8260
• Waimänalo: 426-1459

Statewide Preschool Sites

The early years of a child’s life are crucial to success in school and society. Studies show that children who have preschool experience are more likely to graduate from high school, be employed, own their own homes and be productive members of their communities. Kamehameha is the second largest provider of childcare services in Hawai'i with 1,500 3- and 4-year-olds in 30 Kamehameha preschools statewide. Because skill in oral and written communication is necessary for success in school, the program emphasizes language and literacy. Since its inception more than 20 years ago, the Kamehameha Schools preschool program has provided more than 11,000 keiki with their first school experience. For more information, visit http://preschool.ksbe.edu/ or call (808) 534-8305.

For center-based preschool information contact:

• East Hawaiÿi Region: 808-935-2165
• West Hawaiÿi Region: 808-334-0599
• Maui/Molokaÿi Region: 808-760-5000
• Kauaÿi Region: 808-335-0069
• Honolulu Region: 842-8461
• Koÿolau Region: 259-7922
• Waiÿanae Region: 668-1196

Community Learning Center At Nänäkuli

The Community Learning Center offers onsite educational and enrichment programs, provides information on Kamehameha educational programs, and assists families in applying to Kamehameha programs and services such as admissions, financial aid and the Ho’olu Data Center.  Also, the Center collaborates with other external agencies that provide services to the Hawaiian community.  For more information, call 668-1517.