Daycare Cost in Honolulu, HI (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1650/month in Honolulu. 34% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1430/month, preschool $1210/month.
Honolulu average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1650
34% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1430
$17,160/year
Preschool (center)
$1210
$14,520/year
School Age
$1010
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1320
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,300
Full-time, metro avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey + metro cost-of-living adjustment. 2026 estimates.
Honolulu vs. Hawaii vs. National Average
How Honolulu compares to the state and national averages for each age group.
| Age / Care Type | Honolulu |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,650/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,430/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,210/mo |
| School Age — Center | $1,010/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,320/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,300/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Honolulu
Full-time infant center care in Honolulu costs $19,800/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Honolulu families pay $5,040 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$19,800
Toddler / year
$17,160
Preschool / year
$14,520
School Age / year
$12,120
Childcare Subsidies in Hawaii
Hawaii participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $7,500/month may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,000/month.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Honolulu
How much does daycare cost in Honolulu?
Infant center-based daycare in Honolulu averages $1650/month in 2026. That's $420 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher local wages and demand drive prices up in this metro area.
How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average?
Honolulu infant daycare runs about $150/month (10%) above the Hawaii statewide average of $1500/month. Urban metros typically cost more than state averages due to higher rent, wages, and demand. See all daycare costs in Hawaii.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Honolulu?
Yes. In Honolulu: infant care ($1650/month) → toddler care ($1430/month, 13% drop) → preschool ($1210/month, 27% drop from infant) → school age ($1010/month, 39% drop from infant). Staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age, reducing per-child costs.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Honolulu?
For one child, no — a full-time nanny in Honolulu averages $3,300/month versus $1650/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator.
Hawaii daycare costs
See the full Hawaii statewide average with CCDF subsidy data.
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