Daycare Cost in Hawaii (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1500/month in Hawaii. 22% above national avg. Toddler care runs $1300/month, preschool $1100/month.
Hawaii average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1500
22% above national avg
Toddler (center)
$1300
$15,600/year
Preschool (center)
$1100
$13,200/year
School Age
$920
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$1200
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$3,000
Full-time, statewide avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
Hawaii vs. National Average
How Hawaii compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,500/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,300/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $1,100/mo |
| School Age — Center | $920/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $1,200/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,000/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Hawaii
Full-time infant center care in Hawaii costs $18,000/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Hawaii families pay $3,240 more per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$18,000
Toddler / year
$15,600
Preschool / year
$13,200
School Age / year
$11,040
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 (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $1,000/month.
At Hawaii's average infant rate of $1500/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 67% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Hawaii
How much does daycare cost in Hawaii?
Infant center-based daycare in Hawaii averages $1500/month in 2026. That's $270 above the national average of $1230/month. Higher wages and cost of living push prices up. Toddler care runs $1300/month and preschool $1100/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in Hawaii?
Center-based infant care in Hawaii averages $1500/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $1200/month — about 20% less. Home-based care typically has smaller groups and more flexible hours. Centers tend to offer more structured programs. Both are licensed by the state.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Hawaii?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in Hawaii averages $3,000/month versus $1500/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $1500 each ($3,000/month) often exceeds a single nanny cost. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator to compare.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Hawaii?
Yes — significantly. In Hawaii: infant care ($1500/month) → toddler care ($1300/month, 13% drop) → preschool ($1100/month, 27% drop from infant) → school age ($920/month, 39% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
Daycare Costs by City in Hawaii
City-level estimates based on local cost-of-living adjustments to the statewide average.
Or see all 100 cities across the US · compare cities side by side.
See all 50 states
Compare Hawaii against every other state — filter by age group and care type, sorted by cost.
Daycare cost by state →