Hawaii Childcare License Exemption Threshold (2026)

In Hawaii, child care is exempt from licensing/registration when a person cares for two or fewer children unrelated to the caregiver by blood, marriage, or adoption, OR provides care for a child less than six hours a week

HRS §§ 346-152(a)(2),(a)(11)

a 'family child care home' (care for three to no more than six unrelated children) must obtain a certificate of registration, and a 'group child care home' (seven to twelve children) or group child care center must be licensed (HRS §§ 346-152(a)(2),(a)(11)

or group child care center must be licensed (HRS §§ 3

A Hawaii family child care home may provide care for no more than six children at the same time during any part of a twenty-four hour day, with no more than two children under eighteen months of age — increasing to up to four children under eighteen months if there is additional adult help in the home

HAR § 17-891.1-18

the provider's own children age six or older (and those under six who are in school or another child care facility more than six hours per day) are not counted in the total (HAR § 17-891.1-18

six or older (and those under six who are in school or another child care facility more than six hours per day) are not counted in the total (HAR § 1

How many children can I care for in Hawaii without a license?

In Hawaii, child care is exempt from licensing/registration when a person cares for two or fewer children unrelated to the caregiver by blood, marriage, or adoption, OR provides care for a child less than six hours a week; a 'family child care home' (care for three to no more than six unrelated children) must obtain a certificate of registration, and a 'group child care home' (seven to twelve children) or group child care center must be licensed (HRS §§ 346-152(a)(2),(a)(11); 346-151; 346-171).

What is the penalty for operating unlicensed in Hawaii?

Operating above the Hawaii exemption threshold without the required license, registration, or certificate is generally unlawful and can carry fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS), Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD) — Child Care Licensing Program about the correct credential before you begin.

Does Hawaii offer a voluntary registration for small providers?

Some states let providers below the exemption threshold register voluntarily. Confirm whether Hawaii offers a voluntary registry with the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS), Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD) — Child Care Licensing Program.