Apply to Kamehameha Schools

Application process

The journey to a Kamehameha Schools education starts here. Select one of the applications below to begin the admissions process to one of our 29 preschools, three K-12 campuses or other community education and campus-specific programs.

Today more than ever, we remain committed to the health and safety of our keiki, ‘ohana and community. We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and continue to adhere to recommendations from leading health organizations and guidance from state and county officials, based on current conditions in our communities. We will make the necessary adjustments to the admissions process at the appropriate time and communicate that to all of our applicants and their ‘ohana.

Choose your application

Preschool

Hawai‘i Campus

Kapālama Campus

Maui Campus

Summer school

Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i

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Our Christian values

Princess Bernice Pauahi was a devout Christian ali‘i wahine (noble woman). Her deep faith in Ke Akua moved her to create a school for young Hawaiians, giving them the knowledge and skills to thrive in an ever-changing world. Along with that gift, she sought to share with our haumāna a foundation of Christian values to shape their character and guide their actions.

We are Protestant in tradition, non-denominational in practice, and loving in all things. We believe that Kamehameha Schools, as a Christian institution, has a responsibility to practice and perpetuate the Christian faith as exemplified by Ke Ali‘i Pauahi.

Learn more about our Christian values and commitment »

Grade	Program	Campus	Tuition
Preschool	Full day	All	$3,764
Preschool	Modified day	All	$2,510
Kindergarten-5th Grade		Hawai‘i and Maui	$5,046
Kindergarten-6th Grade		Kapālama	$5,046
6th Grade		Hawai‘i and Maui	$5,194
7th-12th Grade	Day	All	$6,208
7th-12th Grade	Boarder	Kapālama	$11,016

A majority of a 15-judge appeals court panel upheld Kamehameha’s admissions policy in Doe v. Kamehameha on Dec. 5, 2006. The panel majority ruled that Kamehameha has a legal right to offer admissions preference to Native Hawaiian applicants as a way to remedy past harms and current imbalances suffered by the Indigenous people of Hawai‘i as a result of Western contact. The panel majority also found that Congress has recognized it has a special trust relationship with Native Hawaiians and in furtherance of that relationship, has enacted more than 85 statutes supporting programs designed to improve Hawaiian well-being.

The competitive nature of admission to Kamehameha Schools is due to the increasing numbers of Hawaiian children seeking enrollment. Admission standards have not changed. Each year the number of applications received exceeds the number of available spaces anywhere from a ratio of 3:1 to 17:1, depending on the campus and grade level. The use of test scores and report cards have been part of the admissions process at Kamehameha Schools for decades.

Kamehameha is committed to enroll a diverse student population that represents a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, islands and communities, ability levels, talents and life experiences. Kamehameha looks for students who have already demonstrated that they have the motivation, attitude, character and work habits necessary to successfully graduate from Kamehameha Schools’ K-12 program.

Absolutely! There is so much more to Kamehameha Schools than our three campuses! Kamehameha actually offers many innovative educational programs. Offerings include a variety of summer programs; distance learning; community-based family education; mentoring programs and more. KS also operates 29 preschools statewide, has formed partnerships with public charter schools, and offers post-high school financial aid for students.

Of particular interest to the parents of Pre-K-12 children is the Pauahi Keiki Scholars program, which offers need-based financial assistance to help children attend other qualifying non-KS preschools, and the Kīpona Scholarship program which offers need-based financial assistance to help children attending private K-12 schools other than Kamehameha.

Yes. Students in this category are sent notifications advising them that they are placed in a wait pool. These notifications need to be acknowledged and responded to, or the applicant will be withdrawn and not included in the wait pool process. The terms and length of wait pools vary by campus and grade level.