Hawaiʻi just hit a significant educational milestone with the opening of its 100th public pre-kindergarten classroom, located at Maunawili Elementary School on the island of Oʻahu. This step marks progress towards universal access for the state's youngest residents, known affectionately as keiki. According to a statement made by Hawaiian Government Newsroom, Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, a leading figure of the Ready Keiki initiative, was present to celebrate the achievement alongside the Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL).
The number of public pre-K classrooms has seen a significant increase, a push from only 37 in 2022 to a total of 117 classrooms across 89 statewide locations as of today. "Just a few years ago, there were only a few dozen public pre-K classrooms statewide," and "Now, we’re celebrating our 100th. This just shows Hawaiʻi’s commitment to every child, every family, and every community. Ready Keiki is about giving our youngest learners the foundation to thrive while ensuring families can access trusted early education no matter where they live," Lt. Gov. Luke said in a Hawaiian Government Newsroom report.
The EOEL's mission is far from over, with plans to continue expanding access to pre-K education throughout Hawaiʻi. "We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we know our work continues," EOEL Director Yuuko Arikawa-Cross stated, as noted by the Hawaiian Government Newsroom. "Every new classroom represents a doorway to opportunity for families. Our goal is to meet families where they are and ensure every keiki in Hawaiʻi has access to a strong start." The latest classroom in Maunawili not only underscores the state's educational advancements but also widens the educational options available to families in Windward Oʻahu.
With these classrooms accommodating up to 20 students aged 3 and 4, the state shows a particular commitment to its youngest learners, with priority granted to children in foster care, those from families experiencing homelessness, or children in other at-risk circumstances. Enrollment is an ongoing process and families interested can apply for a seat or join the waitlist through the EOEL's website. For more information, they can also reach out directly to EOEL at (808) 784-5350.
Recent expansions in August 2025 saw the establishment of additional public pre-K classrooms across the islands of Hawaiʻi, Kauaʻi, Maui, and Oʻahu. From Kalaniʻanaʻole Elementary & Intermediate on Hawaii Island to Hāna High and Elementary on Maui, which includes a Hawaiian language classroom, these educational spaces have started to lay the foundations for Hawai'i's next generation. A complete list of schools with newly opened pre-K classrooms is available for those interested.
