Home Daycare: Honolulu vs Kapolei
How do home daycare rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Kapolei, HI?
Honolulu and Kapolei have similar restriction levels.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Honolulu County permits in-home child care as a home occupation under ROH 21-5.350, while the Hawaii Department of Human Services licenses family child care homes caring for three to six unrelated children under HRS 346-151.
View full Honolulu rules →Kapolei, HI
Honolulu County
Kapolei family child care homes serving three to six unrelated children are defined and licensed under HRS Sec. 346-151 by the Department of Human Services and supported locally by ROH Sec. 21-5.350.
View full Kapolei rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | HRS Sec. 346-151 | - |
| County authority | ROH Sec. 21-5.350 | - |
| Children covered | 3 to 6 unrelated | - |
| Licensing | Hawaii DHS | - |
| Substitute caregiver | Allowed with limits | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Honolulu FAQ
How many children can I care for without a license?
Care of two or fewer unrelated children generally does not require a state family child care home license under HRS 346-151. Three or more unrelated children triggers licensing.
Do I need a separate Honolulu County permit to run an in-home daycare?
No standalone county permit exists, but operation must fit within home occupation rules under ROH 21-5.350, including limits on signage and traffic.
Kapolei FAQ
How many children can I legally care for at my Kapolei home?
Up to six unrelated children, if you are licensed by the Department of Human Services as a family child care home under HRS Sec. 346-151.
Can I hire a caregiver who is not a family member?
Licensed family child care homes may use substitute caregivers under the exception in ROH Sec. 21-5.350 to the household-member rule.
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