Home Daycare: Honolulu vs Pearl City
How do home daycare rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Pearl City, HI?
Honolulu and Pearl City 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 →Pearl City, HI
Honolulu County
Pearl City residents providing in-home child care for three to six unrelated children must register under HRS Sec. 346-151 and comply with ROH Sec. 21-5.350 home occupation rules.
View full Pearl City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Pearl City |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Pearl City FAQ
Is family child care permitted in Pearl City residential zones?
Yes. ROH Sec. 21-5.350 allows licensed family child care as a home occupation in residential zones, including Pearl City, with special provisions for substitute caregivers.
What is the maximum number of children I can watch?
A family child care home is limited to three to six unrelated children under HRS Sec. 346-151. Caring for more children requires a different license category under Chapter 346.
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