Hawaii Home Daycare Law: Statewide Home Business Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Registration: DHS required
Capacity: Up to 6 children
Statute: HRS Chapter 346
Background check: All adults required

Full Breakdown

Under HRS Chapter 346, family child care homes serving non-relative children must register or be licensed by the Department of Human Services. Registered family child care homes care for up to six children, while group homes have higher capacity with stricter rules. Operators must complete background checks, training, and home safety inspections. Counties may apply zoning rules but cannot supersede state licensing. Annual renewal and ongoing inspections are required. Operating without registration is prohibited and triggers civil and criminal penalties under state law.

Violations & Penalties

Operating an unregistered family child care home is a misdemeanor with fines up to $500 per day and potential closure orders from DHS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to babysit children at home in Hawaii?

Caring for non-relative children regularly for compensation typically requires DHS family child care home registration. Occasional babysitting and care of relatives is generally exempt from licensing.

How many children can a Hawaii family child care home serve?

A registered family child care home may care for up to six children, including the provider's own young children, with strict age-mix and ratio rules under HRS 346.

Hawaii Family Child Care Home Licensing Rules

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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