West Hawaiʻi Island Welcomes Free, Public Preschool Classroom
Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke Visits New Public Pre-K Serving South Kona Families
Lt. Gov. Luke and Sen. Dru Kanuha visit with pre-K students at Hoʻokena Elementary.
Link to Hoʻokena Elementary Photos
Link to Hoʻokena Elementary B-Roll Video
KONA, HAWAIʻI — This month, some of Big Island’s youngest learners were joined by special guests as Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke visited a new public pre-kindergarten classroom at Hoʻokena Elementary School. Luke, who leads the state’s Ready Keiki initiative to expand access to preschool statewide, was joined by Senator Dru Kanuha.
The new classroom at Hoʻokena Elementary is the second public preschool to open on West Hawaiʻi Island since the launch of Ready Keiki in January 2023.
“Expanding preschool access on the Big Island and in rural communities is about equity and opportunity for both our keiki and their families,” said Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke. “When parents have reliable, high-quality early learning options close to home, they can stay in the workforce, support their families, and choose the care that best fits their needs. It’s about giving local families real options and making sure every community has the resources to thrive.”
These new classrooms not only support young learners but also help strengthen local communities and give local families a reason to stay and raise their children in Hawaiʻi.
“Giving our keiki in West Hawaiʻi the right start means building a strong foundation for learning and growth,” said Senator Dru Kanuha (District 3 – Kona, Ka‘ū, Volcano). “This new preschool classroom at Hoʻokena Elementary is an investment in our children’s future, and I’m grateful to Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke for expanding access to pre-K in rural communities like South Kona. The Ready Keiki initiative is opening doors for local families.”
EOEL Public Pre-K Program Campuses on Hawaiʻi Island:
Waimea Elementary School
The Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 school year. Children must be 3 or 4 years old on or before July 31 of the school year for which they are applying.
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March 3–June 30: Priority enrollment period. Preference is given to children who live in the geographic area of the school.
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July 1–End of school year: Open enrollment.