New King Kaumualiʻi Elementary pre-K further strengthens Kauaʻi access to early learning

Hawaiʻi Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, who leads the state’s Ready Keiki initiative — alongside Hawaiʻi Senate President Ronald Kouchi, who represents Kauaʻi and Niʻihau — recently visited Kauaʻi’s newest public preschool classroom at King Kaumualiʻi Elementary School in Līhuʻe.

Five of Kauaʻi’s nine public elementary schools now offer pre-kindergarten education opportunities with the opening of the new classroom at King Kaumualiʻi Elementary.

Hanalei Elementary School is scheduled to add a pre-K classroom beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.

Ready Keiki — launched in January 2023 — is aimed at expanding preschool access statewide.

More than 80 classrooms opened throughout Hawaiʻi since the initiative’s creation, each a part of the Executive Office on Early Learning Public Pre-Kindergarten Program

Kauaʻi families expressed growing interest in expanding pre-K capacity, particularly in Līhuʻe — home to a significant portion of the island’s working families.

“Expanding public pre-K on Kauaʻi is about giving our keiki a strong start while also supporting working families with early learning options close to home and work,” said Luke in a release about the expanded access. “Ready Keiki reflects our commitment to meeting families where they are and making pre-K a reality for every ʻohana.”

Ready Keiki also added a new public preschool classroom at Kapaʻa Elementary School beginning in the 2024-25 school year, further strengthening the Garden Isle’s access to early learning opportunities.

“For many years, Kauaʻi families have voiced the need for more early learning options, and it’s encouraging to see that need being met,” said Kouchi in the release. “The [Hawaiʻi] Legislature has been proud to support the expansion of public pre-K and the commitment of Ready Keiki so more of our keiki can learn and thrive.”

Executive Office on Early Learning Public Pre-K Program campuses on Kauaʻi:

• ʻEleʻele Elementary.
• Kapaʻa Elementary.
• Kekaha Elementary.
• Kīlauea Elementary.
• King Kaumualiʻi Elementary.

Each classroom in the state’s Public Pre-Kindergarten Program serves up to 20 students, ages 3 and 4 years old, with priority given to children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness or other at-risk circumstances.

Enrollment is accepted year-round.

“For families throughout Hawaiʻi, each new classroom creates a place where curiosity is fostered, relationships deepen and confidence takes root,” said Executive Office on Early Learning Director Yuuko Arikawa-Cross in the release. “By bringing early learning closer to home across our islands, we strengthen families, support our workforce and build lasting community resilience.”

Families are encouraged to apply for an available seat or join a waitlist. Click here to find the application and get more information.

You can also contact Executive Office on Early Learning at 808-784-5350 with any questions and to get additional details.