How much does private school cost in Honolulu?

Private school in Honolulu averages $20,200/year in 2026 — 64% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $12,900/year; independent and prep schools average $37,600/year. Honolulu has approximately 175 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Honolulu for 2026?

Honolulu private school tuition ranges from $11,600 to $32,000/year. The city average is $20,200/year ($1,683/month). Religious schools run lower at $12,900/year; top independent day schools can reach $32,000+.

How does Honolulu private school cost compare to the national average?

Honolulu private school tuition averages $20,200/year, which is 64% above the national average ($12,350/year). Honolulu is one of the most expensive cities for private school in the US, driven by high concentrations of elite independent and boarding-affiliated day schools.

What are the most affordable private schools in Honolulu?

The most affordable private schools in Honolulu are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $12,900/year. Parish-subsidized Catholic schools often run $6,000–$12,000/year — the lowest-cost private option in most metro areas. Families with financial need can apply for aid; about 27% of private school students nationally receive need-based grants averaging 48% of tuition.

Private School Cost in Honolulu 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Honolulu?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Honolulu's average of $20,200/year, a household income of $168,000+ is generally needed without financial strain. Need-based aid and merit scholarships are available at most schools — always ask the admissions office.

Private schools in Honolulu average $20,200/year. 64% above national avg. Religious schools run $12,900/year; independent schools average $37,600/year.

City Average

$20,200

per year

Monthly Est.

$1,683

per month

Private Schools

175

in Honolulu

vs National

+$7,850

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Honolulu (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$17,200/yr

~$1,433/mo

Middle School (6–8)

Near the city average — most K–8 schools report blended rates.

$20,200/yr

~$1,683/mo

High School (9–12)

Prep school premium; college counseling and athletics raise the cost.

$24,200/yr

~$2,016/mo

Tuition by School Type in Honolulu

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.

$12,900/yr

+61% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$37,600/yr

+50% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$20,200/yr

+64% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Honolulu

Starting From

$11,600

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$20,200

Typical school

Top End

$32,000+

Elite prep schools

Most Honolulu private schools fall between $11,600 and $32,000/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Honolulu: 2026 Tuition Data

Representative schools — tuition figures from school websites and NCES. Verify with each school before applying.

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Punahou School	$27,400	Independent	K–12
Iolani School	$24,800	Independent (Episcopal)	K–12
Saint Louis School (Honolulu)	$13,800	Catholic	9–12

Tuition data sourced from school websites (2025–26 academic year). Financial aid can reduce the net cost substantially — ask each school about aid availability.