Children at daycare

Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Hilo, HI

Compare 7 child daycare & preschools in Hilo. Average rating: 4.65/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Hilo, Hawaii at a glance

Programs
7
Avg rating
4.65/5
Parent reviews
64
Top rated (4.5+)
7

Hilo has 7 licensed child daycare & preschools with 64 parent reviews averaging 4.65/5.7 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 64% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around the 96720 zip code, averaging 4.65 stars across 23 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Hilo

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1
    Ke Kula Kaikohola O Keaukaha
    4.66 score
    4.9(14)

    326 Desha Avenue, Hilo, HI · Church Daycare · Capacity: 28 children

    This is a Roman Catholic church facility serving the native Hawaiian community in Keaukaha, not a daycare center. Reviews praise the welcoming atmosphere, Hawaiian cultural integration, and spiritual community. The facility offers regular Mass, Friday adoration and rosary, and a monthly food pantry.

    Welcoming priest and congregationHawaiian language liturgyKoa wood altar and priest chairstrong sense of community and Aloha
  2. 2
    Kinoole Baptist Enrichment Afterschool
    4.47 score
    4.8(7)

    1815 Kinoole Street, Hilo, HI · Church Daycare · Capacity: 60 children

    This facility appears to be a Baptist church rather than a daycare center. Reviews praise the welcoming community, spiritual atmosphere, and support system among members. The facility offers traditional and contemporary worship services along with Bible study groups.

    Welcoming and friendly communitystrong spiritual presencesupportive environmentvariety of worship and study options
  3. 3
    Ywca Developmental Preschool
    4.07 score
    4.1(10)

    145 Ululani Street, Hilo, HI · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 115 children

    YWCA Developmental Preschool in Hilo is highly rated by most parents for its engaged staff, structured programs for ages 2-5, and community involvement. The facility offers dedicated spaces, activities like art classes and field trips, and affordable options through partnership programs. One parent reported concerns about staff behavior toward toddlers.

    Dedicatedengaged staffseparate age-appropriate programs (Lilypad for ages 2-3 and Cottage for ages 4-5)indoor and outdoor spaces
  4. 4
    Ymca Y-Tots
    4 score
    4(20)

    300 W Lanikaula Street, Hilo, HI · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 50 children

    Reviews consistently praise the YMCA Y-TOTS facility for its friendly and helpful staff, clean and well-maintained environment, and reasonable pricing ($15 day pass, $40 monthly membership). The compact gym offers adequate equipment, classes, and community programs in a welcoming atmosphere where members feel encouraged and respected.

    Friendly and helpful staffclean facilitiesaffordable pricingadequate equipment and cardio machines

Rating Distribution

Based on 11 daycares with Google ratings in Hilo

4.5 - 5.0
7
4.0 - 4.4
4
3.0 - 3.9
0
Below 3
0

Daycare Types Compared

Average ratings by facility type in Hilo, based on parent reviews

Church Daycare

4.6avg rating
8 daycares · 5 rated

Before or After School Daycare

5avg rating
7 daycares · 1 rated

Child Daycare & Preschools

4.62avg rating
7 daycares · 5 rated

Headstart Programs

No ratings yet
1 daycares

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Hilo zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
9672023
4.65
7

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Hilo (8–115 children)

Small

up to 30 children

7

Medium

31–75 children

13

Large

76–150 children

3

Very Large

150+ children

0

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Hilo based on parent reviews

Kula Kamalii O Hiikeakaikamalama

5(3)

1500 Kalaniana'Ole Ave, Hilo, HI

One parent highlights the center as a great place for learning and hula, noting the value of ohana involvement. Another review mentions attending a Hale lashing workshop, while a third references an annual hula dance event, suggesting a strong cultural focus. The few reviews so far mention positive community and cultural engagement opportunities.

Great place for learninghulaand ohana

Hawaii Community College Children'S Center

5(1)

200 W. Kawili Street, Hilo, HI

Hawaii Community College Children'S Center Toddler Room

5(1)

200 West Kawili Street, Hilo, HI

Ywca Developmental Preschool

4.1(10)

145 Ululani Street, Hilo, HI

YWCA Developmental Preschool in Hilo is highly rated by most parents for its engaged staff, structured programs for ages 2-5, and community involvement. The facility offers dedicated spaces, activities like art classes and field trips, and affordable options through partnership programs. One parent reported concerns about staff behavior toward toddlers.

Dedicatedengaged staffseparate age-appropriate programs (Lilypad for ages 2-3 and Cottage for ages 4-5)

Ymca Y-Tots

4(20)

300 W Lanikaula Street, Hilo, HI

Reviews consistently praise the YMCA Y-TOTS facility for its friendly and helpful staff, clean and well-maintained environment, and reasonable pricing ($15 day pass, $40 monthly membership). The compact gym offers adequate equipment, classes, and community programs in a welcoming atmosphere where members feel encouraged and respected.

Friendly and helpful staffclean facilitiesaffordable pricing

Map

Daycare types in Hilo

Child Daycare & Preschools 7Headstart Programs 1Church Daycare 8Before or After School Daycare 7

Browse by type in Hilo

🎨 Preschools 12🎒 After School Programs 3🕊️ Baptist Daycare 2

Child Daycare & Preschools in Hilo, Hawaii

There are 7 child daycare & preschools in Hilo, Hawaii, making up 30% of the 23 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Hilo have an average rating of 4.65 out of 5 across 11 rated facilities, with 64% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Before or After School Daycare facilities lead with an average of 5 stars. Our analysis covers 64 parent reviews.

When choosing a daycare in Hilo, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Child Daycare & Preschools in Hilo

Showing 7 results

Kula Kamalii O Hiikeakaikamalama
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent highlights the center as a great place for learning and hula, noting the value of ohana involvement. Another review mentions attending a Hale lashing workshop, while a third references an annual hula dance event, suggesting a strong cultural focus. The few reviews so far mention positive community and cultural engagement opportunities.

Great place for learninghulaand ohana
Address
1500 Kalaniana'Ole Ave, Hilo, HI
Phone
NOT AVAILABLE
Hawaii Community College Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
200 W. Kawili Street, Hilo, HI
Phone
(808) 934-2630
Hawaii Community College Children'S Center Toddler Room
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
200 West Kawili Street, Hilo, HI
Phone
(808) 934-2630
Ywca Developmental Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

YWCA Developmental Preschool in Hilo is highly rated by most parents for its engaged staff, structured programs for ages 2-5, and community involvement. The facility offers dedicated spaces, activities like art classes and field trips, and affordable options through partnership programs. One parent reported concerns about staff behavior toward toddlers.

Dedicatedengaged staffseparate age-appropriate programs (Lilypad for ages 2-3 and Cottage for ages 4-5)
Address
145 Ululani Street, Hilo, HI
Phone
(808) 935-7141
Ymca Y-Tots
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

Reviews consistently praise the YMCA Y-TOTS facility for its friendly and helpful staff, clean and well-maintained environment, and reasonable pricing ($15 day pass, $40 monthly membership). The compact gym offers adequate equipment, classes, and community programs in a welcoming atmosphere where members feel encouraged and respected.

Friendly and helpful staffclean facilitiesaffordable pricing
Address
300 W Lanikaula Street, Hilo, HI
Phone
(808) 935-3721
Kamehameha Preschool-Piihonua
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1350 Wainuenue Ave, Hilo, HI
Phone
NOT AVAILABLE
Puueo Child Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
145 Wainaku Street, Hilo, HI
Phone
(808) 842-5996

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Frequently asked questions

There are 7 child daycare & preschools daycares in Hilo, Hawaii, out of 23 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Hilo have an average Google rating of 4.65 out of 5 across 11 rated facilities. About 64% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Hilo, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with Hawaii's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Hawaii)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Hilo offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 7 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 1 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 8 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 7 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in Hawaii typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Hilo for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Hilo must be licensed by Hawaii's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.