Children at daycare

12 Preschools in Hilo, Hawaii

Find the best preschools in Hilo, Hawaii. Browse 12 options, compare ratings, and choose the right program for your child.

Best Preschools in Hilo

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

  1. 1
    Kaumana Baptist Keikiland Preschool
    4.17 score
    5(1)

    388 Kaumana Drive, Hilo, HI · Capacity: 75 children

  2. 2
    Mauna Loa Preschool
    4.13 score
    4.3(4)

    172 Kapiolani Street, Hilo, HI · Capacity: 24 children

  3. 3
    Ywca Developmental Preschool
    4.07 score
    4.1(10)

    145 Ululani Street, Hilo, HI · 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
    Joyland Preschool
    4 score
    4

    1407 Kapiolani St., Hilo, HI · Capacity: 40 children

  5. 5
    St. Joseph Preschool
    4 score
    5

    999 Ululani Street, Hilo, HI · Capacity: 45 children

Browse by type in Hilo

🎨 Preschools 12🎒 After School Programs 3🕊️ Baptist Daycare 2
View all daycares in Hilo Center-based daycares

Preschools in Hilo, Hawaii

Hilo has 12 preschool programs designed to prepare children ages 3-5 for kindergarten. These programs focus on early literacy, social skills, and structured learning in a nurturing environment.

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

All Preschools in Hilo

Showing 12 results

Kaumana Baptist Keikiland Preschool
Church Daycare
5
Address
388 Kaumana Drive, Hilo, HI
Phone
(808) 961-3309
St. Joseph Preschool
Before or After School Daycare
5
Address
999 Ululani Street, Hilo, HI
Phone
(808) 961-0424
Mauna Loa Preschool
Church Daycare
4.3
Address
172 Kapiolani Street, Hilo, HI
Phone
(808) 731-8132
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
Joyland Preschool
Church Daycare
4
Address
1407 Kapiolani St., Hilo, HI
Phone
(808) 934-0610
Kamehameha Preschool-Piihonua
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1350 Wainuenue Ave, Hilo, HI
Phone
NOT AVAILABLE
E Makaala Preschool
Before or After School Daycare
Address
440 W. Lanikaula Street, Hilo, HI
Phone
(808) 961-3633
Haili Christian Preschool
Before or After School Daycare
Address
190 Ululani Street, Hilo, HI
Phone
(808) 961-5026
Hale Aloha Nazarene Preschool
Church Daycare
Address
595 Kupulau Road, Hilo, HI
Phone
(808) 959-4949
Hilo Hongwanji Preschool
Church Daycare
Address
398 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, HI
Phone
(808) 961-6677
Kamehameha Preschool - Keaukaha
Before or After School Daycare
Address
162 Baker Avenue, Hilo, HI
Phone
(808) 842-8800
Kamehameha Preschool - Waianuenue
Church Daycare
Address
374 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI
Phone
(808) 842-8800

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Frequently asked questions

There are 12 preschools in Hilo, Hawaii. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.
Most preschool programs in Hilo accept children between ages 2.5 and 5. Many children start at age 3 or 4, about one to two years before kindergarten. Look for signs of readiness such as being comfortable away from parents, ability to follow simple instructions, and interest in playing with other children.
While both provide childcare, preschools in Hilo typically focus more on structured educational activities to prepare children for kindergarten. Preschool programs often run half-day or school-year schedules, while daycare centers offer full-day, year-round care. Many facilities combine both, offering preschool curriculum within a full-day daycare setting.
Preschool costs in Hilo typically range from $600 to $1,500 per month for full-time programs. Half-day programs are usually less expensive. Some preschools offer financial aid, and Hawaii may have state-funded pre-K programs for qualifying families. Contact individual facilities for current tuition rates.
When selecting a preschool in Hilo, consider:
  • Visit the facility in person to observe the environment
  • Ask about teacher qualifications and experience
  • Check licensing status with Hawaii's regulatory agency
  • Review the curriculum and daily schedule
  • Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences
  • Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities