Tuition and Financial Aid
A Punahou education is a gift and an investment in your child’s future. Students are admitted to Punahou based on their potential to thrive, not on their family’s ability to pay. Our deep commitment to financial aid allows us to attract and enroll the best and brightest students. Supported by the generosity of our donors, we are able to offer over $11 million in need-based financial aid each year.
Explore our more than 560 financial aid endowed funds that help sustain this impactful program, ensuring the Punahou experience is available to all who are admitted.
Explore our more than 560 financial aid endowed funds that help sustain this impactful program, ensuring the Punahou experience is available to all who are admitted.
$34,230
Tuition for 2026 – 2027 School Year
$11.1 Million
Annual Financial Aid Budget
24%
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid
$12,400
Average Financial Aid Award
Overview
At Punahou, we believe that the opportunity to dream, discover, and fulfill one's kuleana should be accessible to all families, regardless of financial circumstance. Rooted in our values as the children of Ka Punahou, the new spring, our financial aid program is woven into the foundation of the mat we weave together, a mat that seats many and welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
Financial aid at Punahou is a partnership between families and the school, built on trust, shared responsibility, and a commitment to educational excellence. We are dedicated to fostering a learning community where all students can thrive, contribute, and deepen their service to Hawai‘i and the world.
Financial aid at Punahou is a partnership between families and the school, built on trust, shared responsibility, and a commitment to educational excellence. We are dedicated to fostering a learning community where all students can thrive, contribute, and deepen their service to Hawai‘i and the world.
Exploring Financial Aid at Punahou
Four interconnected steps honor our shared kuleana and the partnership between school and ‘ohana.
List of 4 items.
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Step 1: Family Conversations
Begin your journey by having a conversation as an ʻohana:- Reflect on how education shapes your keiki’s dreams, values, and perspectives.
- Discuss how Punahou’s values of exploration, service, and belonging resonate with your own.
- Envision your keiki’s whole journey, their long-term growth, well-being, and contribution to their community and the world.
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Step 2: Learn and Discover
As partners, we invite you to explore our financial aid resources and deepen the conversation:- Attend one of our optional Financial Aid Information Webinars (see Upcoming Events).
- Review the Punahou Financial Aid Checklist for Admission Applicants and Frequently Asked Questions. Understand how our need-based program removes financial barriers and welcomes diverse families to our mat that seats many.
- Note that the financial aid process runs concurrently with admissions. You must apply for financial aid shortly after submitting your admission application. Applying for financial aid will not have any impact on your admission decision. Our admissions process is need-blind and operates independently of financial aid.
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Step 3: Charting the Future
Financial aid at Punahou is a partnership between ‘ohana and the school:- Financial aid is designed to supplement, rather than replace, your family's financial commitment, acknowledging that your ʻohana is primarily responsible for this educational investment.
- We invite you to look closely at your household landscape and explore what sustainable adjustments can help support this path forward. When your family shares in this responsibility, you do more than invest in your child. You help uphold the financial stewardship that keeps our entire Punahou community vibrant, healthy, and accessible.
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Step 4: Complete the Application
What to Expect When You ApplyWe understand that sharing your family’s financial landscape requires a high level of trust. As you begin your application within the Ravenna Financial Aid (RFA) family portal, please keep the following in mind:- We conduct a holistic review: Our team looks at your entire financial profile, taking into account the unique dynamics of living in Hawai‘i.
- It is ok to estimate: If you don't know the exact answer to a question, give us your best estimate. Meeting our application deadline is critical – our team can easily collaborate with you to make adjustments later once your official documentation is ready.
Start Your Application- Create a Family Portal account online at Ravenna Financial Aid (RFA). Punahou’s RFA Partner Code is 2076.
- Complete the Application.
- Pay the RFA application fee and submit your Application.
- Upload required documents to RFA. (See the Checklist for Admission Applicants for a list of required documents).
If you have any questions while completing your application, please save your progress and reach out to our team at financialaid@punahou.edu. You are also invited to join our upcoming Financial Aid Information Webinar and Financial Aid Workshop.
Punahou does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability in the administration of its financial aid program.
Punahou does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability in the administration of its financial aid program.
Important Financial Aid Dates
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Financial Aid Application Available on RFA
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September 1, 2026
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Grades K – 5 Admission Applicant Financial Aid Important Dates
| Punahou Financial Aid Information Webinar (Optional) |
October 5, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. (via WebEx) |
| Punahou Financial Aid In-Person Workshop (Optional) | October 10, 2026 at 10 a.m. (Punahou Campus) |
| Grades K – 5 Financial Aid Application Deadline | October 23, 2026 |
Grades 6 – 12 Admission Applicant Financial Aid Important Dates
| Punahou Financial Aid Information Webinar (Optional) | November 2, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. (via WebEx) |
| Grades 6 – 12 Financial Aid In-Person Workshop (Optional) | November 7, 2026 at 10 a.m. (Punahou Campus) |
| Grades 6 – 12 Financial Aid Application Deadline | November 30, 2026 |
Currently Enrolled Families
| Financial Aid Application Deadline for Currently Enrolled Families | September 18, 2026 |
Timeline for Admissions Applicants
Tuition
We recognize that Punahou represents a significant investment for any family. We are deeply grateful for the support of our many donors. Their generous gifts, together with income generated by the School’s permanent endowment, partially underwrite the cost of a Punahou education, ensuring that families do not bear the full cost of educating their children. Tuition costs are reviewed annually.
2026 – 2027 Tuition
Kindergarten – Grade 12: $34,230
Included in tuition is a fully integrated technology program (iPads and laptops), extensive outdoor education curriculum (including field trips and overnight trips), various supplies, student government activities, publications, and a yearbook.
The cost of lunch and snacks are not included in tuition. Additional fees may apply for students in Grades 6 – 12.
The cost of lunch and snacks are not included in tuition. Additional fees may apply for students in Grades 6 – 12.
Tuition Insurance
Punahou offers the Tuition Refund Plan (TRP), an insurance policy that provides for the payment of unpaid tuition in certain specific circumstances when a student withdraws from school during the school year. Participation in the TRP is required of families who choose the Monthly or Semester payment options, as well as families who receive financial aid. For the 2026 – 2027 school year, the TRP premium is $189 and is payable with the first tuition payment in July. Additional information about the TRP is available here.
Payment Options
Punahou offers the following payment options:
Annual
Tuition is paid in one installment on or before July 24. Participation in the Tuition Refund Plan (TRP) is optional.
Semester
Tuition is paid in two installments. The first payment is due on or before July 24. The second payment is due on or before December 24. Participation in the TRP is required.
Monthly
Tuition is paid in ten monthly installments. The first payment is due on or before July 24. Subsequent payments are due on or before the 24th of each month through April. Participation in the TRP is required. A $20 per month handling charge (total of $200 per academic year) per student applies.
A finance charge of 1% per month shall be charged on any unpaid balance after the due date.
Annual
Tuition is paid in one installment on or before July 24. Participation in the Tuition Refund Plan (TRP) is optional.
Semester
Tuition is paid in two installments. The first payment is due on or before July 24. The second payment is due on or before December 24. Participation in the TRP is required.
Monthly
Tuition is paid in ten monthly installments. The first payment is due on or before July 24. Subsequent payments are due on or before the 24th of each month through April. Participation in the TRP is required. A $20 per month handling charge (total of $200 per academic year) per student applies.
A finance charge of 1% per month shall be charged on any unpaid balance after the due date.
