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 $10 million in need-based financial aid each year.
$32,930
Tuition for 2025 – 2026 School Year
$10.8 Million
Annual Financial Aid Budget
23%
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid
$12,600
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.
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Step 2: Learn & 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 or Virtual Coffee Chats (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.
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Step 3: Establish Your Priorities
After learning how financial aid at Punahou is a partnership between families and the school:- Examine your household budget and identify lifestyle adjustments that support the investment in your child's Punahou journey.
- Consider how your family will share in the responsibility of sustaining this partnership. By taking this step together, we uphold the financial stewardship that keeps our Punahou community vibrant and accessible.
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Step 4: Apply for Financial Aid
- Create a Family Portal account online at School & Student Services (SSS). Punahou's SSS Partner Code is 2076.
- Complete the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS).
- Pay the SSS application fee and submit your PFS.
- Upload required documents to SSS. (See Checklist for Admission Applicants for list of required documents).
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a time to chat with the Director of Financial Aid, please send us an email at financialaid@punahou.edu. We look forward to working with you.
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 SSS
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September 2, 2025
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Punahou Financial Aid Information Webinars
(Optional)
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October 21, 2025 at 6:30 pm (via WebEx)
January 13, 2026 at 6:30 pm (via WebEx)
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Punahou Financial Aid Coffee Chats
(Optional)
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October 8, 2025 at 9:00am (via WebEx)
November 19, 2025 at 9:00am (via WebEx)
December 10, 2025 at 9:00am (via WebEx)
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Financial Aid Application Available
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September 2, 2025
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Financial Aid Application Deadline for Currently Enrolled families
Financial Aid Application Deadline for Admission Applicant families
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October 15, 2025
February 17, 2026
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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.
2025 – 2026 Tuition
Kindergarten – Grade 12: $32,930
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 2025 – 2026 school year, the TRP premium is $182 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.
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