Kamehameha's deadline hits in September. Punahou closes in November. By January, most of the big schools are done accepting first-round applications. The admissions cycle starts a full year before your child would walk through the door — and the families who know that have a huge advantage over the ones who don't.
This is the month-by-month walkthrough I wish every Oahu family had. Every school links to its official admissions page so you can always check current-year deadlines.
The Schools This Guide Covers
These are the major private schools on Oahu that families ask me about most. Each one links to their official admissions page — bookmark the ones on your list.
For a deeper look at what makes each school different — culture, academics, tuition — see the companion guide: Oahu's Private School Guide.
The Admissions Calendar, Month by Month
Here's the typical annual rhythm. Your child would start at their new school the following August/September.
The Research Phase
This is your runway. If you're a year out from when your child would start, now is the time to build your short list, visit campuses, and start test prep if needed.
Applications Open — and the First Deadline Hits
Things move fast once August arrives. Applications open at most schools in early August, and SSAT registration opens August 1.
📌 Kamehameha: A Different Process
Kamehameha Schools operates on its own timeline and uses its own admissions test — not the SSAT. Entry points are limited to grades K, 6, and 9. Preference is given to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry. The application-to-available-seats ratio can be as high as 17:1, depending on campus and grade. If Kamehameha is a possibility for your family, treat it as a separate track with its own preparation.
Peak Deadline Window
This is the busiest stretch. The two biggest deadlines on the island land back to back.
Testing Deadlines & Supporting Documents
Applications are in, but you're not done. This is when test scores, references, and financial aid forms come due.
Financial Aid & Late Deadlines
If you missed the first-round deadlines at Mid-Pacific, Le Jardin, or Island Pacific, their rolling admissions policies mean you can still apply — but available spots thin out quickly. Don't assume "rolling" means "relaxed."
Decision Letters & Enrollment
This is when you find out — and when you need to decide.
If your child is waitlisted, don't give up. Families juggling multiple acceptances create movement — especially in late April and May. Stay in touch with the admissions office and let them know your child is still interested.
If your child needs to take the SSAT or an admissions test, I can help with that. I work with students on the math sections specifically — building the skills and the confidence so test day isn't a surprise. Grab a free intro session and we'll figure out a plan.
Quick Reference: Deadlines at a Glance
Bookmark this table. Dates are approximate and reflect typical annual patterns — always confirm on the school's website for the current cycle.
| School | App Deadline | Test Required | Aid Deadline | Decisions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamehameha | Sep 30 | KS own test | With app | ~April |
| Punahou | ~Nov 1 | SSAT + CSS | ~Jan (SSS) | ~Mar–Apr |
| ʻIolani | ~Nov 15 | SSAT | ~Feb 15 | ~Mid-Mar |
| HBA | ~Jan 15 | SSAT + HBA test | ~Jan 15 | ~Early Mar |
| Island Pacific | ~Jan 31 (priority) | School assessment | With app | Rolling |
| Saint Louis | ~Feb 28 (priority) | SSAT accepted (6–9) | ~Feb 28 | Rolling |
| Mid-Pacific | Rolling | Varies by grade | ~Jan | ~March |
| Le Jardin | Rolling | Varies by grade | Rolling | Rolling |
CSS = Character Skills Snapshot. SSS = School and Student Services financial aid form. "Rolling" = applications reviewed continuously, no fixed deadline.
The SSAT: What You Need to Know
The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is required by Punahou, ʻIolani, and HBA — and accepted by Saint Louis and others. If your child is applying to any of these schools for grades 6 and up, the SSAT is part of the picture.
📌 SSAT Prep: Start Early
The SSAT is a different kind of test than what most students see in school. The math section covers content from multiple grade levels, the verbal section includes vocabulary most middle schoolers have never encountered, and the scoring penalizes wrong answers (guessing strategy matters). Two to three months of targeted preparation makes a real difference. I'll cover SSAT prep strategy in more detail in an upcoming post — for now, the key thing is to build it into your timeline, not treat it as an afterthought.
Financial Aid: Don't Skip This Step
Every major private school on Oahu offers need-based financial aid, and the numbers are bigger than most families expect. At Mid-Pacific, 32% of students receive aid averaging about $14,600. Punahou distributes over $10 million annually. But you have to apply — and the deadlines are firm.
Figure out which platform your school uses
Most Oahu schools have moved to Clarity (HBA, Mid-Pacific, Saint Louis, Le Jardin, Island Pacific). Punahou and ʻIolani use SSS (School and Student Services by NAIS). One form covers all schools on the same platform.
Gather your documents
You'll need your most recent tax return, W-2s or 1099s, and information about assets, debt, and expenses. Both platforms walk you through it — budget about 45 minutes.
Submit by the school's deadline
Financial aid deadlines are often earlier than or simultaneous with the admissions deadline. HBA wants it by mid-January. ʻIolani's aid deadline is mid-February. Late applications get whatever funds remain — if any.
Common Mistake
Don't assume you won't qualify. Financial aid formulas account for Hawaiʻi's high cost of living, multiple children in tuition-paying schools, and other factors that might not be obvious from your income alone. Apply everywhere you're applying for admission. The worst that happens is they say no.
What Catches Families Off Guard
After working with families through this process, here are the things that surprise people most:
Kamehameha's September deadline
Most families assume private school deadlines are in January or February. Kamehameha's September 30 deadline catches people off guard every year — especially families who spent the summer just starting to think about it.
Teacher references take time
Teachers are busy. Asking for a reference in October for a November deadline puts them in a tough spot. Give at least a month of lead time, and ask early — these references matter more than most families realize.
Entry points are limited
You can't just apply to any grade. Punahou adds about 88 students in grade 6 and roughly 80 in grade 7. ʻIolani takes 50 in grade 7 and 50 in grade 9. Kamehameha only accepts at K, 6, and 9. Grade 8 and 10+ are attrition-based — openings depend on who leaves.
The SSAT isn't like a school test
Students who do well in school can still struggle on the SSAT. It covers material across multiple grade levels, the format is unfamiliar, and wrong answers carry a penalty. Practice tests and targeted prep make a measurable difference.
One test, different interview formats
Punahou does group Saturday Sessions. ʻIolani does individual in-person Saturday interviews. HBA conducts interviews over Zoom. Each school is looking for something slightly different — and your child's comfort level may vary by format.
Rolling ≠ relaxed
Mid-Pacific, Le Jardin, Saint Louis, and Island Pacific have rolling or late-priority deadlines. But available seats and financial aid funds decrease with every passing week. Apply as early as you can, even at rolling schools.
Key Takeaways
Start a year out
The admissions cycle is front-loaded. Research in spring, prep over summer, apply in fall. By January, most first-round windows are closed.
Bookmark the admissions pages
Every school listed here links to its official admissions page. Dates shift each year — always check the source, not a blog post from three years ago.
Apply for financial aid everywhere
One SSS or Clarity form covers multiple schools. The sticker price isn't the real price for many families. You won't know until you apply.
Build SSAT prep into your timeline
Two to three months of preparation before the October test date. Don't wait until November and rush — the math sections alone take time to build up.
