Before the first bell: Hawaii keiki need a TB clearance, up-to-date immunizations, and a health record on file — miss one and a child can be kept out of class. Here is your first-day-ready checklist, plus your school supply list and calendar.
Health requirements to start school in Hawaii
These are required by the Hawaii Department of Health — don’t leave them to the last week.
TB clearance Required
Hawaii state law requires every student to have a completed TB (tuberculosis) clearance form on file before attending any Hawaii public or private school, preschool, or childcare — most critically for students entering a Hawaii school for the first time. Clearance is based on a risk assessment/skin or blood test done by a US-licensed provider; there are NO exemptions to the TB requirement (unlike immunizations). Details →
Immunizations Required
Age/grade-appropriate immunizations are required for all students entering preschool, kindergarten, and 7th grade, and for anyone entering a Hawaii school for the first time. Core K-12 entry vaccines are DTaP, polio (IPV), MMR, Hep A, Hep B, and varicella (with Hib and PCV for younger/preschool children). Students entering 7th grade must show 3 ADDITIONAL vaccines: Tdap, meningococcal (MCV/MenACWY), and HPV. Medical or religious exemptions are allowed with proper documentation. Full list →
Health / physical record Required
A physical examination (health record) is required and must be completed within one year before the student's first attendance at a Hawaii preschool or school, and again before entering 7th grade. The exam must be performed by a US-licensed MD, DO, ND, APRN, or PA and recorded on the Student's Health Record form submitted to the school. Details →
Get the rest of first-day ready
- New/first-time students: request the completed Student Health Record (physical exam, immunization record, and TB clearance) plus prior school and medical records early — provisional entry is allowed only with a verified upcoming appointment.
- Sign up for before/after-school care early — Hawaii's A+ After-School Program and other providers fill up fast; register during enrollment rather than the first week.
- Check school bus transportation eligibility (route and distance based) and register for a bus pass ahead of time; confirm you receive HIDOE/school emergency and bell-schedule alerts.
- Update emergency contacts and health information (allergies, medications, care plans) on the school's emergency contact/health form every school year.
Requirements can change — confirm current details with the Hawaii DOE / DOH official page →. Last checked August 2026.