Hawaii Student Absenteeism Hit 23% in 2025-26

Statewide data shows 23% of students missed 18 or more days of school, highlighting ongoing attendance challenges.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Secondary Education

Gouache-painted illustration of an empty wooden desk on a tropical lanai, evoking the challenge of student absenteeism in Hawaii. — Hawaii’s chronic absenteeism rate reached 23% in the 2025-26 academic year, a significant decline from 2021 levels but still above pre-pandemic norms. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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During the 2025-26 academic year, 23% of Hawaii students were chronically absent, a status defined as missing 18 or more days of school. While this remains higher than pre-pandemic levels of 14%, it reflects a decrease from the 33% rate recorded in 2021.

Why it matters

Higher absenteeism disrupts student learning and family logistics, often stemming from parental hesitation regarding health protocols and ongoing student struggles with mental health and campus belonging. Addressing these gaps is crucial for stabilizing academic progress across the state.

Statewide chronic absenteeism reached 23% for the 2025-26 academic year, with rates ranging from 11% in high-performing complexes like Kalani, Moanalua, and Radford to 50% in the Oʻahu Nānākuli complex.

The players

Hawaii Department of Education

The state agency responsible for overseeing public schools and tracking student attendance records.

The details

Chronic absenteeism is determined by a student missing 18 or more days of school throughout the academic year. Rates vary significantly by student population and location, with homeless students reaching 43% absenteeism, while migrant and English learner students reported rates of 35% and 33% respectively. Local variations remain sharp, as Big Island schools from Kaʻū to Keaʻau faced 40% absenteeism, while Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi saw rates around 25% to 30%.

Pre-pandemic chronic absenteeism stood at 14%.
In 2021, the statewide chronic absenteeism rate reached 33%.
During the 2025-26 academic year, the rate was 23%.

The Home Front

Hawaii remains in a transition phase, with current absenteeism rates failing to reach the pre-pandemic baseline of 14%. This reflects a broader educational struggle to normalize classroom attendance after the 2021 peak of 33%.

Families should check their school's specific attendance policy to understand how missing 18 days impacts academic standing. If your student is struggling with mental health or school avoidance, reach out to campus counselors to develop a plan for re-engaging with the classroom.

The takeaway

While absenteeism has declined from its 2021 peak, schools still face challenges reaching pre-pandemic participation levels. Parents should prioritize open communication with teachers to address any barriers preventing consistent attendance throughout the year.