The Hawaii Kids at Work program is a gem in Downtown Honolulu that originated as a childcare program managed by the YWCA of Oahu. Thanks to founding parents such as Pauline Bailey (now HR Director, Punahou School) and Susan Doyle (now President & Chief Professional Officer, AUW), the program successfully branched off 1991 to form the high-quality program that has been in existence ever since.

Today, HKAW is a child care center that provides developmentally-appropriate part-time and full-time care for infants and toddlers from six weeks to 36 months. With the short supply of child care centers for infants and toddlers throughout the state, HKAW serves a vital community need. The Center is one of only two located in the Downtown business corridor and is the only non-profit, parent-governed center with infants as young as six weeks on Oahu. HKAW takes pride in having served more than 380 children throughout its 15 year history. 

As an organization, HKAW’s operational goal is to provide quality, affordable child care in the Downtown area. HKAW serves families with a wide range of backgrounds and incomes, including those with two working parents, those without extended family on Oahu to support their child care needs, single working parents, and those whose income qualifies them for Federally funded child care subsidies.   

Current leadership includes a strong Board of Directors consisting primarily of current parents of Center children, and a Kupuna Council of community leaders and other advisors to HKAW. Lori Lussier, Executive Director of the Center from 1994-2002 was re-hired in August of 2005. Lori’s leadership and parent involvement on a regular basis helps to set this program apart from any others.

"The best thing about HKAW is... the Aunties. They are such a loving, warm and experienced group. They are always there to comfort a keiki who is having separation issues or a hard time. They are firm in terms of discipline but in a kind way." – S.R.