What do fatherhood programs actually do?

Most combine peer support groups, parenting skill workshops, help navigating child support and custody, job training or placement, and — for fathers involved in the justice system — reentry services. Programs run 6–16 weeks typically, and most are free.

Who can join? Do I need custody?

Most fatherhood programs serve any dad regardless of custody status, marital status, or whether children live with them. Many specifically serve non-custodial fathers and fathers coming out of incarceration. A small number focus on specific populations (teen dads, reentry, veterans).

Are there programs for fathers who lost custody?

Yes. Programs like National Fatherhood Initiative's InsideOut Dad, Father Friendly Check-up-affiliated organizations, and many faith-based programs specifically support dads rebuilding relationships with kids after separation or incarceration.

How do fatherhood programs help with child support?

Many run 'Fatherhood Fridays' or similar collaborations with child support agencies that provide modifications for reduced income, arrears reduction for program completion, or bridge-the-gap job placements to help dads get current on orders.

Fatherhood Programs in Hawaii

9 verified resources.

About Fatherhood Programs for Fathers

Fatherhood programs in the US are funded through the federal Office of Family Assistance (OFA) under the Responsible Fatherhood grant program and through state and local initiatives. Programs typically focus on three areas: healthy marriage and relationship skills, responsible parenting, and economic stability (employment and financial literacy). Services often include peer support groups, one-on-one mentoring, job training, help navigating child support, and reentry support for formerly incarcerated fathers. Organizations like the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) and Fathers' Rights Movement operate nationally; most states also have dedicated fatherhood coalitions and faith-based organizations running local programs. This directory includes federally-funded Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood (HMRF) grantees, state fatherhood coalitions, and community-based mentorship programs — all open to dads regardless of custody status.

Fatherhood Programs in Hawaii

Hawaii's Family Court is a division of the Circuit Court and operates in each of its four judicial circuits (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai). The Child Support Enforcement Agency operates under the Attorney General. Honolulu is by far the largest population center. Legal Aid Society of Hawaii is the primary civil legal aid provider, with Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii offering supplemental pro bono support.

9 Resources

1. Hawaii Fatherhood Initiative – DHS — Free

State fatherhood programs through the Department of Human Services supporting responsible fatherhood, paternity establishment, and father-child relationship building statewide. Main office is on Miller Street in Honolulu. Services are free to Hawaii residents. Call weekdays to connect with your island's contracted provider. Bring photo ID, children's birth certificates, and any existing court orders to your intake appointment.

808-586-4997 · 1390 Miller St, Honolulu, HI 96813 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. National Fatherhood Initiative – HI Partners — Free

Evidence-based fatherhood programs available in Hawaii through local partner agencies using curricula such as 24/7 Dad. Call the national office weekdays for a referral to programs running on your island. Classes cover parenting skills, communication, and co-parenting. Bring photo ID and a willingness to engage in group discussion to the first class session at whichever local partner site you choose.

301-948-0599 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Maui Family Support Services – Fatherhood — Free

Father engagement programs on Maui offered through the Wili Pa Loop office in Wailuku, with classes, case management, and peer support for dads who want to be more involved in their children's lives. Services are free to qualifying fathers across Maui County. Call weekdays to enroll. Bring photo ID, children's birth certificates, and any existing court orders to your first appointment.

808-242-0900 · 1844 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku, HI 96793 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

4. Alu Like Inc. – Native Hawaiian Fathers — Free

Culturally specific programs for Native Hawaiian fathers, weaving ohana values, language, and traditional practices into parenting and responsible fatherhood work. Services are delivered statewide from the Keawe Street headquarters in Honolulu. Call weekdays to enroll. Bring photo ID, documentation of Native Hawaiian ancestry if available, and children's birth certificates to your intake.

808-535-6700 · 458 Keawe St, Honolulu, HI 96813 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Hawaii Community Foundation – Family — Free

Family strengthening grants and programs statewide through a philanthropic foundation that funds local nonprofits working on father engagement, early childhood, and family stability. Based on Fort Street Mall in Honolulu. While HCF does not serve individual families directly, their published grantee lists help fathers locate funded fatherhood and family programs on their own island. Call weekdays for information.

808-537-6333 · 827 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, HI 96813 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. Child & Family Service – Father Engagement — Free

Programs to increase father involvement in children's lives through Child & Family Service, one of the largest family-serving nonprofits in Hawaii. Father engagement services operate from the Ewa Beach campus and other Oahu sites. Call weekdays to start intake. Bring photo ID, children's birth certificates, proof of income, and any existing court orders to your first family services appointment.

808-681-3500 · 91-1841 Fort Weaver Rd, Ewa Beach, HI 96706 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Kamehameha Schools – Parent Programs — Free

Family education programs for Native Hawaiian families including parenting classes, early childhood supports, and cultural learning opportunities across Hawaii. Main office is on Makuakane Street in Honolulu. Classes are open to qualifying families with priority for those of Native Hawaiian ancestry. Call weekdays or apply online. Bring photo ID and genealogy documentation when required.

808-842-8211 · 1887 Makuakane St, Honolulu, HI 96817 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Hale Kipa – Youth & Father Services — Free

Youth and family programs promoting father involvement, including outreach, counseling, and transitional services for at-risk young people and their parents. Based on Piikoi Street in Honolulu with programs across Oahu. Call weekdays to start intake. Bring photo ID, children's birth certificates, and any existing court or school records that relate to the services your family is seeking.

808-589-1829 · 615 Piikoi St #100, Honolulu, HI 96814 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Hawaii Military Fatherhood Programs — Free

Fatherhood support for active duty and veteran dads in Hawaii through Military OneSource and command-level family support offices based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Services include non-medical counseling, parenting classes, and deployment-related family resources. Call weekdays for a confidential consultant. Bring military ID and any relevant deployment or family-care paperwork to appointments.

808-474-0680 · Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96860 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

Fatherhood Programs — Common Questions

What do fatherhood programs actually do?: Most combine peer support groups, parenting skill workshops, help navigating child support and custody, job training or placement, and — for fathers involved in the justice system — reentry services. Programs run 6–16 weeks typically, and most are free.
Who can join? Do I need custody?: Most fatherhood programs serve any dad regardless of custody status, marital status, or whether children live with them. Many specifically serve non-custodial fathers and fathers coming out of incarceration. A small number focus on specific populations (teen dads, reentry, veterans).
Are there programs for fathers who lost custody?: Yes. Programs like National Fatherhood Initiative's InsideOut Dad, Father Friendly Check-up-affiliated organizations, and many faith-based programs specifically support dads rebuilding relationships with kids after separation or incarceration.
How do fatherhood programs help with child support?: Many run 'Fatherhood Fridays' or similar collaborations with child support agencies that provide modifications for reduced income, arrears reduction for program completion, or bridge-the-gap job placements to help dads get current on orders.