The Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) is partnering with GoKid — a school carpooling solution — to launch a pilot program aimed at helping families transport students to and from school, easing bus driver shortages, and reducing campus traffic. Starting this summer, families at 14 schools will have access to GoKid’s platform for the 2025–26 school year.

Program Details

Between July 27 and 30, families in O‘ahu’s Mililani Complex and Maui’s Kekaulike Complex received invitations to join GoKid’s secure, school-specific platform. The system connects families living near each other and enables them to coordinate carpools through GoKid’s web and mobile apps.

The program supplements existing bus service, which will continue to operate as normal, and targets areas with limited routes. GoKid is already in use in 10 states and Canada, but this marks its first statewide pilot in Hawai‘i, covering both high schools and their feeder schools.

“Attendance is a top priority for our schools, and this pilot gives families a simple, flexible way to get students to school,” said Superintendent Keith Hayashi. “It supports families without bus access and helps reduce traffic congestion.”

Goals and Benefits

The pilot recognizes that parents often make multiple daily trips for drop-offs, pick-ups, and after-school activities. GoKid enables families to share transportation responsibilities, track CO₂ reductions, and measure miles saved, supporting Hawai‘i’s sustainability goals.

Key program features include:

• Alternative in limited bus areas: Provides a reliable option when bus service is unavailable.

• Reduced driving time: Families can share trips, saving commuting hours and lowering fuel costs.

• Easy onboarding: Families in the participating complexes receive emailed instructions to opt in, find nearby families, and set up carpools.

• Free premium access: Complimentary access to GoKid’s premium features, including ride scheduling, reminders, GPS, and real-time trip tracking.

• Community connections: Encourages stronger neighborhood ties.

• Voluntary participation: Families may opt in or out at any time.

District and Vendor Perspectives

“We’ve seen how communities benefit when families work together on transportation,” said Stefanie Lemcke, GoKid founder and CEO. “We’re excited to help families in Hawai‘i save time and strengthen connections.”

Participating schools will share additional details with families before the start of the school year.