Although its sex education law is among the most progressive in the nation, and specifically calls for students to receive information about “skill development in the use of protective devices,” Hawaii still receives funds for abstinence-only programs. Hawaii received over $1 million in funds for abstinence-only programs in Fiscal Year 08 even though there are almost 16,000 sexually active teenagers in Hawaii and over a third of its high school students report already having had sex. Get the facts about the reproductive and sexual health of Hawaii's young people.

Sex Education Policy

Hawaii has among the most comprehensive sexuality education policies of any state. Its students must be taught the benefits of abstinence, while also receiving information about condoms and contraception, including instruction in how to use them. See the Hawaii statute.

Health Outcomes

Among the states, Hawaii’s AIDS and STI rates are better than average, and its teen pregnancy rate average. However,  its students were less likely to use condoms at last intercourse than those in any other state.

Sexual Health Stats at a Glance

*Per 1000 young women ages 15-19
+Because of concern over recent changes in Chlamydia reporting and relative low incidence of syphilis, we used the state's gonorrhea rate as a stand-in for sexually transmitted infection rates.

Advocates' Partner Organizations

• Hawaii Youth Services Network