Ashley Thomas, motivated by her personal struggle to find reliable childcare after becoming a mother during the pandemic, launched Hanai Nanny Agency. This agency has grown significantly, now serving hundreds of families across Hawaii. Hanai Nanny Agency provides trusted, high-quality childcare and household support, offering nanny placements, babysitting, and in-home assistance, with a focus on ethics, transparency, and family well-being. business.cochawaii.org
The agency distinguishes itself through its commitment to caregivers. Hanai positions itself as a nanny agency built to protect, uplift, and stand with caregivers. hanainannyagency.com This includes offering W-2 employee status, potentially providing nannies with benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and legal protections that are often unavailable to independent contractors. The agency also provides hotel nanny services for families vacationing in top destinations like Waikiki, North Shore, and Kona, ensuring a trusted childcare option for tourists. hanainannyagency.com
Hanai's approach is particularly relevant in the context of recent developments in childcare. With Bright Horizons, Hawaii-based families now have a trusted in-network provider for back-up childcare. hanainannyagency.com This collaboration simplifies access to childcare for families across the islands. Additionally, the availability of new Child Care Tax Credits for Employers in 2026, as noted on hanainannyagency.com, may create further incentives for businesses and families to utilize and support childcare services.
The success of Hanai Nanny Agency highlights the critical need for childcare solutions in Hawaii and the entrepreneurial spirit that is thriving in the state. By addressing a significant community need and providing opportunities for caregivers, Ashley Thomas has created a business model that could be replicated or adapted by other entrepreneurs in various service sectors across the Hawaiian Islands, encouraging sustainable family support systems.
