Validation of the Head–Toes–Knees–Shoulders task in Native Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian children

•One-factor model of HTKS supported for Native Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian children.•HTKS had satisfactory item properties based on item characteristic curves.•Most HTKS items did not show differential item functions between groups.•CFAs supported convergent validity, but discriminant was relatively weak.•Path analyses showed predictive validity of the HTKS in relation to early literacy.