Kelly Preston was born and raised in Hawaii. As a result of her father's position with an agricultural firm, Kelly moved to Iraq when she was five years old and also lived several years in Australia as a teenager. Moving back to Hawaii, Kelly appeared in numerous television commercials and developed an interest in an acting career.

Kelly graduated Punahou High School in Hawaii, along with fellow alumni, President Barack Obama.

She then relocated to Los Angeles and enrolled in the University of Southern California where she studied drama and theatre. She would soon win her first role and make her feature film debut in the hit motion picture "Twins." Kelly has since become one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood.