
Hawaii Community College, located in Hilo, offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs designed for practical skills and transfer to four-year institutions. It emphasizes hands-on learning in fields relevant to Hawaii's rural and island economy, with a focus on affordability and accessibility.
The college supports transfer pathways to UH Hilo and features programs like the Aquaculture Training Center for marine resource management. Community education includes non-credit courses in personal enrichment and professional development. Students engage in internships, co-ops, and service projects addressing local needs like disaster preparedness and environmental conservation. With flexible scheduling and online options, HCC serves working adults and high school graduates. Its curriculum promotes aloha spirit and cultural competence, preparing alumni for jobs in healthcare, trades, agriculture, and education, contributing to Big Island's economic vitality and community resilience.
Honolulu Community College provides associate degrees, certificates, and occupational training in urban Honolulu, focusing on technical skills for Hawaii's diverse workforce. It offers pathways for transfer and career advancement in high-demand industries like technology and healthcare.
HCC's programs integrate Hawaiian values and sustainability, with unique offerings like the Sustainable Living Institute. Students access modern labs, makerspaces, and partnerships with local businesses for real-world projects. Transfer agreements facilitate seamless progression to four-year universities. The college serves a multicultural population through evening, online, and accelerated classes. Community initiatives include workshops on entrepreneurship and digital media. Graduates enter fields like IT, healthcare, construction, and hospitality, equipped with practical expertise and soft skills for urban professional environments, supporting Oahu's economic growth and innovation.
Kapiolani Community College, situated near Waikiki, offers associate degrees and certificates in liberal arts, health, and culinary fields, with a strong emphasis on cultural diversity and global perspectives. It prepares students for transfer or immediate employment in tourism-driven industries.
The college's location facilitates partnerships with hotels and hospitals for internships. Programs like the Liberal Arts A.A. ensure smooth transfer to UH Manoa. Sustainability and wellness are woven into curricula, with courses on eco-tourism and health promotion. Students participate in study abroad and community service, such as cultural festivals. Flexible formats include online and evening classes for working professionals. Kapiolani fosters an inclusive environment celebrating Asian, Pacific, and Native Hawaiian cultures. Alumni thrive in healthcare, hospitality, education, and arts, contributing to Honolulu's vibrant economy and cultural landscape with skills in innovation and cross-cultural collaboration.
Kauai Community College serves the Garden Isle with associate degrees, certificates, and vocational training tailored to rural and tourism-based needs. It emphasizes practical education in natural resources, health, and business, promoting community sustainability and cultural preservation.
The college's 150-acre campus includes demonstration farms and greenhouses for hands-on agriculture training. Partnerships with local ranches and resorts provide internships. Transfer options to UH system universities are supported through articulation agreements. Courses integrate Hawaiian language and environmental stewardship, with field trips to Kauai's ecosystems. Flexible scheduling accommodates island lifestyles, including online and hybrid formats. Community programs offer non-credit training in disaster response and tourism. Graduates fill essential roles in agriculture, healthcare, education, and tourism, bolstering Kauai's economy while preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage through skilled, community-oriented professionals.
Leeward Community College, in the Leeward Oahu area, delivers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in a supportive environment, focusing on technology, health, and liberal arts. It caters to a diverse, working-class population with innovative, accessible education.
The college's modern facilities include a planetarium and health simulation center. Programs emphasize STEM and transfer to UHWO or Manoa, with guaranteed admission pathways. Community engagement includes cultural events and service learning. Online and evening classes support non-traditional students. Sustainability initiatives feature green building courses and native plant gardens. Leeward promotes equity through scholarships and outreach to underrepresented groups. Graduates excel in healthcare, IT, education, and environmental fields, equipped with technical proficiency and cultural awareness to thrive in Oahu's dynamic job market and contribute to community well-being.
University of Hawaii at Hilo provides a liberal arts education with a focus on experiential learning, small class sizes, and programs that leverage the Big Island's natural and cultural resources. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in diverse fields, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement.
Unique offerings include the Marine Science program with access to coastal labs and the Astronomy program utilizing Mauna Kea observatories. Hilo's curriculum supports research in volcanology, astronomy, and aquaculture through the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center and Edith Kanaka'ole Foundation collaborations. Students participate in internships, service learning, and study abroad, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The campus promotes sustainability through courses in renewable energy and environmental policy. With majors in fields like astronomy, agriculture, and Hawaiian studies, graduates are prepared for careers in education, science, business, and cultural preservation, contributing to Hawaii's unique identity and global challenges.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, emphasizing research and interdisciplinary studies in a tropical environment. As the flagship campus, it provides rigorous academic training in fields vital to Hawaii's economy and global challenges.
Graduate programs include advanced research in oceanography, astronomy (via the Institute for Astronomy), and Pacific Island studies. The campus fosters hands-on learning through labs, internships, and study abroad opportunities, with over 100 majors and numerous minors. Students engage in community service and research projects addressing climate change, biodiversity, and cultural preservation, making Manoa a hub for innovative education in the Pacific region. This diverse curriculum equips graduates for careers in academia, industry, government, and non-profits, with a strong emphasis on ethical leadership and global citizenship.
University of Hawaii Maui College offers bachelor's, associate degrees, and certificates, blending liberal arts with professional training suited to Maui's tourism, agriculture, and environmental contexts. It focuses on place-based learning and Native Hawaiian perspectives.
The campus features the University Farm Laboratory for agriculture hands-on. Bachelor's programs in Hawaiian Studies and Applied Business align with local needs. Transfer and articulation ensure progression within the UH system. Students engage in internships at resorts, farms, and schools. Cultural programs include hula and language immersion. Flexible online/hybrid options serve working adults. UHMC promotes sustainability through permaculture and conservation courses. Graduates pursue careers in education, healthcare, business, and conservation, applying knowledge to protect Maui's environment, support tourism, and strengthen community ties with aloha-based leadership.
University of Hawaii–West Oahu focuses on accessible, high-quality education for a diverse student body, offering bachelor's degrees in liberal arts and professional fields with an emphasis on social justice, sustainability, and community involvement. As a newer campus, it prioritizes innovative teaching and real-world applications.
The campus offers interdisciplinary programs like sustainable community development and Pacific Island studies, integrating Hawaiian and Asian perspectives. Students benefit from service-learning projects, internships with local organizations, and online/hybrid options for flexibility. Research opportunities include community-based studies on urban planning and social issues. With small classes and dedicated faculty, UHWO fosters a supportive environment for first-generation and transfer students. Graduates pursue careers in education, business, government, healthcare, and non-profits, equipped to lead in diverse, globalized societies while honoring local cultures and environmental stewardship.
Windward Community College, nestled in the lush Windward Oahu region, provides associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs emphasizing the arts, sciences, and community service. It offers a personalized education experience with a focus on environmental and cultural studies.
The college's location near the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden enhances outdoor learning. Programs support transfer to UH Manoa with honors options. Community theater and art exhibits engage locals. Sustainability is core, with courses on climate resilience and native ecosystems. Online and evening classes accommodate diverse schedules. Windward fosters inclusivity through Native Hawaiian initiatives and multicultural events. Students participate in service projects like coastal cleanups. Graduates enter fields in education, environmental management, arts, and health, prepared to lead in community development, cultural preservation, and scientific research while embracing Oahu's natural and social landscapes.