Best colleges in Hawaii

Education in Paradise

It’s normal to wear a lei at graduation

It’s not exactly difficult to convince someone to vacation in Hawaii. But what many people may not realize is the strong educational system unique to the islands. Hawaii has 6 two-year institutions, 4 four-year institutions, and 6 non-profit schools, offering hundreds of degrees. Most students opt to attend school in or around Honolulu, as it is busiest with locals and tourists alike. However, for those looking for a more tucked away experience, Kauai offers opportunities at its local community college. Students come from all over the world to The Aloha state for special educational focuses like acupuncture and Oriental medicine. But, the more common majors are still readily available, with popular choices being business and hospitality & tourism management. Post-graduation in Hawaii is positive, and many jobs are available with reputable corporations including Dole Food, Big Island Air, and plenty of resorts and restaurant chains.

Regardless of whether you’re looking to major in business administration or Eastern medicine, Hawaii has plenty of options when it’s time to put down the books and let down your hair.* On the big island, you will find world famous beaches and surf, plenty of fresh fruit, and multiple dance spots including Lulu’s and Masquerade. Or island hop from Honolulu over to the smaller Kauai where the town of Lihue is always shaking with live music, dance performances and great eats. Hawaii may be known for vacations, but the locals are just as happy calling it home. Mahalo.

Click Here to See the Best Colleges in the US*Wikipedia, “List of colleges and universities in Hawaii” *www.gohawaii.com

Best Four Year Universities in Hawaii

University of Hawaii at Manoa offers 236 degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 4,355 students graduated with students earning 2,965 Bachelor's degrees, 930 Master's degrees, 390 Doctoral degrees, and 70 Certificates.

Brigham Young University-Hawaii offers 79 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a outlying town. In 2022, 657 students graduated with students earning 610 Bachelor's degrees, 31 Associate's degrees, and 16 Certificates.

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Chaminade University of Honolulu offers 75 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 487 students graduated with students earning 277 Bachelor's degrees, 161 Master's degrees, 31 Associate's degrees, and 18 Doctoral degrees.

University of Hawaii at Hilo offers 45 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a remote town. In 2022, 734 students graduated with students earning 577 Bachelor's degrees, 83 Doctoral degrees, and 74 Master's degrees.

Hawaii Pacific University offers 112 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 765 students graduated with students earning 492 Bachelor's degrees, 185 Master's degrees, 75 Associate's degrees, 11 Certificates, and 2 Doctoral degrees.

University of Hawaii-West Oahu offers 10 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 688 students graduated with students earning 688 Bachelor's degrees.

University of Hawaii Maui College offers 39 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 415 students graduated with students earning 319 Associate's degrees, 79 Certificates, and 17 Bachelor's degrees.

Pacific Rim Christian University offers 10 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 35 students graduated with students earning 15 Bachelor's degrees, 11 Associate's degrees, and 9 Master's degrees.

University of Phoenix-Hawaii offers 12 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 22 students graduated with students earning 22 Bachelor's degrees.

Institute of Clinical Acupuncture & Oriental Med offers 1 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 12 students graduated with students earning 12 Master's degrees.

Best Community Colleges in Hawaii

Kauai Community College offers 30 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a remote town. In 2022, 212 students graduated with students earning 146 Associate's degrees, and 66 Certificates.

Leeward Community College
Pearl City, HI

Leeward Community College offers 36 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, two-year college in a large suburb. In 2022, 1,076 students graduated with students earning 888 Associate's degrees, and 188 Certificates.

Kapiolani Community College offers 33 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, two-year college in a large city. In 2022, 882 students graduated with students earning 752 Associate's degrees, and 130 Certificates.

Hawaii Community College offers 45 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a remote town. In 2022, 499 students graduated with students earning 354 Associate's degrees, and 145 Certificates.

Honolulu Community College offers 47 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a large city. In 2022, 558 students graduated with students earning 490 Associate's degrees, and 68 Certificates.

Windward Community College offers 7 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a midsize suburb. In 2022, 236 students graduated with students earning 205 Associate's degrees, and 31 Certificates.

Hawaii Medical College
Honolulu, HI

Hawaii Medical College offers 7 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a large city. In 2022, 177 students graduated with students earning 131 Certificates, and 46 Associate's degrees.

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List of all colleges in Hawaii

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
University of Hawaii at Manoa Logo University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI
3/5
20 : 1 19,074
Brigham Young University-Hawaii Logo Brigham Young University-Hawaii Laie, HI
2/5
22 : 1 2,735
Chaminade University of Honolulu Logo Chaminade University of Honolulu Honolulu, HI
5/5
26 : 1 2,369
University of Hawaii at Hilo Logo University of Hawaii at Hilo Hilo, HI
2/5
17 : 1 2,977
Hawaii Institute of Hair Design Logo Hawaii Institute of Hair Design Honolulu, HI     52