Best Colleges in Hawaii

Hawaii or, as natives spell it, Hawai’i, is an archipelago of islands in the Central Pacific ocean and was the last state to be added to the US, in 1959. The tropical climate persists year round, but there are two seasons: dry, from May to October, and wet, from October to April. Colleges in Hawaii are predominantly either community colleges or public universities, the University of Hawaii having four locations. Hawaii also has two special-focus institutions, both for medicine. Tourism and agriculture are top industries for Hawaii, and prominent attractions include the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Diamond Head.

How Were the Top Schools in Hawaii Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

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University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawai’i at Manoa is a 4-year public university on the island of O’ahu and the flagship campus of the UH System. The largest and oldest of the Hawai’i campuses, UH Manoa confers bachelor’s degrees in 100 academic majors. Additionally...

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By being in a place that has such rich history and such a different culture than any other place elsewhere in the United States, you not only learn many new things just by being in college but also you learn about a whole culture. I have learned a...

” – Kelly from Pine Valley, CA
Hawaii Pacific University

Hawaii Pacific University is a 4-year institution in O’ahu and the largest private university in the central Pacific. HPU hosts colleges of Business, Liberal Arts, Health, Natural Sciences, and Professional Studies. In addition, the HPU campus is...

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The foreign language and business classes here are taught really well and the students actually learn applicable material. The small class sizes allow for a lot of focus on areas specific to the individual students.

” – Christina from Dunkirk, MD
Brigham Young University-Hawaii

Founded and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University-Hawai’i is a 4-year private university on O’ahu that integrates secular and spiritual learning. BYU-Hawai’i is home to colleges of Arts & Humanities...

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The classes are only the beginning; I am learning SO much from the diverse student and faculty body at this institution. There are students from over 70 countries represented here, and it leads to many wonderful intercultural learning opportunities.

” – Cammie from Laie, HI
Chaminade University of Honolulu

Located 10 minutes from the buzz of Waikiki and 50 minutes away from the surf mecca of the North Shore on the island of Oahu, Chaminade University of Honolulu is known for its small class sizes, leadership development opportunities, and research and...

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I was a day Undergraduate student studying Criminology during the Spring 2009 semester and the Fall 2009 semester. The professors for my major are all incredible. They are very knowledgeable and more than willing to do what it takes to help you...

” – Danielle from Honolulu, HI
University of Hawaii at Hilo

Originally founded as Hawai’i Vocational College, the University of Hawai’i at Hilo is a public liberal arts college on The Big Island. UH Hilo confers bachelor’s degrees in over 60 academic majors including Hawai’ian Studies. The university also...

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I have learned so much at UH Hilo, not only in my classes, but also about different cultures and lifestyles. I have many friends that are exchange students from other countries who have taught me so much about the world outside of what I had known.

” – lindsay from Great Falls, MT
University of Hawaii-West Oahu

Jefferson State Community College is a public 2-year institution which operates multiple campuses throughout Alabama, all of which have open admissions policies. The main campus is located in Birmingham, but each campus features certain specialties...

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The new University of hawaii - Manoa. My school makes me feel very renewed and wanting to learn everyday.

” – Whitney from Mililani, HI
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From its Honolulu campus, Pacific Rim Christian University is a Christ-centered institution training students in theology and ministry. PRCU offers four bachelor’s degrees centered around the Bible, including Bible & Christian Counseling and Bible &...

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The University of Hawaii Maui College is a public institution located on the Hawaiian island of Maui in the city of Kahului. It is a land-, sea-, and space-grant research institution and part of the University of Hawaii system. Culinary arts and food...

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I did learn a lot during my first semester here, but I feel that the teaching could be improved. It seems like some of the teachers come to class, teach, and are waiting for it to be over with. The interaction with students are not as strong as it...

” – Kyra from Wailuku, HI
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Honolulu Community College is a 2-year community college in Hawai’i’s capital city and a branch of the University of Hawai’i. HonCC confers associate degrees in fields of study from seven academic departments. The Kulana Hawai’i (Hawaiian Programs)...

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hcc is the #1 college to be. everyone is so welcoming and we're just like family. we have the best staff and faculty members on campus that love us and help us to become great achievers in our careers.

” – Mary from Honolulu, HI
Kapiolani Community College

Kapi’olani Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is a member of the University of Hawaii system. The college offers a number of programs relating to Health Sciences, as well as a handful of other...

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Kapiolani Community College is a beautiful campus with views of Diamondhead and overlooking the ocean. Classes are small with teachers always willing to help. The curriculum leaves you ready to get a job or transfer to a 4 year school with no problem...

” – Lani from Honolulu, HI
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Kaua’i Community College is a 2-year institution and a branch of the University of Hawai’i system. KCC offers degrees and certificates in 15 fields of study including a Hospitality & Tourism program to train students for work in one of Hawai’i’s...

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Kauai Community College is a great college. Friendly teachers and staff. There is always help when needed.

” – Hinahea from Kapaa, HI
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With a main campus on the island of O’ahu, Leeward Community College is a 2-year institution and part of the University of Hawai’i system. Leeward offers degrees and certificates in 20 academic programs. Its Hawaiian Studies Program features courses...

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This school is great-the staff, the students, and the activities! You have a huge opportunity to meet new people, and the teachers are really approachable. It's a very comfortable environment. I'm glad i made the decision to start my college career...

” – Ashley from Waipahu, HI
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Hawai’i Community College is a public, 2-year institution within the University of Hawai’i system, with campus locations in Hilo and Kailua Kona. Hawai’i CC offers associate degree and certificate programs in nearly 40 areas of study that are...

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Hawaii Community College is an outstanding college. The staff are very helpful and understanding; also, the environment is full of ALOHA.

” – Cire Ailuj from Kailua Kona, HI
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Windward Community College is a 2-year college on the island of O’ahu and part of The University of Hawai’i system. With a mission to provide education for Native Hawaiians, WCC offers an associate degree in Hawaiian Studies. Utilizing its island...

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I believe windward community college is a safe, and friendly school. All the staff and students treat each other like family, always supporting each other and many resources are available to help the students along the way. The school is constantly...

” – Julie from Kailua, HI
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Founded in 1996, the Institute of Clinical Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine is a school of Asian medical arts in Honolulu. ICAOM awards a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine degree with a focus on Theoretical Foundations, Acupuncture, Herbal...

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The World Medicine Institute is a school of acupuncture and whole body medicine in Honolulu. WMI offers a master’s program featuring six medical concentrations including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Treatment & Needling, and Herbal Medicine. The...

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