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Two Year Colleges

Somewhere around 70% of Hilo High students will start off at the junior/community college level, specifically Hawai'i Community College (HCC).  And with the economy struggling, it makes more sense than ever to take advantage of the greater "bang for the buck" available at Hawai'i's community college. 

The advantages of going to a junior/community college include:

  • Ease of acceptance (Junior/Community colleges have an "open door" policy and do not require specific grade point averages or SAT scores.)
  • Cheaper tuition (It will cost $88 per credit at any of Hawai’i's community colleges next year as opposed to $213 per credit at UH Hilo and $316 at UH Manoa.
  • Smaller classes.
  • More interaction with instructors.
  • A less potentially overwhelming experience for beginning post-high school students.
  • The ability to easily qualify to transfer to a four year college if one so desires.
Below will be a listing of Hawai'i's community colleges starting with HCC.  For HCC, I made my own page to highlight some programs and other information to make it easy for you to get to.  From my HCC page, there is also a link to the official HCC page.  For all other community colleges, click on the picture and you will be directed to the college's official website.
 
 
 
Lots of great programs.  Trade training in automotive repair, electricial apprentice program and more.  General education courses available that qualify students for transfer to the University of Hawai'i at Hilo or Manoa.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Like the name implies, it's located near downtown Honolulu with a definitely different atmosphere than Hilo.  Honolulu Community College offers all the value of a community college education with the excitement and experience that comes with living in Hawai'i's largest metropolis.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Located on the slopes of Diamond Head, Kapi'olani has distiguished itself as a center for career preparation in the field of culinary arts.  Of course, Kapi'olani offers other programs normally associated with community colleges as well.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This community college overlooking Pearl Harbor provides comprehensive opportunities from professional studies to liberal arts. Community outreach includes cultural activities on the main campus and an education center serving Wai‘anae.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At the base of O‘ahu’s Ko‘olau mountains in Kane‘ohe, this a supportive community college specializes in creative arts, environmental sciences and Hawaiian studies. It is home to the Hawai‘i Music Institute and administers the Employment Training Center.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A tri-island community college, Maui provides comprehensive opportunities, special programs and a new bachelor’s degree on Maui. It operates the UH Center on Maui, education centers in Hana and on Lana‘i and Moloka‘i and a pioneering television network that reaches rural areas.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A primary resource center and gathering place in Lihu‘e for the island’s residents and visitors, Kaua‘i Community College offers business, technology, hospitality, health, early childhood education and liberal arts courses and administers the UH Center on Kaua‘i
 
 
 
 
 
 And Finally...
 
Don't forget that mainland community colleges can make a lot of sense as well.  Some states like Colorado and Arizona offer WUE savings at the community college level for Hawai'i students.  (Click here to learn more about WUE.)
 
Also, many mainland community colleges have sports high quality sports programs, dormitories and other things we normally associate with four year colleges.  With, of course, that broadening experience which living in a completely different locale offers.
 
 
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