Honolulu is more than a tourist attraction for visitors who flock to its beaches. In addition to attracting over 8 million visitors each year, Honolulu has over 20 colleges and universities serving thousands of students, including several online learning options. These schools offer exposure to global perspectives and cultural diversity, with students from over 100 nations in attendance.
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Colleges in Honolulu
Over one-third of Honolulu's residents hold a bachelor's degree, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With the city's thriving economy and abundant educational institutions, it is no surprise that these percentages are higher than the state and national averages.
Seven community colleges and three university campuses make up the University of Hawaii (UH) system. Honolulu is home to four of these community colleges, and the biggest of them, Kapi'olani Community College (KCC), has one of the nation's largest international student bodies. Most of the international students hail from Japan, Korea, China and Hong Kong, due largely to Hawaii's proximity to these countries and KCC's connection to the University of Hawaii. KCC offers traditional programs as well as some that reflect local culture and economics, such as Hawaiian studies, exercise science or hospitality. KCC has Hawaii's most successful transfer program, with many students moving on to UH Manoa and other four-year institutions.
The UH system is anchored by the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa), with its campus located in Honolulu's Manoa Valley. UH Manoa is one of only 32 schools in the country to hold the distinction of being a land-, sea- and space-grant research institution. Other colleges and universities in Honolulu include Chaminade University of Honolulu, a small private institution affiliated with the Society of Mary of the Roman Catholic Church, and Hawaii Pacific University, the largest private university in Hawaii.
The following table displays some of the colleges and universities in Honolulu:
| INSTITUTION | TYPE | TRAINING/DEGREES OFFERED |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | Public | Undergraduate degrees, Graduate degrees, Law degrees, Medical degrees, Continuing education |
| Kapiolani Community College | Public | Associate degrees, Continuing education |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Not for Profit (Private) | Undergraduate degrees, Graduate degrees |
| Honolulu Community College | Public | Certificates, Associate degrees, Competencies |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | Not for Profit (Private) | Undergraduate degrees, Graduate degrees, Teacher licensure, Nursing degrees |
| Remington College- Honolulu Campus | Not for Profit (Private) | Diplomas, Associate degrees, Bachelor's degrees |
Online Colleges in Honolulu
The University of Hawaii system offers students a wide range of distance learning courses at its Honolulu institutions. The UH system's distance learning program allows students to earn various certificates, undergraduate and graduate degrees. The system also offers doctoral degree programs with online courses, including an online-only nursing doctoral program. Students can choose from over 80 different courses taught in online, cable or interactive video formats. The UH schools also have a comprehensive online tutoring program.
Hawaii Pacific University's military campus programs use traditional and distance learning course delivery methods to educate students on base or online. Students can earn an associate or bachelor's degree online in academic areas such as computer science, justice administration, business administration and military studies.
Major Industries, Careers and Employers
The capital city of Hawaii, Honolulu is located on the island of Oahu. The biggest city in the state, it also has the largest airport. Tourism brings over $10 billion a year to Honolulu's local economy, which is why leisure/hospitality ranks among the top industries in the city. Other large industries in Honolulu include:
- Health care
- Transportation
- Professional business services
- Military defense
- Research and development
- Manufacturing
Hawaii.gov reports that four of the five top employers in Honolulu are health care-related:
- Altres Medical
- Kapiolani Medical Center
- Kyo-Ya Co Ltd (hotels and resorts)
- Queens Medical Center
- Hawaii Health Systems
According to May 2013 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations with significant growth in Honolulu are in the following areas:
- Health care practitioners and technical occupations
- Arts, design, entertainment, sports and media
- Legal
- Transportation and material moving
- Production
Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism projects the fastest growing jobs in the city to be in food services, financial activities and educational services, based on current growth.
Colleges & Universities in Honolulu
#1 Colleges, Universities and Online Colleges in Honolulu
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, HI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Hawaii at Manoa provides numerous educational opportunities from its main campus in Honolulu. Students can choose from 88 bachelor's programs and 79 master's programs. For students seeking remote study, the college offers two online bachelor's programs and five online master's programs.
Enrollees in both modalities connect with premier faculty and gain skills and knowledge from industry-relevant coursework. Degree candidates complete foundational and advanced coursework throughout their studies. Students can pursue additional learning opportunities, such as internships and externships.
Degree-seekers can benefit from guidance from career services and academic advising. Prospective applicants seeking to fund their studies can meet with the financial aid office to explore scholarships, fellowships, and other aid. Out of all incoming students, 77% receive financial aid. Out of all applicants, 58% are admitted to the college.
#2 Colleges, Universities and Online Colleges in Honolulu
Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, HI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Honolulu, Hawaii Pacific University offers exceptional programs for learners from all walks of life. To date, the institution supports 38 bachelor's programs, six of which are fully online. Learners seeking remote study can be supported across six online bachelor's programs and five online master's programs.
Across modalities, students benefit from rigorous coursework, premier faculty, and industry-specific learning opportunities. Enrollees complete advanced and general coursework, gaining skills and knowledge relevant to their field of study. Degree-seekers can further their learning through experiential learning opportunities, such as internships.
Degree candidates can receive academic and professional guidance. Students can meet with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. Applicants should know that 98% of all enrollees receive financial aid. Institutional support contributes to the college's 45% graduation rate.
#3 Colleges, Universities and Online Colleges in Honolulu
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Chaminade University of Honolulu, a private college located in Honolulu, supports educational opportunities for learners of all levels. To date, the college offers 26 bachelor's programs and 18 master's programs. Learners seeking remote study can be supported across 10 online bachelor's programs and seven online master's programs.
Whether in person or online, enrollees benefit from a rigorous curriculum, engaged faculty, and experiential learning opportunities. Learners complete advanced and general coursework, gaining skills and knowledge relevant to their field of study. Students can further their learning by pursuing internships and research projects.
Throughout their studies, enrollees can access institutional resources and receive academic and professional guidance. Prospective applicants can meet with a financial aid counselor to explore funding opportunities. Around 99% of all enrollees benefit from financial aid. The college admits 95% of all applicants and reports a 59% graduation rate.
#4 Colleges, Universities and Online Colleges in Honolulu
Remington College-Honolulu Campus
Honolulu, HI - 4 years
- Campus
Remington College-Honolulu Campus, a private institution, provides a variety of programs suitable for in-person and online study. Learners can choose from two bachelor's degrees.
Enrollees connect with premier faculty and gain skills and knowledge from industry-relevant coursework. Degree-seekers can further their learning through research projects, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities.
Learners can access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout their studies. Applicants can meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. The college reports that 100% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid. Of all enrollees, 61% graduate from their programs.
#5 Colleges, Universities and Online Colleges in Honolulu
Kapiolani Community College
Honolulu, HI - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A leader in hybrid education, Kapiolani Community College supports in-person and online learning opportunities from its main campus in Honolulu.
Distance learners can study at their own pace. While enrolled, students complete foundational and advanced coursework in their subject area. Degree-seekers can further their learning through experiential learning opportunities, such as internships.
Throughout their studies, enrollees benefit from career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources. Prospective applicants can meet with a financial aid counselor to explore funding opportunities for their education. The college reports that 57% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid. Of all admitted students, 21% graduate from the college.