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Best Community Colleges in Hawaii: Transfer Rates, Tuition & Programs

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

January 16, 2026

Explore Hawaii's 11 community colleges with tuition from $3,174/year. Compare enrollment, earnings outcomes, and transfer pathways to 4-year universities.

Why Community College Matters in Hawaii

Hawaii's community college system serves a critical role in the state's educational landscape. With 11 community colleges and 12,970 total students enrolled, these institutions provide accessible pathways to degrees, certifications, and career advancement across the islands. Whether you're a high school graduate, working adult, or career changer, Hawaii's community colleges offer an affordable entry point to higher education—with average in-state tuition of just $6,464 per year.

The 2+2 transfer model is particularly valuable in Hawaii. You can complete your first two years of general education and core coursework at a community college, then transfer to a University of Hawaii campus or mainland four-year institution to finish your bachelor's degree. This approach typically costs thousands less than starting at a four-year university and gives you smaller class sizes, more personalized attention, and time to build a strong GPA before transferring.

Most Affordable Community Colleges in Hawaii

If cost is your primary concern, Hawaii offers some genuinely budget-friendly options:

Honolulu Community College leads the affordability rankings with $3,174 in annual in-state tuition. Located in Honolulu, this college serves 1,897 students with a net price of $6,399 after financial aid. Despite its low cost, Honolulu CC delivers strong outcomes: graduates earn an average of $36,127 six years after enrollment, and the median student debt is just $7,534—among the lowest in the state.

Windward Community College in Kaneohe charges $3,194 annually, making it the second-most affordable option. With 1,109 students and a completion rate of 27.3%, Windward CC serves a more intimate student body than larger campuses.

Hawaii Community College in Hilo rounds out the top three at $3,204 per year. This Big Island institution enrolls 1,470 students and has the highest completion rate among the three most affordable schools at 31.2%.

All three of these colleges charge significantly less than Hawaii's average community college tuition, making them excellent choices if you're managing a tight budget. Keep in mind that net price (what you actually pay after financial aid) may differ from sticker tuition—we'll cover financial aid strategies later in this guide.

Best Community Colleges for Earnings and Career Outcomes

While affordability matters, so do post-graduation earnings. Here's where your community college choice can meaningfully impact your financial future:

Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu stands out with the highest earnings outcomes in the state. Graduates earn an average of $38,265 six years after enrollment—significantly above the statewide average of $31,701. Kapiolani is also Hawaii's largest community college by enrollment with 3,955 students, offering diverse program options. The tradeoff: its completion rate is 22.2%, the lowest among major Hawaii CCs, suggesting that while students enroll, not all finish their degrees. Tuition is $3,284 annually, and median student debt is $9,229.

Honolulu Community College combines affordability with strong earnings. At $3,174 per year, it's the cheapest option, yet graduates earn $36,127 on average—nearly $5,000 above the state average. The completion rate of 28.3% is respectable, and median debt of $7,534 is the lowest in the system.

Hawaii Medical College in Honolulu serves a specialized but high-earning population. While tuition is substantially higher at $25,927 annually, graduates earn $35,803 on average. This college has the highest completion rate in the state at 39.4%, suggesting strong student support and program quality. However, median student debt is $13,000—higher than traditional community colleges. This is a specialized school focused on healthcare careers, so it's worth considering only if you're committed to that field.

The earnings data reveals an important truth: community college outcomes vary significantly by program and institution. Healthcare-focused programs and Honolulu-based colleges tend to produce higher earnings, likely reflecting both local job markets and program specialization.

Largest Community Colleges in Hawaii

Size matters when choosing a college. Larger institutions offer more program variety and resources but can feel less personal. Smaller schools provide closer faculty interaction but fewer options.

Kapiolani Community College dominates enrollment with 3,955 students. This Honolulu institution offers the widest range of programs and the most robust transfer partnerships with four-year universities. With 61.6% part-time students, Kapiolani serves many working adults balancing education with jobs.

Leeward Community College in Pearl City is the second-largest with 3,382 students. It has a solid completion rate of 29.7% and serves 53.1% part-time students. Leeward's net price of $7,636 is higher than some alternatives, but the larger student body means more class sections and scheduling flexibility.

Honolulu Community College enrolls 1,897 students, making it mid-sized. Its smaller scale may appeal to students who want more personalized attention than Kapiolani offers.

Hawaii Community College in Hilo serves 1,470 students on the Big Island, making it the largest community college outside of Honolulu. This is important if you're on Hawaii Island—you can earn your AA without traveling to Oahu.

Windward Community College (1,109 students) and Kauai Community College (726 students) serve smaller populations in their respective regions. Kauai CC is particularly notable for its 33.0% completion rate—the highest among the major institutions—suggesting that smaller, more localized schools may provide better student support.

The smallest institutions listed—Hawaii Institute of Hair Design (70 students), Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy (68 students), and IBS School of Cosmetology and Massage (64 students)—are specialized career schools focusing on cosmetology, esthetics, and massage therapy. These have exceptionally high completion rates (75.9% to 94.5%) because they're short-term certificate programs with clear, focused curricula.

How to Choose the Right Community College in Hawaii

Selecting a community college requires balancing several factors:

Location and Commute Hawaii's geography matters. If you live on Oahu, you have five community colleges to choose from (Kapiolani, Leeward, Honolulu, and others). If you're on the Big Island, Hawaii Community College is your primary option. On Kauai, Kauai Community College serves the island. Consider your commute—a longer drive can drain your energy and reduce study time.

Program Availability Not all community colleges offer the same programs. If you're interested in a specific field—nursing, engineering technology, business, liberal arts—verify that your target college offers it. Larger schools like Kapiolani and Leeward have broader program menus. Specialized schools like Hawaii Medical College focus on healthcare.

Completion Rates Completion rate is a proxy for student support quality. Kauai CC's 33.0% completion rate suggests strong advising and support services. Kapiolani's 22.2% rate, while lower, may reflect its larger, more diverse student body rather than poor support. Ask colleges directly about their tutoring, advising, and student success programs.

Transfer Agreements Hawaii's community colleges have formal transfer agreements with the University of Hawaii system. The 2+2 transfer pathway is well-established: complete your AA at a community college, then transfer to UH Manoa, UH Hilo, or other UH campuses as a junior. Ask your community college about specific transfer agreements with your target four-year university.

Cost and Financial Aid Tuition ranges from $3,174 to $3,284 annually at traditional community colleges, but net price (after aid) varies. Honolulu CC's net price of $6,399 is lower than Leeward's $7,636. We'll discuss financial aid in the next section.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time Fit If you're working while studying, look at part-time student percentages. Kauai CC (67.6% part-time) and Kapiolani (61.6% part-time) have strong part-time populations and likely offer evening and weekend classes. Specialized schools like Hawaii Institute of Hair Design (0% part-time) are full-time only.

Financial Aid and Tuition Savings Tips

Hawaii's community colleges are already affordable, but strategic financial aid planning can reduce your costs further.

Understand Net Price vs. Sticker Tuition The tuition figures quoted above are what you'd pay without financial aid. Your actual cost—the "net price"—depends on federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships. For example, Kapiolani CC charges $3,284 in tuition but has a net price of $5,194, meaning the average student receives about $1,910 in aid. Honolulu CC's net price of $6,399 is higher than its $3,174 tuition, suggesting some students don't qualify for enough aid to cover full costs.

File the FAFSA Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. Even if you don't think you qualify for aid, file it—you may be eligible for federal grants or loans. Hawaii residents should also complete the Hawaii FAFSA to access state-specific grants.

Look for Hawaii-Specific Grants Hawaii offers several grant programs for state residents:

Hawaii State Grant Program: Need-based aid for Hawaii residents attending accredited institutions
Hawai'i Promise Program: Covers tuition and fees for eligible low-income students at UH and community colleges

Minimize Student Debt The median student debt across Hawaii's community colleges ranges from $7,534 (Honolulu CC) to $13,000 (Hawaii Medical College). Keeping debt low is crucial—you'll have more flexibility after graduation. Consider working part-time while studying, living at home if possible, and using scholarships before borrowing.

Explore Employer Tuition Assistance If you're a working adult, your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Check with your HR department—many employers cover $2,000-$5,000 per year for employees pursuing degrees.

Transfer Without Losing Credits One major advantage of Hawaii's community college system is the seamless transfer pathway. Complete your AA at a community college, and your credits transfer directly to UH four-year institutions. This saves money and time compared to starting at a four-year university.

Comparing Hawaii Community Colleges at a Glance

College	Location	Enrollment	Tuition	Earnings (6yr)	Completion Rate
Kapiolani CC	Honolulu	3,955	$3,284	$38,265	22.2%
Leeward CC	Pearl City	3,382	$3,214	$33,997	29.7%
Honolulu CC	Honolulu	1,897	$3,174	$36,127	28.3%
Hawaii CC	Hilo	1,470	$3,204	$29,704	31.2%
Windward CC	Kaneohe	1,109	$3,194	$30,631	27.3%
Kauai CC	Lihue	726	$3,252	$31,592	33.0%

Next Steps: Explore and Compare Hawaii Community Colleges

Ready to find your fit? Start by visiting each college's website to review specific programs, class schedules, and student support services. Many offer virtual tours and online information sessions.

Key questions to ask each college:

What programs align with my career goals?
What are your transfer agreements with four-year universities?
What tutoring and advising services are available?
Do you offer evening, weekend, or online classes?
What scholarships are available to new students?

Explore all Hawaii community colleges and compare programs, costs, and outcomes on GradeToGrad at /search?type=2-year&state=hi. Our platform lets you filter by program, tuition, location, and student outcomes to find the right college for your goals.

Community college is a smart, affordable path to a degree. Hawaii's system offers genuine value—low tuition, strong transfer pathways, and outcomes that prove the investment pays off. Whether you're starting your college journey or changing careers, a Hawaii community college can get you there.