Top 9 Trade Schools in Hawaii 2023: Up Skill Your Career
Getting yourself into a trade school in Hawaii can help you develop a career in a wide range of fields. The programs offered at these vocational schools are highly in demand. It can help you make a reasonable living by earning one of the top wages in the industry. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on degree programs that will take years to complete to start your career.

Trade schools in Hawaii can help you follow your passion by learning critical skills with hands-on job training that will make you industry-ready. You can finish these programs in a few weeks to a couple of years, depending on your program. To help you enroll in the program, a list of the best trade in Hawaii is discussed in this article.
Best Trade Schools in Hawaii

As the Department of Education is trying to focus more on providing vocational training to students, there are plenty of trade school options for them in Hawaii. Below is a list of the best vocational training schools in Hawaii.
1. Honolulu Community College
Honolulu Community College provides 23 different curriculum options, 31 Certificates, and 22 Associate degrees. The certificates are short-term qualifications that students can earn in a minimum of one semester. They can associate degrees finish within as little as two years. The student-to-instructor ratio in classrooms is 15 to 1. It entails more individualized attention, more opportunities for practical learning, and increased class participation.
The programs offered by the school include construction and trades, transportation and maintenance, human services, technology and design, liberal arts, and creative services, among others. Certificate applicants complete a narrowly focused curriculum without any classes from outside their profession. With a certificate, graduates are ready for the workforce.
The public university offers both on-campus and online enrollment opportunities. It is one of the most affordable options, with a minimum cost per credit of $131. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges has granted Honolulu Community College (HonCC) accreditation.
2. Leeward Community College
Leeward Community College provides close to 80 different academic options, including transfer degrees, technical degrees, and certifications. With an instructor-to-student ratio of 20:1 and an average class size of 21 students, Leeward CC guarantees student achievement. The college comes under the University of Hawaii System. The institution, which opened its doors in 1968, now has about 6,500 credit students enrolled.
The college offers programs in a variety of industries, including CDL, healthcare and caregiver services, industrial technology, electrician apprentices, healthcare technology, and computer technology. From motorcycle safety to computer classes, Leeward CC also provides a variety of professional development courses and certification programs.
OCEWD may help with tuition, books, supplies, emergency housing, daycare, food aid, and more by working with local non-profits. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) has granted Leeward Community College accreditation.
3. Hawaii Community College
Hawaii Community College is a public institution that has its headquarters in Hilo. Programs at Hawai’i Community College are one-of-a-kind and fascinating, and they may improve your life and set you up for success. You can select Distance Education courses that are offered outside of the typical classroom setting in addition to in-person programs.
You may work a full-time job, attend classes from home, and enroll in courses at different the University of Hawaii Community Colleges locations because of the flexibility. These students also have access to counseling and tutoring services. Everyone can find something at Hawaii Community College thanks to its more than two dozen programs, which may lead to associate degrees, certifications, and CTE certification.
Diesel mechanics, skilled crafts, and culinary skills are popular areas of study. The College uses technology to assist distance learning through the Internet or videoconferencing. It incorporates technology in computer-assisted design (CAD) in the architectural/engineering/CAD technologies program, the use of global positioning systems (GPS) in agroforestry, and certificate and degree programs like information technology and CISCO networking in classroom instruction.
4. Hawaii Medical Training Center
The Hawaii Medical Training Center is one of the top options for educating and developing phlebotomy and medical assistant workers. In Hawaii’s top-ranked schools, as well as one of the top 20 nationwide, the new graduates earn a reasonable income at entry level.
Students can enter the industry as Nationally Certified Phlebotomists or EKG technicians, which they can finish in as little as 6 weeks. After finishing one of their courses, many outstanding students land a job right away.
Clinical Labs of Hawaii, the Blood Bank of Hawaii, businesses that provide biometric screening, Diagnostic Labs, and dialysis facilities are just a few of the areas where the students work. Hawaii Medical Training Center provides a quick and easy curriculum that is ideal for anyone with a busy schedule who wants to advance their abilities.
5. Windward Community College
Windward Community College is a part of the University of Hawaii System. It is situated in the Koolau area of Oahu. The college accepts students from all backgrounds. However, the institution places a specific emphasis on addressing the needs of Native Hawaiian students. Windward Community College provides its students with an intimate learning environment and a friendly community.
Four associate degrees and more than a dozen certifications are available to students at WCC. These include a certificate in information security and an associate’s degree in veterinary technology. For individuals who are interested in studying plant biotechnology or conventional pharmaceuticals, the school also offers a diploma in agripharmatech.
Evening, online, and hybrid courses are available at WCC for students who want flexible schedule alternatives. The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training, or ACCET, has granted Hawaii Medical College accreditation. ACCET is a recognized organization by the US Department of Education.
6. Kapiolani Community College
Students of Oahu have consistently received job training from Kapiolani Community College. The location of the institution, which is currently a part of the University of Hawaii System, is only a short distance from Waikiki. Each year, it takes in close to 7,000 new students. Kapiolani Community College provides dozens of credit and non-credit programs.
Students in all culinary specializations are taught in cutting-edge facilities, and the school’s culinary arts department is the only one in the state to provide a specialty in pastry arts. Nursing, EMT, and medical laboratory technician training are among the well-liked health education programs at Kapiolani Community College.
For distant learners, the college offers over 200 online courses. The college offers financial aid and scholarships to eligible students. Students may contact the school authority to find more details regarding the same.
7. University of Hawaii Maui College
The University of Hawaii Maui College is an affordable option for students of all needs. The college offers short-term training, certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. It also has extended learning and workforce development programs in a wide range of fields. Students at UHMC receive the individualized attention, support, and small class sizes they require to succeed in school.
The school has modern math laboratories, low student-to-teacher ratios, and also offers career support. The college uses multiple strategies to prepare students in their respective fields. Students are evaluated based on skills in creativity, analytical thinking, written and spoken communication, effective quantitative reasoning, and problem-solving, among others.
The Senior Colleges and Universities Accrediting Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges has granted UHMC accreditation. The college offers financial aid in the form of FAFSA, scholarships, and payment plans.
8. Kaua’i Community College
Kaua’i Community College is located on the island of Kaua’i. 34 degree and certificate programs are available at Kaua’i CC to help students become ready for the workforce or higher education. Additionally, the institution provides advanced courses leading to bachelors and graduate degrees through the University Center and non-credit courses for companies and lifetime learning through the Office of Continuing Education.
For students who want to transfer to a 4-year college or university, Kaua’i Community College offers lower-division, transfer-level courses. It also offers occupational courses for students looking to gain or improve employable skills, as well as general education courses for all students to help them become aware of society’s values.
The school offers programs in accounting, automotive technology, creative media, culinary arts, electrical installation, maintenance technology, nursing aid, and many other fields. The college offers FAFSA and scholarships to eligible candidates. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) has granted accreditation to Kaua’i Community College.
9. University of Hawaii at Manoa
Under the Morrill Act, the University of Hawaii at Manoa was established in 1907 as a land-grant college of agriculture and mechanical arts. Numerous undergraduate and graduate degrees, minors, and certificate programs are available at UH Manoa.
Agribusiness management, dental hygiene, earth and planetary exploration, elementary education, ethnic studies, environmental studies, expanded function dental hygiene in Pediatrics, and many others. The school also has certifications in a wide range of languages.
Eligible students may apply for the Federal Pell grant for financial aid. The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) has accredited the university. Additionally, it has WASC Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) accreditation.
Winding Up
Even though every student has different requirements, Hawaii’s top vocational schools frequently have a few things in common. They often give many learning opportunities, including day, evening, and online sessions, low tuition rates, and student support services.

Trade Schools in Hawaii
The below list of trade schools are available in Hawaii.
- Honolulu Community College – Honolulu
- Kapiolani Community College – Honolulu
- Hawaii Medical College – Honolulu
- Hawaii Institute of Hair Design – Honolulu
- University of Hawaii at Manoa – Honolulu
- Leeward Community College – Pearl City