Hawaii is home to a handful of private colleges and universities that provide students with unique opportunities to pursue higher education in a beautiful, culturally rich environment. These institutions offer a range of academic programs, from liberal arts to professional degrees, and emphasize fields such as sustainability, business, and healthcare. Hawaii’s private colleges and universities are committed to academic excellence, community service, and the integration of Hawaiian culture and values into their curricula.
Hawaii Pacific University (HPU)
Overview
Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) is one of the largest private universities in Hawaii, known for its diverse student body and wide range of academic programs. Founded in 1965, HPU has grown into an institution that blends rigorous academics with hands-on learning in one of the most culturally and environmentally dynamic regions in the world. With campuses in downtown Honolulu and Kaneohe, HPU offers students the opportunity to engage with the business, environmental, and cultural sectors of Hawaii.
Academic Offerings
- Undergraduate Programs: HPU offers more than 50 undergraduate programs across a variety of fields. Popular majors include:
- Marine Biology
- International Business
- Nursing
- Environmental Science
- Psychology
- Graduate Programs:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science in Marine Science
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- Online Programs: HPU provides a number of online degree programs, allowing students to complete their education remotely. These include degrees in criminal justice, organizational leadership, and public health.
Campus Life
- Student Diversity: HPU prides itself on being one of the most diverse universities in the country, with students from over 65 countries. This diversity is reflected in the university’s commitment to global learning and cultural exchange.
- Student Organizations:
- HPU offers more than 50 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and recreational activities. Popular organizations include the Marine Science Club, the International Students Association, and various environmental advocacy groups.
- The university also hosts annual cultural events, such as the Intercultural Day, celebrating the wide range of cultures represented on campus.
- Athletics: HPU’s athletics teams, known as the Sharks, compete in NCAA Division II sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and cross country.
Impact on Hawaii
HPU’s focus on marine science, business, and healthcare has a significant impact on Hawaii’s workforce and economy. The university’s Marine Science program, in particular, is nationally recognized, and its graduates contribute to the state’s environmental conservation efforts. Additionally, HPU’s strong nursing and healthcare programs help to address critical healthcare needs across the Hawaiian Islands.
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Overview
Chaminade University of Honolulu is a private Catholic university founded in 1955 by the Society of Mary. Located in the heart of Honolulu, Chaminade is dedicated to providing students with a values-based education rooted in the Marianist tradition, emphasizing service, leadership, and social justice. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on liberal arts, education, business, and criminal justice.
Academic Offerings
- Undergraduate Programs: Chaminade offers over 25 undergraduate programs across five academic divisions. Popular majors include:
- Forensic Sciences
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Elementary Education
- Environmental + Interior Design
- Graduate Programs:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Education (M.Ed.)
- Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MSCP)
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration (MSCJA)
- Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology
- Forensic Sciences Program: Chaminade’s Forensic Sciences program is one of the top programs in the country, known for its rigorous curriculum and strong connections with law enforcement agencies in Hawaii.
Campus Life
- Spiritual Life: As a Catholic institution, Chaminade integrates faith into campus life, offering opportunities for students to engage in spiritual development through:
- Daily Mass and spiritual retreats
- Service-learning projects, including community service in Honolulu and abroad
- Programs with a focus on social justice and advocacy for marginalized communities
- Student Organizations:
- Chaminade has a variety of student-run clubs and organizations, including academic societies, service groups, and cultural clubs such as the Hawaiian Club and the International Club.
- The university encourages students to participate in leadership development programs through student government and campus ministry activities.
- Athletics: Chaminade’s athletic teams, known as the Silverswords, compete in NCAA Division II sports, with programs in basketball, volleyball, soccer, and cross-country. The university is especially known for hosting the Maui Invitational Basketball Tournament, which brings top collegiate teams from across the nation to Hawaii.
Impact on Hawaii
Chaminade University plays a significant role in shaping Hawaii’s future leaders, particularly in the fields of education, social services, and law enforcement. The university’s graduates often go on to careers in teaching, criminal justice, and counseling, contributing to the state’s workforce in key areas. Chaminade’s focus on service and social justice aligns with Hawaii’s diverse cultural landscape and fosters a spirit of community engagement among its students and alumni.
Brigham Young University–Hawaii (BYU–Hawaii)
Overview
Brigham Young University–Hawaii (BYU–Hawaii) is a private university located in Laie, on the island of Oahu. Founded in 1955 and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU–Hawaii is known for its focus on integrating faith with academic excellence. The university attracts a diverse international student body, particularly from the Pacific Islands and Asia, and emphasizes leadership development, global citizenship, and service.
Academic Offerings
- Undergraduate Programs: BYU–Hawaii offers a range of undergraduate degrees, with popular programs in:
- International Business Management
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Biology
- Social Work
- Pacific Islands Studies
- Specialized Institutes:
- Jonathan Napela Center for Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Studies: A hub for research and study on the history, culture, and contemporary issues of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.
- The Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship: Provides entrepreneurship training and opportunities for students, particularly those from developing nations in the Pacific and Asia.
- Religious Education: As a university sponsored by the LDS Church, all students are required to take courses in religious education, which are integrated into their academic programs.
Campus Life
- Faith and Community: Faith is a central part of campus life at BYU–Hawaii. Students are encouraged to live by the values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including maintaining an honor code that reflects the university’s religious teachings.
- Weekly devotionals and opportunities for religious service are available to students.
- The university promotes service and outreach both locally and globally, with students participating in community projects and international missions.
- Cultural Diversity: BYU–Hawaii is known for its diverse student body, with students from more than 70 countries. This cultural diversity is celebrated through events such as the International Cultural Night, where students showcase their traditional dances, music, and art.
- Athletics: BYU–Hawaii’s athletics teams, known as the Seasiders, competed in NCAA Division II sports until 2017, when the university decided to discontinue its athletic programs to focus on other aspects of student life.
Impact on Hawaii
BYU–Hawaii has a profound impact on the Pacific region, particularly through its focus on leadership development and global citizenship. Many of the university’s graduates return to their home countries in the Pacific Islands and Asia, where they apply the leadership and entrepreneurial skills they gained at BYU–Hawaii. The university also plays a key role in the Laie community, contributing to the region’s cultural and economic development through its strong ties to the Polynesian Cultural Center and local businesses.
Hawaii Tokai International College (HTIC)
Overview
Hawaii Tokai International College (HTIC), located in Kapolei on the island of Oahu, is a private, junior college that provides students with a strong foundation in liberal arts education and global learning. Established in 1992 as an American branch of Japan’s Tokai University, HTIC serves both local and international students, with a particular focus on students from Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.
Academic Offerings
- Associate in Arts (AA) Degree: HTIC offers an Associate in Arts degree in Liberal Arts, with focus on preparing students for transfer to four-year universities, both in Hawaii and abroad. The program emphasizes critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and a broad liberal arts foundation that covers:
- Humanities
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Fine Arts
- Global Education Programs: HTIC offers a Bridge Program that supports students transitioning from high school or language programs to university-level studies. The program focuses on English language proficiency and academic preparation for non-native English speakers.
- Transfer Pathways: HTIC has partnerships with several universities, including the University of Hawaii system and Japan’s Tokai University, facilitating seamless transfers for students wishing to continue their education at four-year institutions.
Campus Life
- Cultural Exchange: HTIC’s small student body creates a close-knit, culturally diverse community. Students from around the world come together to participate in academic and cultural exchange programs.
- HTIC emphasizes cultural understanding, with activities such as Japanese tea ceremonies, traditional Hawaiian events, and cross-cultural discussion groups.
- The school organizes field trips to cultural sites around Hawaii, allowing students to explore the islands’ rich history and natural beauty.
- Housing and Community: HTIC students can live on-campus, fostering a strong sense of community. The small size of the campus allows for close interactions between faculty and students, creating a personalized learning environment.
Impact on Hawaii
Hawaii Tokai International College strengthens Hawaii’s global ties, particularly with Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific region. By fostering cross-cultural exchange and preparing students for successful transitions into higher education, HTIC contributes to Hawaii’s role as a bridge between East and West. Graduates of HTIC often transfer to local universities or return to their home countries, bringing with them the knowledge and experience gained in Hawaii, and reinforcing the state’s position as a hub for international education.
Pacific Rim Christian University
Overview
Pacific Rim Christian University, located in Honolulu, is a private Christian institution that focuses on theological education and ministry training. Founded in 1998, the university seeks to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for leadership in churches, nonprofit organizations, and missions. Pacific Rim Christian University combines rigorous academic study with spiritual formation, preparing students for careers in pastoral leadership, counseling, and education.
Academic Offerings
- Undergraduate Programs: Pacific Rim offers several bachelor’s degree programs, including:
- Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry
- Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts
- Bachelor of Arts in Theology
- Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Leadership
- Master of Arts in Biblical Studies
- Graduate certificates in ministry and theology
- Ministry Training: Pacific Rim’s programs are designed to integrate academic knowledge with practical ministry experience. Students participate in internships, mission trips, and community outreach as part of their education.
Campus Life
- Faith and Community: As a faith-based institution, Pacific Rim emphasizes spiritual growth and community engagement. Students are encouraged to live out their faith through:
- Daily worship services and prayer meetings
- Spiritual mentoring and pastoral support
- Service-learning projects that allow students to apply their faith in real-world settings
- Student Organizations: Pacific Rim offers a variety of clubs and student organizations that focus on worship arts, community outreach, and missions. These groups provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills and build strong connections with peers who share their faith.
Impact on Hawaii
Pacific Rim Christian University plays an important role in training faith leaders who serve communities across Hawaii and the Pacific region. Its graduates often pursue careers in pastoral ministry, nonprofit leadership, and Christian counseling, contributing to the spiritual and social well-being of Hawaii’s diverse communities. The university’s focus on service and leadership reflects the values of the Hawaiian community, making it a key institution in the state’s religious and educational landscape.
Argosy University, Hawaii (Closed in 2019)
Overview
Argosy University, Hawaii, was a private institution with a campus in Honolulu that offered a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in business, psychology, education, and health sciences. Although Argosy University closed in 2019, it was once a significant player in Hawaii’s higher education landscape, serving non-traditional students and working professionals.
Academic Offerings (When Active)
- Undergraduate Programs: Argosy offered programs in business administration, criminal justice, and psychology.
- Graduate Programs:
- Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)
- Master of Science in Human Resource Management
- Flexible Learning: Argosy catered to working adults by offering evening, weekend, and online classes, allowing students to balance their education with work and family commitments.
Impact on Hawaii
Before its closure, Argosy University provided educational opportunities for students seeking career advancement in fields such as business, psychology, and healthcare. The university’s flexible learning model allowed students to continue their education while managing other responsibilities, making it a popular choice for adult learners in Hawaii.