Understanding the landscape of higher education in any U.S. state requires a clear count of its degree-granting institutions, and Hawaii is no exception. When asking how many universities Hawaii has, the immediate answer is more complex than a simple number, as it depends on whether one defines a university as a single campus or a multi-campus system. This exploration moves beyond a basic count to examine the distinct types of institutions, their geographic distribution, and how they serve the unique educational needs of the islands.
The Distinction: Universities vs. Colleges
Before counting, it is essential to clarify terminology, as Hawaii uses these terms specifically. A university typically denotes a institution offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees, often comprising multiple colleges. Conversely, a college in this context usually refers to a two-year community college or a specialized four-year institution. Therefore, when compiling a definitive list of universities in Hawaii, we focus on institutions that confer bachelor’s degrees or higher, separating them from the community college system that provides foundational coursework and vocational training.
Counting the Four-Year Universities
Looking strictly at four-year degree-granting institutions, Hawaii has a modest yet significant selection of universities. The count includes the public flagship land-grant university, the state’s private research institutions, and specialized colleges that have expanded their degree offerings. The following list details these primary campuses:
University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM)
University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH)
University of Hawaii–West Oahu (UHWO)
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Hawaii Pacific University (HPU)
Brigham Young University–Hawaii (BYU–Hawaii)
Hawaii Loa College
Kauai Community College (Note: While primarily a community college, it offers specific bachelor's programs, blurring the line)
The University of Hawaii System
Public Campuses
At the core of the state’s public higher education is the University of Hawaii System, a multi-campus institution that functions as a single university with distinct locations. This system is the primary provider of state-funded education and research. It is accurate to state that the University of Hawaii operates three primary public campuses, each serving different regions and academic needs. Counting the system as one entity gives Hawaii one major public university, but counting the individual campuses provides a clearer picture of access for students across the islands.
