What Is It Known For?
Kapi‘olani Community College takes its name from Julia Kapi’olani Nāpela-Kapu-o-Kaka’e, a chiefess whom her people cherished as Queen Kapi’olani. Her legacy lives on through this institution that serves over 5,000 students.
The college began in 1957 as Kapi’olani Technical School, focused on practical training in areas like nursing, hospitality, and business.
When it joined the University of Hawai‘i system in 1965, it was renamed to Kapi‘olani Community College. It then expanded its academic offerings and developed clearer pathways for students planning to transfer into four-year degree programs. Continuing education courses were also included for adults looking to upskill.
Today, the campus occupies 44 acres near Lēʻahi and sits just minutes from Waikīkī, offering students a scenic and accessible learning environment.
Degrees & Certifications
Students at Kapiʻolani Community College can study through several broad program areas, including:
- Liberal Arts
- Arts, Humanities, & Literature
- Business & Related Fields
- Computer Science & Information Technology
- Culinary & Hospitality
- Education
- Healthcare
Degrees offered include the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Technical Studies. Certificate options range from Certificates of Achievement and Competence to Academic Subject Certificates and Advanced Professional Certificates. You can pursue career and technical education, transfer programs, or continuing education and training.
Class Schedules
At Kapiʻolani Community College, in-person classes are available, along with hybrid and fully online classes. Distance learning may be synchronous or asynchronous, giving students the ability to learn at a pace or schedule that works for them. Day and evening options help those balancing school with other responsibilities.
Many healthcare programs also include required clinical training/ externships, giving students a chance to work directly in supervised settings.
Is It a Good School?
Kapiolani Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, part of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Several career and technical programs hold additional approvals from professional organizations, which helps validate the quality of training offered.
Acceptance Rate
Kapiʻolani Community College follows an open-admission approach for applicants who meet its entry guidelines.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Resident tuition at Kapiʻolani Community College is $131 per credit. Non-resident tuition is $345 per credit, while students who qualify for the Pacific Isle Institution Non-Resident Exemption pay $196.50 per credit. For a personalized estimate, the school provides a net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business (Entrepreneurship)
- Hospitality & Tourism
Criminal Justice & Law
- Paralegal
Healthcare
- Certified Nurse Aide
- Dental Assisting
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Massage Therapy
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomy
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Care
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Lab Technician
- Nursing
Professional Services
- Culinary Arts
Technology
- Information Technology
- Database Science
Campus Locations
Honolulu 4303 Diamond Head Rd Honolulu, HI 96816
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC) is highly praised for its unique, beautiful campus and successful preparation for transfer to the University of Hawaiʻi (UH). However, the school faces specific criticisms regarding parking, military friendliness, and administrative responsiveness.
Overall Score: 4.5/5 Stars
Common Praises
Stunning Campus and Views: KCC is frequently called the “most beautiful campus on island” with “amazing views” of Waikiki and Diamond Head. The campus environment is described as laid back and conducive to “exploration, growth and academic wonder.”
The Famous Cactus Garden: The school is a tourist and community draw due to its “most amazing cactus garden,” which reviewers call a “must see” and a “different planet” experience, often accidentally stumbled upon by visitors from the nearby Diamond Head trails.
Effective Transfer and Academics: The college is highly recommended as a “perfect place to start” core classes before transferring to UH, particularly for nursing. Professors are called “fantastic” and “very cool,” and free academic services like math tutors are appreciated.
Excellent Farmers Market: The weekly KCC Farmers Market is a huge community draw, praised for its “incredible food,” “fresh vegetables and fruits,” and wide variety of local treats, making it a “must stop” on Saturday mornings.
Good Cafeteria/Food: The on-campus food service is noted for its “excellent” offerings, including vegetarian options and great baked goods like cookies.
Common Criticisms
Poor Administrative/Counseling Responsiveness: Reviewers complain that attempting to contact the school by phone is a “waste of time,” with staff and counselors “hardly pick[ing] up.” The “best bet is to go in person,” though staff lunch breaks and clock-out times are noted as obstacles.
Lack of Military Friendliness: One severe criticism claims the school is “Not a military friendly college,” specifically noting that online courses are “NOT fully online,” creating barriers for military spouses and service members who require flexibility.
Inconsistent Parking/Access: Despite one old review mentioning “free parking,” another notes that parking is “available only for students and staff,” and one complaint targets “extremely rude Parking security,” suggesting inconsistent and restrictive visitor parking experiences.
Nuisance Issues: Minor complaints include issues with mosquitoes that the school does not fully address (only using repellant coils) and potential overcrowding/noise at the popular farmers market.
Momentum
The campus’s physical beauty and the farmers market remain perpetual draws, receiving highly positive recent reviews (within the last year). Academic and transfer success are also long-standing positives. However, the administrative accessibility issues and the criticism of military spouse support are significant pain points that have persisted in reviews over the years, suggesting potential systemic areas for improvement.