If you look into colleges in Hawaii, you will likely come across Honolulu Community College at least once.

At first, you might think, "Isn't it just a school to attend briefly before going to a four-year university since it's a community college?"

However, Honolulu Community College, abbreviated as HonCC, is a public community college that is part of the University of Hawai'i system.

It is located at 874 Dillingham Blvd. in Honolulu and has a history of over 100 years, having started in 1920.

Its strengths lie particularly in vocational education. It offers programs in automotive maintenance, auto body repair, diesel mechanics, aircraft maintenance, carpentry, electrical installation and maintenance, refrigeration and air conditioning, and welding. Additionally, it runs courses in computer security and networking, fashion, beauty, early childhood education, fire science, and emergency response.

Currently, the school offers 22 Associate Degrees and 31 Certificates across more than 23 academic programs.

This makes it a very practical choice for those looking to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Conversely, it is not mandatory to only receive vocational training from the start.

There are also Liberal Arts courses available, allowing students to complete necessary general education requirements and consider transferring to a four-year university like UH Mānoa.

So, how much is the tuition, which is probably the most curious aspect? For the 2026-27 academic year, the tuition for lower division courses for Hawaii residents is $131 per credit.

If you take 12 credits in a full-time semester, it amounts to $1,572, and if you attend both the fall and spring semesters, the total tuition for the year is $3,144.

This is surprisingly affordable. For non-residents of Hawaii, the cost increases to $345 per credit. For 12 credits, that means $4,140 for one semester and $8,280 for the year.

Thus, depending on residency status, there can be a difference of $5,136 in annual tuition.

In addition, there are small mandatory fees for student activities, media, and student government.

However, one should not think, "I can go to college for just a little over $3,000 a year."

That amount only accounts for tuition. According to the 2026-27 Cost of Attendance published by the school, the estimated annual cost for a full-time Hawaii resident taking 12 credits living with parents or relatives is $18,944, which includes tuition, books, food, transportation, and personal expenses.

For students living alone and renting off-campus, the estimated cost can rise to $35,010.

Ultimately, housing costs are a significant issue in Hawaii. While tuition itself is affordable, the overall cost of college life increases significantly due to rent and food expenses. Therefore, for students who already have family in Honolulu and can commute from home, the economic advantages of HonCC become much greater.

It is also important to look into financial aid. HonCC has a Financial Aid Office where students can apply for federal financial aid. After submitting the FAFSA, eligibility for support, including Pell Grants, is determined based on the student's income and family circumstances, so there is no reason to think, "Community colleges are cheap, so I don't need financial aid."

For Korean students, this can also be a very realistic option. Especially for those already living in Hawaii and looking to learn skills in automotive, electrical, aircraft maintenance, refrigeration and air conditioning, or computer networking, there is no need to only consider expensive four-year universities.

Conversely, if the goal is to obtain a four-year degree, one could consider completing foundational courses at HonCC at a relatively low cost before transferring.

Ultimately, the greatest appeal of Honolulu Community College is not simply that it is a "cheap school."

For Hawaii residents, the clear price competitiveness of $1,572 per semester for 12 credits is significant, and the ability to choose between vocational training and university transfer paths within the same school is a major advantage.

If what you do after graduation is more important than the name of the college, HonCC is definitely a school worth seriously considering in Honolulu.