Here are the best schools in Honolulu. Use this guide to compare accredited programs, program lengths, and licensing steps in Hawaii. Construction, healthcare, and hospitality are steady employers on Oahu, and many skilled trades pay above national averages in Hawaii[^1].
Top Trade Schools in Honolulu
#1
Chaminade University of Honolulu
📍
Honolulu, HI
•In-state option
Located in Honolulu, HI Chaminade University of Honolulu is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Criminal Justice, Environmental Science Technology, and Interior Design.
Located in Hilo, HI University of Hawaii at Hilo is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Criminal Justice and Art and Design Foundations.
Located in Honolulu, HI University of Hawaii at Manoa is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Dental Assistant, Dental Hygiene, and Digital Media Technology.
Located in Honolulu, HI Hawaii Pacific University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, and Art and Design Foundations.
Located in Honolulu, HI Honolulu Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Beauty Cosmetology, Carpenter, and Carpentry.
Located in Honolulu, HI Kapiolani Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Dental Assistant.
Located in Lihue, HI Kauai Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Carpenter.
Commercial and residential projects, defense facilities, and solar keep demand steady on Oahu. Hawaii’s electrician pay is among the highest compared to national averages, and licensed journey workers are competitive statewide[^1].
Pathways include Honolulu CC’s Electrical Installation program and IBEW 1186 apprenticeship placements.
HVAC/R Technician
Hotels, hospitals, high-rise buildings, and data rooms need HVAC techs for chiller, split, and VRF systems. EPA 608 is required to work with refrigerants[^7]. Hawaii pay for HVAC mechanics is strong relative to national figures[^1].
Honolulu CC’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning program aligns with industry needs in the islands’ humid climate.
Welder
Shipyard work at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, structural steel, and fabrication shops drive demand. Many employers prefer AWS structural codes for process qualification.
Honolulu CC’s Welding Technology provides common processes used in marine and structural applications.
Plumber
High-rise, hotel renovation, and retrofit projects keep plumbers busy. Licensed journey workers and contractor RMEs are in demand, and wages are typically well above the national median in Hawaii[^1].
Apprenticeships coordinated with unions and UH programs are the standard route.
Median salaries reflect the latest OEWS release; national data shown when state medians are unavailable.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. State data (Hawaii) shown where available; national OEWS values used when state data is unavailable. Job growth reflects projected U.S. change for each trade.
Licensing Requirements in Hawaii
Electricians and Plumbers
Regulator: DCCA Professional & Vocational Licensing, Board of Electricians and Plumbers[^4].
Journey Worker Electrician (EJ) and Journey Worker Plumber (PJ):
Complete a state-registered apprenticeship with required on-the-job hours and classroom instruction.
Submit application to the Board, verify experience and training, and pass the licensure exam.
Maintain license and meet any continuing education the Board requires.
Supervising or independent contracting:
If you will contract directly with clients, you must hold or work under a licensed contractor. See the Contractors License Board for classifications, experience, and Responsible Managing Employee (RME) requirements[^5].
HVAC/R Technicians
No standalone state HVAC technician license to work as an employee. Common requirements:
EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants[^7].
Employer or union apprenticeship training and proof of OJT.
To contract independently for HVAC, you need a Hawaii C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning contractor license through the Contractors License Board, including experience, exam, and financial responsibility[^5].
Welders
No state welder license to be employed as a welder.
Employers and projects often require AWS structural or pressure certifications; marine work may require additional site or federal clearances.
Welding contractors must hold the appropriate Hawaii contractor classification if bidding work directly[^5].
Cosmetology and Barbering
Regulator: DCCA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology[^6].
Complete a board-approved program, meet required training hours, pass written and practical exams, then apply for licensure.
Maintain license renewal as required by the Board.
Always review the latest forms, fees, and experience requirements on the DCCA website before you apply[^4][^5][^6].
Online & Flexible Options
Honolulu CC and Kapiʻolani CC offer hybrid and evening courses in many programs. General education and some technical theory can be online, with labs on campus.
Hawaiʻi Medical College runs hybrid schedules for several healthcare programs, useful for working adults[^2].
PCATT delivers short evening and weekend bootcamps for IT certifications, which pair well with facilities or low-voltage roles.
For HVAC, many technicians complete EPA 608 self-study modules online before testing[^7].
Apprenticeships often blend paid on-the-job training with evening related instruction, which helps career changers keep income while upskilling[^4].
If you plan to work independently, review Hawaii contractor licensing classifications early[^5]. If you plan to work as an employee, focus on accredited training, certifications, and an apprenticeship that matches your goal trade.
[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Hawaii statewide data, May 2023.
[^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator, institutional accreditation and program listings for the schools named.
[^4]: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional & Vocational Licensing, Board of Electricians and Plumbers.
[^5]: Hawaii DCCA, Contractors License Board, license classifications and RME requirements.
[^6]: Hawaii DCCA, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, licensing requirements and exams.
[^7]: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Section 608 Technician Certification.
[^8]: O*NET OnLine, occupation outlook profiles for Electricians, HVAC Mechanics, Plumbers, and Welders.
Meet the author:Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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