University of Hawaii-West Oahu

The University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu (UHWO) stands as a vibrant and rapidly expanding pillar of public education within the University of Hawaiʻi system. Located in Kapolei, Hawaii, UHWO has distinguished itself as the fastest-growing public baccalaureate college in the U.S. in 2019, attracting a remarkably diverse student population. It serves as a crucial gateway to higher education, particularly for residents of Leeward Oʻahu, and strongly upholds the study of Hawaiian language, history, and culture, weaving it into its academic fabric.

Born from the vision to provide greater access to higher education on Oʻahu, UHWO first opened its doors in January 1976 as an upper-division college. Over the years, it evolved significantly, gaining WASC accreditation in 1981 and expanding its reach through outreach programs to neighboring islands. A pivotal transformation occurred in 2007 when it added first- and second-year subjects, officially becoming a comprehensive four-year institution. This growth culminated in a move to its state-of-the-art campus in Kapolei in 2012, marking a new chapter in its history.

UHWO offers robust baccalaureate degrees in both liberal arts and professional studies, designed to prepare students for a dynamic future. Recognizing the diverse needs of its student body, the university is a leader in distance learning within the University of Hawaiʻi system, reaching students across the entire state. With a significant percentage of part-time and online students, UHWO provides flexible pathways to academic success, fostering an inclusive environment where students from various backgrounds can thrive and achieve their educational goals.