Is a research university right for me?–

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students. Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines. Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel. Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well. Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Is an online college right for me?–

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available. Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online. Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college. Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands. Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain. Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving. If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc. The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors. Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions. If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii 2025

Q: Is a liberal arts college right for me?–

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students. Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom). Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers. Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Badge for BEST IN HAWAII LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Updated: Nov 14, 2024

Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Hawaii offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.

Key Takeaways

With excellent student-to-faculty ratios, the best liberal arts colleges in Hawaii offer personalized attention, fostering close interactions between students and professors.
The best liberal arts colleges in Hawaii boast a highly diverse student body, fostering a multicultural atmosphere that enriches the educational experience and prepares students for global engagement.
The unique geographic location of the colleges in our ranking offer unparalleled access to natural environments, enabling hands-on learning opportunities in fields such as marine biology, environmental science, and geology, directly leveraging Hawaii’s diverse ecosystems.

Table of Contents

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii in 2025

Hawaii Pacific University
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Brigham Young University–Hawaii
University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu
+1
University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
–1

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top schools in our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges in Hawaii remained fairly stable. The University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu gained the top ranking position as the university now features an upgraded Digital Media Complex, providing state-of-the-art facilities for creative and technology-focused majors.

Additionally, the Keoneʻae station, part of Honolulu’s Skyline metro system, opened in June 2023, offering students convenient and sustainable transportation options directly to the campus. These developments, combined with UH West Oʻahu’s commitment to academic excellence, aim to create a more dynamic and accessible learning environment for students.

A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 5 liberal arts colleges in Hawaii. To be ranked among the 30 best liberal arts colleges in Hawaii, schools must fully accredited institutions.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii

Last Year’s Ranking:
1. Hawaii Pacific University
2. Chaminade University of Honolulu
3. Brigham Young University–Hawaii
4. University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
5. University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu
#1
Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu , HI
#1 Best Private Colleges in Hawaii 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2025 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Hawaii 2024
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
45%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/23
Career Outlook for degree at Hawaii Pacific University
Cost of Degree: $36,080
Expenses: $19,492
Starting Salary: $56,400
Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
With top-notch and passionate instructors, students at Hawaii Pacific University report having great classroom experiences as well as hands-on learning opportunities that will introduce them to new perspectives.
What we love about Hawaii Pacific University:
The International Studies program tackles global politics, sustainability, and security while allowing students to be a part of programs abroad and join Model United Nations.
Hawaii Pacific University is ideal for students who:
Plan to pursue a career in teaching English as a second language.
Hawaii Pacific University might not be the best fit for students who:
Would rather stick to classroom discussions and textbook lectures.
Hawaii Pacific University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Human Resource Development

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Public Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#2
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu , HI
#23 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Hawaii 2025 #4 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2025 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
66%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Chaminade University of Honolulu
Cost of Degree: $29,970
Expenses: $20,962
Starting Salary: $41,000
Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Chaminade University of Honolulu allows its students to explore a wide range of programs, as well as social and extracurricular events.
What we love about Chaminade University of Honolulu:
Suitable for students taking care of a family or balancing a job, the university’s Flex Online Program provides various benefits, such as monthly start dates, personalized academic counseling, and weekend classes.
Chaminade University of Honolulu is ideal for students who:
Would like to join research programs over their summer break.
Chaminade University of Honolulu might not be the best fit for students who:
Do not consider campus events and student life a priority.
Chaminade University of Honolulu’s Online Degrees
BA in Business Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Criminology And Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Early Childhood Education

Degree Concentrations
Montessori Credential

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Elementary Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Elementary Education For Oceania

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Secondary Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Special Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in English

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Historical And Political Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Religious Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#3
Brigham Young University–Hawaii
Laie , HI
#2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Hawaii 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2025
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
34%
Graduation
66%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1129/22
Career Outlook for degree at Brigham Young University–Hawaii
Cost of Degree: $6,438
Expenses: $19,386
Starting Salary: $49,100
Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
With a small student body, Brigham Young University–Hawaii delivers excellent academic programs that are rooted in the liberal arts, ethical leadership, and spiritual growth.
What we love about Brigham Young University–Hawaii:
The Seasider Activities Organization organizes various events, like fitness classes, film festivals, and game nights, to bring students together and foster a sense of community.
Brigham Young University–Hawaii is ideal for students who:
Are looking for affordable tuition rates and various funding options.
Brigham Young University–Hawaii might not be the best fit for students who:
Aren’t interested in well-maintained fitness centers and gym facilities.
Compare school
#4
University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu
Kapolei , HI
#4 Best Public Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Hawaii
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
33%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1110/19
Career Outlook for degree at University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu
Cost of Degree: $7,584
Starting Salary: $41,100
With a diverse and inclusive community, the University of Hawaiʻi - West Oʻahu makes sure that its students have access to experiential learning activities paired with superb campus services.
What we love about the University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu:
The humanities program comes with a concentration in Hawaiian-Pacific studies that tackles in-depth knowledge of Oceania, its history, culture, and some major issues it’s facing.
The University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu is ideal for students who:
Actively help out in student organizations and campus events.
The University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu might not be the best fit for students who:
Are looking for larger rooms for on-campus housing.
University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration

Degree Concentrations
General Business
Accounting
Hospitality And Tourism
Management
Marketing

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Public Administration

Degree Concentrations
Disaster Preparedness And Emergency Management
Justice Administration
Community Health
General Public Administration
Healthcare Administration
Long-Term Care

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Social Sciences

Degree Concentrations
Early Childhood Education
Political Science
Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#5
University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
Kahului , HI
#3 Best Public Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Hawaii
Tuition + fees
$3K
Graduation
27%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
Cost of Degree: $3,284
Starting Salary: $34,200
Boasting a tight-knit student community, the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College offers an array of program pathways that lead to growth, community impact, and leadership training.
What we love about the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College:
Aside from associate and bachelor’s degrees, the college also offers affordable short courses that cover topics such as food innovation, healthcare, and agriculture.
The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College is ideal for students who:
Prefer having different meal options through on-campus restaurants.
The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a small campus compared to UHMC’s wide array of school facilities.
University of Hawaiʻi Maui College’s Online Degrees
BS in Applied Business And Information Technology

Required Credits: 121
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school

Build your own college rankings

Hawaii’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Frequently Asked Questions About Research Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Online Colleges

In pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you will need to choose between three kinds of schools: research universities, liberal arts colleges, and online colleges.

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students.

Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines.

Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel.

Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well.
Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Learn more about research universities by reading about the best research universities in the US.

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree.

Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students.

Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom).

Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers.

Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Learn more about liberal arts colleges by reading about the best liberal arts colleges in the US.

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available.

Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online.

Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college.

Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands.

Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain.

Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving.

If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc.

The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors.

Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions.

If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii 2025

Key Takeaways

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii in 2025

2025 Ranking Update

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii

Last Year’s Ranking:

Hawaii Pacific University

Career Outlook for degree at Hawaii Pacific University

What we love about Hawaii Pacific University:

Hawaii Pacific University is ideal for students who:

Hawaii Pacific University might not be the best fit for students who:

Hawaii Pacific University’s Online Degrees

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Career Outlook for degree at Chaminade University of Honolulu

What we love about Chaminade University of Honolulu:

Chaminade University of Honolulu is ideal for students who:

Chaminade University of Honolulu might not be the best fit for students who:

Chaminade University of Honolulu’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Brigham Young University–Hawaii

Career Outlook for degree at Brigham Young University–Hawaii

What we love about Brigham Young University–Hawaii:

Brigham Young University–Hawaii is ideal for students who:

Brigham Young University–Hawaii might not be the best fit for students who:

University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu

Career Outlook for degree at University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu

What we love about the University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu:

The University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu is ideal for students who:

The University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu might not be the best fit for students who:

University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

University of Hawaiʻi Maui College

Career Outlook for degree at University of Hawaiʻi Maui College

What we love about the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College:

The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College is ideal for students who:

The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College might not be the best fit for students who:

University of Hawaiʻi Maui College’s Online Degrees

Hawaii’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest