High Schools in Hawaii
Construction Career Pathway Schools in Hawaii
Hawaii supports Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in construction through the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) and the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges (UHCC). These align with the Architecture & Construction career cluster, offering certifications like NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) Core/Level 1, OSHA-10, and industry credentials in areas such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, masonry, and construction management. Programs emphasize hands-on training, dual enrollment, apprenticeships, and work-based learning, often through initiatives like the UHCC Construction Academy (established in 2006 for high school students to earn college credits). Over 5,000 students participate in CTE programs annually, with a focus on Native Hawaiian career pathways and sustainable building practices.
Below is a compiled list from HIDOE resources, UHCC, and CTE directories. It’s organized by type (high school districts and community/junior colleges) and includes key program details. This is not exhaustive (Hawaii has over 250 public schools with CTE elements); for full listings, visit HIDOE’s CTE page (hawaiipublicschools.org/TeachingAndLearning/CTE) or UHCC (uhcc.hawaii.edu/programs).
High School Districts with Construction Pathways
These public schools offer CTE at the middle and high school levels, often with NCCER-aligned courses and dual-credit options through UHCC’s Construction Academy. Programs are available on multiple islands, focusing on building trades and technical skills.
| District/School | Location (Island) | Program Details |
|---|---|---|
| Kohala High School | Kapaʻau, HI (Hawaiʻi Island) | Building & Construction Pathway; NCCER Core-aligned; Hands-on trades including carpentry, welding, masonry, and hollow-block tiling; Work-based learning with local contractors; Part of HIDOE’s Industrial Arts CTE. |
| McKinley Community School for Adults | Honolulu, HI (Oʻahu) | Construction Trades Pathway; NCCER Fundamentals; Adult/high school completion program with carpentry, electrical, and OSHA-10; Dual enrollment with Honolulu Community College. |
| Farrington High School | Honolulu, HI (Oʻahu) | Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Pathway; NCCER Core; Includes drafting, building maintenance, and HVAC; Work-based learning via UHCC dual enrollment; Engineering Academy focus. |
| Kaiser High School | Honolulu, HI (Oʻahu) | Construction Technology Pathway; NCCER-aligned industrial arts; Focuses on carpentry, welding, and sustainable construction; Part of HIDOE’s AEC cluster. |
| Kaimuki High School | Honolulu, HI (Oʻahu) | Building Trades Pathway; NCCER Core via Summer CTE Academy; Hands-on carpentry and masonry; Apprenticeships with Hawaii Carpenters Union. |
| Roosevelt High School | Honolulu, HI (Oʻahu) | Construction Management Pathway; NCCER Fundamentals; Includes blueprint reading and site layout; Dual enrollment with Honolulu CC AEC program. |
| Waipahu High School | Waipahu, HI (Oʻahu) | Construction Trades Pathway; NCCER-aligned; Carpentry, welding, and HVAC; Work-based learning with local trades; Academy of Natural Resources integration. |
| Baldwin High School | Wailuku, HI (Maui) | AEC Pathway; NCCER Core; Includes building maintenance and sustainable construction; Ties to NHCTEP grants for Native Hawaiian students. |
| Lahainaluna High School | Lahaina, HI (Maui) | Construction Pathway; NCCER-aligned trades; Carpentry and masonry; Post-2023 fire recovery focus with apprenticeships. |
| Kauaʻi High School | Līhuʻe, HI (Kauaʻi) | Building Construction Pathway; NCCER Fundamentals; Includes electrical and welding; Dual enrollment with Kauaʻi CC. |
| Aiea High School | Aiea, HI (Oʻahu) | Innovation Academy; NCCER certifications; Focus on building and construction with technical skills. |
| Campbell High School | Ewa Beach, HI (Oʻahu) | Academy of Science Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math; NCCER-aligned construction courses; Hands-on engineering and trades. |
| Castle High School | Kaneohe, HI (Oʻahu) | Academy of Innovations; NCCER certifications; Building and construction pathway with innovation focus. |
| Kapa`a High School | Kapaʻa, HI (Kauaʻi) | Academy of Industrial Engineering Technology; NCCER-aligned; Industrial trades including construction. |
| Kapolei High School | Kapolei, HI (Oʻahu) | Building and Construction Academy; NCCER certifications; Dedicated construction trades program. |
| Molokai High School | Hoʻolehua, HI (Molokaʻi) | Residential and Commercial Construction – Academy of Community Service and Sustainability; NCCER-aligned; Focus on sustainable building. |
| Waiakea High School | Hilo, HI (Hawaiʻi Island) | Business, Engineering, Sciences and Technology; NCCER certifications; Construction integrated with engineering. |