Leeward Community College

Leeward Community College (LCC), established in 1968, is a public two-year community college located in Pearl City (Pu‘uloa), on the island of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. As one of ten campuses in the University of Hawaiʻi system, it is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and operates under an open-admissions policy-making higher education accessible to anyone 18 years or older or holding a GED or high school diploma. The college supports a student body of around 6,500 undergraduates, with an average class size of 21 and a 20:1 student-instructor ratio. LCC offers a broad range of programs, including approximately 79 associate degrees and certificates in liberal arts, career-technical education, sustainable agriculture, digital media, Hawaiian studies, and more.

More than just an academic institution, LCC serves as a cultural and community hub. It proudly affirms a special commitment to Native Hawaiian success, reflected in campus design elements inspired by native symbols like the Ka‘ahupāhau shark and honu (turtle) motif. The college operates two campuses-the main Pu‘uloa Campus and the Wai‘anae Moku Education Center-serving diverse island communities. Students benefit from modern facilities such as the Leeward Theatre, Hō‘ikeākea art gallery, solar-powered parking canopies, and a Skyline rail station (Hālaulani) located directly on campus for convenient access.

With strong transfer agreements-especially within the University of Hawaiʻi system and with other institutions-LCC provides academic pathways that support both continuing education and direct entry into the workforce. The college also offers English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, community outreach, and workforce development initiatives, making it a vital educational resource for the region.

Leeward Community College combines high-quality instruction, cultural awareness, and practical training, all within a welcoming island environment. It remains committed to supporting its students’ personal growth and professional success while enriching the broader community through education and engagement.