Honolulu stands as a center for education and research, housing prestigious colleges, universities, research institutions, and public libraries. The city's dedication to academic excellence and international collaboration makes it a key player in global education and policy development.

Higher Education

Honolulu boasts several colleges and universities, including Honolulu Community College, Kapiolani Community College, Chaminade University, Hawaii Pacific University, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa also serves as the administrative headquarters for the University of Hawaiʻi System, overseeing higher education across the state.

Research and Policy Institutes

Honolulu is home to three leading Asia-Pacific research institutions. The Pacific Forum, located on Bishop Street, is one of the world's premier organizations focusing on Asia-Pacific policy. The East-West Center (EWC), established by Congress in 1960, fosters understanding and cooperation among the U.S., Asia, and the Pacific. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS), based in Waikiki, operates under the U.S. Department of Defense to enhance regional security and support U.S. Pacific Command initiatives.

Public and Private Schools

The Hawaii Department of Education manages Honolulu’s public school system, which includes notable high schools like Wallace Rider Farrington, Kaiser, Kaimuki, Kalani, Moanalua, William McKinley, and Theodore Roosevelt. Additionally, the Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind provides specialized education for students with disabilities, and the University Laboratory School operates as a charter school.

Honolulu has a high private school enrollment rate, with approximately 38% of K-12 students attending private institutions. Prominent private schools include Punahou School, Kamehameha Schools, ʻIolani School, Maryknoll School, Damien Memorial School, and Sacred Hearts Academy, among others.

Public Libraries and Weekend Language Schools

The Hawaii State Public Library System oversees numerous libraries across Honolulu, including the Hawaii State Library, which serves as the system’s main branch. The Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped provides specialized resources for disabled individuals.

Honolulu also offers weekend educational programs, such as the Hawaiʻi Japanese School – Rainbow Gakuen, which serves the Japanese expatriate community. Additional programs provide instruction in Chinese, Spanish, and other languages, reflecting the city’s diverse and multicultural population.

With a strong foundation in higher education, research, and global learning, Honolulu continues to be a leader in fostering academic excellence and international cooperation.