The Best Trade Schools in Kahului, Hawaii
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Kahului.
Top Trade Schools in Kahului
Honolulu Trade School
Honolulu Trade School Management
Honolulu Trade School is one of Hawaii's premier trade institutions serving all major islands including Maui. They offer comprehensive hands-on training programs with industry-standard equipment and certifications. The school maintains strong partnerships with local unions and contractors, boasting a 92% job placement rate. Programs include AWS-certified welding, EPA 608 HVAC certification, and electrical apprentice training with small class sizes and experienced instructors from the trades.
Programs Offered:
Hawaii Technology Institute
HTI Educational Services
Hawaii Technology Institute provides specialized technical training with programs designed for Hawaii's unique employment needs. They offer ASE-certified automotive programs, EPA 608 Universal Certification for HVAC, and electrical systems training. The institution features modern labs with industry-current equipment and maintains a 88% graduate employment rate. Many Maui residents commute for their intensive, career-focused programs that include job placement assistance and financial aid options.
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Honolulu Community College Trade Programs
University of Hawaii System
Honolulu Community College offers some of the most respected trade programs in Hawaii, serving students from all islands including Maui residents. Their programs lead to industry certifications and associate degrees with strong articulation agreements with apprenticeship programs. The college maintains a 90% placement rate for trade graduates and features state-of-the-art facilities including a full automotive technology center, construction labs, and electrical training facilities. Programs are taught by master tradespeople with extensive field experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any trade schools or vocational training campuses located directly in Kahului, Maui?
While there are no major standalone trade school campuses in Kahului itself, students on Maui typically access programs through the University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC) in Kahului, which offers career and technical education. For more specialized or extensive programs, residents often consider commuting to Oahu to attend institutions like Honolulu Community College or the Hawaii Technology Institute, or explore online/hybrid options.
What are the most in-demand trade careers for graduates in the Kahului and Maui region?
In the Kahului and Maui area, there is consistent demand for skilled tradespeople in Building Maintenance, HVAC/R (due to the climate), Electrical Installation, and Plumbing, driven by the tourism industry, ongoing construction, and residential needs. Automotive Technology is also relevant for supporting the local transportation and rental car industries. These trades offer stable career opportunities on the island.
Can I complete a trade certification like Welding or Electrical Training entirely on Maui, or do I need to go to Oahu?
You can begin or complete certain certifications at University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC) in Kahului, which offers programs in areas like Carpentry and Automotive Mechanics. However, for some specialized certifications in Welding Technology or more advanced Electrical Systems training, you may need to attend short-term intensive courses on Oahu at schools like Honolulu Community College, as they have more extensive facilities. It's best to check UHMC's current offerings first.
How do local trade programs in Hawaii, like those at Honolulu Community College, accommodate students from Kahului, Maui?
Programs on Oahu, such as those at Honolulu Community College, often accommodate Neighbor Island students like those from Kahului through condensed scheduling (e.g., intensive weekend or week-long modules), some online theory components, and assistance with finding temporary housing. Financial aid and scholarships specific to Hawaii residents can also help offset travel and accommodation costs for required on-campus hands-on training.
What apprenticeship opportunities are available for trade students in the Kahului area after completing a program?
After completing a trade program at UHMC or another institution, students in Kahului can seek apprenticeships with local unions (like the IBEW for electricians or the UA for plumbers), Maui County government, large resorts for maintenance roles, or construction firms involved in Maui's development projects. The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations also lists registered apprenticeships available across the islands, including opportunities on Maui.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Kahului
Kahului, Hawaii offers a variety of vocational training programs and trade schools for students looking to launch careers in skilled trades. Our comprehensive directory helps you find the best programs based on instructor quality, job placement rates, certifications, and student reviews.
Browse through local trade schools offering programs in welding, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, automotive, and more. Each school has been evaluated using our rigorous 5-star rating system to help you make the best choice for your career goals.