TradeSchools.review
Industry Certified

The Best Trade Schools in Makawao, Hawaii

Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Makawao.

3
Training Programs
4.3
Average Rating

Top Trade Schools in Makawao

1

Elite Welding Academy

Elite Welding Academy LLC

★★★★☆
4.7/5

Elite Welding Academy has quickly established itself as Hawaiʻi's premier welding school, serving students from all islands including Maui residents from Makawao. The academy offers intensive, hands-on welding programs with AWS certifications and exceptional job placement rates exceeding 90%. Training includes structural, pipe, and specialized welding techniques using industry-standard equipment. The school maintains strong relationships with Hawaiʻi's construction, shipbuilding, and industrial sectors, providing direct employment pathways. While based on Oahu, the academy accommodates neighbor island students with flexible scheduling and has produced numerous skilled welders working on Maui projects, making it a top choice for welding careers serving the Makawao region.

Experience:8 years
Reviews:42 student reviews
94-546 Ukee St, Waipahu, HI 96797

Programs Offered:

Welding CertificationPipe WeldingStructural WeldingUnderwater Welding PrepWelding Inspector Training
2

University of Hawaiʻi Maui College

University of Hawaiʻi System

★★★★☆
4.2/5

UH Maui College is the primary vocational and technical training institution serving Maui County, including Makawao. The college offers comprehensive trade programs with strong industry partnerships and high job placement rates. Programs feature hands-on training, state-of-the-art facilities, and industry-recognized certifications. The Automotive Technology program is NATEF-certified, while the Construction Academy provides pathways to carpentry, electrical, and HVAC careers. Located just 15 minutes from Makawao in Kahului, the college serves as the region's main hub for skilled trades education with excellent instructor qualifications and strong graduate employment outcomes.

Experience:52 years
Reviews:89 student reviews
310 Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI 96732

Programs Offered:

Automotive TechnologyCarpentryCulinary ArtsElectrical Installation & MaintenanceHVACWelding
3

Honolulu Community College

University of Hawaiʻi System

★★★★☆
4.1/5

While located on Oahu, Honolulu CC serves students from across Hawaiʻi, including Maui residents, with some of the state's most comprehensive trade programs. The college offers exceptional vocational training with industry-standard equipment and strong apprenticeship pathways. Their Automotive Technology program is ASE-certified, and the Construction Academy provides direct pathways to high-demand trades. The school maintains strong industry connections throughout the islands, with many graduates securing positions on Maui. For Makawao residents willing to relocate or participate in intensive training blocks, Honolulu CC represents one of Hawaiʻi's top trade education options with proven job placement success.

Experience:75 years
Reviews:127 student reviews
874 Dillingham Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96817

Programs Offered:

Automotive TechnologyCarpentryElectrical Engineering TechnologyHVACPlumbingWelding Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main trade school options available to residents of Makawao, Hawaii?

While Makawao itself has limited on-site trade schools, residents typically attend programs at nearby institutions like the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College in Kahului (about 15 minutes away) for comprehensive programs, or travel to Oʻahu for specialized training at Honolulu Community College or Elite Welding Academy. Many programs offer hybrid or online components to accommodate Maui residents.

Which trade programs at University of Hawaiʻi Maui College are most in-demand for local Maui employers?

For the Maui region including Makawao, programs in Carpentry, Electrical Installation & Maintenance, HVAC, and Culinary Arts are particularly sought after due to ongoing construction, tourism infrastructure needs, and resort maintenance. The Automotive Technology program also has strong local demand given Maui's reliance on transportation and vehicle services.

How can someone in Makawao get welding certification without moving to Oʻahu?

While Elite Welding Academy's main campus is on Oʻahu, they occasionally offer Maui-based workshops and intensive courses. Alternatively, University of Hawaiʻi Maui College offers Welding Technology programs that provide foundational training, with options to complete advanced certifications through arranged partnerships or temporary relocation for specialized programs like underwater welding preparation.

What financial aid or local scholarship opportunities exist for Makawao residents pursuing trade careers?

Maui County residents can access Hawaiʻi Community Foundation scholarships, University of Hawaiʻi system financial aid, and workforce development grants through the Maui Economic Development Board. Additionally, many local unions and contractor associations on Maui offer apprenticeship sponsorships for electrical, plumbing, and carpentry students from Makawao and surrounding communities.

Are there apprenticeship programs specifically connecting Makawao trade school graduates with Maui employers?

Yes, the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College's Career and Counseling Center facilitates connections with Maui-based employers through structured apprenticeship programs in construction trades, hospitality (culinary arts), and renewable energy technology. Local contractors' associations and the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association actively recruit from these programs for positions across the island.

Finding Your Path in Plumbing: Exploring Programs Near Makawao, HI

If you're living in Makawao and searching for 'plumbing programs near me,' you're looking at a career path with deep roots and bright prospects right here on Maui. The skilled trades are the backbone of our island communities, and plumbing is a profession that offers not just job security but a genuine sense of contribution. As homes and businesses across Upcountry Maui and the island continue to grow and require maintenance, the demand for qualified, licensed plumbers remains consistently strong. This isn't just a job; it's a vital service that keeps our water clean, our homes safe, and our infrastructure functioning.

While Makawao itself is a smaller, close-knit town, excellent educational resources are within reach on the island and across the state. The most prominent local institution offering plumbing education is the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College in Kahului, just a short drive down the mountain. Their programs are designed with Hawaii's specific needs in mind, covering everything from basic pipefitting to complex system design, all while adhering to state and county codes. For those willing to look further, Honolulu Community College offers robust plumbing curricula, though this would involve relocation or creative planning. It's worth exploring all options, as each program has its own strengths, schedules, and apprenticeship connections.

The local job market for plumbers in Maui County is particularly promising. New construction, from residential developments in Kihei and Lahaina's recovery efforts to commercial projects in Central Maui, requires skilled plumbers. Furthermore, the ongoing need for maintenance and repair in existing homes, hotels, and agricultural facilities across Upcountry provides a steady stream of work. As a plumber trained in Hawaii, you understand the unique challenges of island infrastructure, from catchment systems to corrosion from the salty air, making your expertise highly valuable. Many successful plumbers on Maui start as apprentices through a union or a local company, often while completing their classroom training, creating a powerful earn-while-you-learn model.

Beginning your search for 'plumbing programs near me' is the first practical step toward a rewarding career. Reach out to the admissions offices at UH Maui College, talk to local plumbing contractors in Makawao and Kahului about apprenticeship opportunities, and connect with industry organizations. The path to becoming a journeyman and eventually a master plumber in Hawaii is clear, and it starts with quality education. By investing in this trade, you're not just building a career; you're becoming an essential part of maintaining the health and comfort of your own community, ensuring that the beauty of Maui is matched by the reliability of its homes and businesses.

Nearby Cities

Explore trade schools in cities near Makawao:

About Trade Schools in Makawao

Makawao, 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.