State School Rankings

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Hawaii Ranked For 2026

Review automotive school records in Hawaii, including current admission status and changes to training options.

Hawaii geographic illustration for the best auto mechanic schools in Hawaii guide
Hawaii · Geographic Illustration
Schools Compared
5
Across The State
Annual Tuition From
$3,144
Institution-Wide · 2024–25
Hawaii Median Pay
$52,160
Automotive Mechanics · May 2025
Hawaii Employment
2,710
Occupation-Wide · BLS OEWS

The best auto mechanic schools in Hawaii are five verified community-college options: Honolulu Community College, Kauai Community College, Leeward Community College, University of Hawaii Maui College, and Hawaii Community College. Their automotive programs report 157 awards across certificates and associate's degrees, while Hawaii's May 2025 BLS OEWS median wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $52,160.

Each school gives you a different campus and award mix. Honolulu reports 19 awards and a 25% schoolwide graduation rate; Kauai reports 49 awards and 48%; Leeward reports 38 and 35%; Maui reports 14 and 28%; Hawaii Community College reports 37 and 33%. All five list $3,144 annual in-state tuition in the supplemental school reports.

Compare The Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Hawaii

Ranked schools receive a comparison score from automotive credential awards (50%), annual institution-wide tuition (30%), and schoolwide graduation rate (20%). These measures help compare reported scale, cost, and institutional completion. Read The Full Ranking Method.

Additional options verified through official school pages appear without a numerical ranking. Their federal automotive reporting uses a different program classification.

SchoolLocationAnnual In-State TuitionAutomotive Awards
Kauai Community CollegeLihue, HI$3,14449
Leeward Community CollegePearl City, HI$3,14438
Hawaii Community CollegeHilo, HI$3,14437
Honolulu Community CollegeHonolulu, HI$3,14419
University of Hawaii Maui CollegeKahului, HI$3,14414

Tuition is the institution’s annual undergraduate figure for 2024–25, excluding fees, tools, housing, and other expenses. Awards are credentials reported in 2023–24, not a count of unique graduates. Blank cells indicate an omitted measure.

Additional Automotive Training Options In Hawaii

Lihue, HI

Kauai Community College

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Stackable Certificates With Hybrid And Electric Training

Kauai suits you if you want to start with a focused certificate, add credentials as you progress, and keep hybrid, electric, diagnostic, and traditional repair work in one pathway.

Kauai Community College builds its Automotive Technology degree around a 71-credit, two-year sequence and lets you stack certificates toward larger credentials. The options include hybrid and electric vehicle technology, drivability, electronics, heavy-line repair, and master automobile service technology. Admission is first applied, first qualified, and the college requires at least a 2.0 GPA in AMT courses for graduation.

Annual In-State Tuition
$3,144
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
49
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
48%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
71-Credit Associate Degree

The Automotive Technology Associate in Applied Science requires 71 credits across four semesters. Kauai says the two-year program is offered annually and connects with other University of Hawai‘i automotive programs.

Hybrid And Electric Certificate

The Automotive Green Technology Certificate of Achievement totals 26 credits and includes three hybrid and electric vehicle courses covering introductory technology, preventive maintenance, and diagnostic and repair work.

Stackable Specializations

Kauai lists certificates in drivability, electronics and computer controls, heavy-line service, and master automobile service technology. The page describes these certificates as steps toward higher-level qualifications and the AAS.

Admission And Graduation Rules

Applicants are admitted on a first-applied, first-qualified basis. To graduate, students must earn at least a 2.0 GPA in all AMT courses and demonstrate safe, competent diagnostic and repair practice.

Pearl City, HI

Leeward Community College

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Manufacturer Pathways Alongside The General Program

Leeward is a strong fit if you want to compare a broad automotive credential with manufacturer-linked routes for Ford, Honda, Mopar, or Toyota dealership work.

Leeward Community College gives you several ways into automotive work: a 63- to 64-credit AAS, a 30-credit Certificate of Achievement, or a 15-credit Certificate of Competence. The hands-on program also connects to Ford ASSET, Honda PACT, Mopar CAP, and Toyota TTEP. Those manufacturer routes add dealership training, work-study, specialized coursework, or a scholarship and apprenticeship option.

Annual In-State Tuition
$3,144
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
38
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
35%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Three Credential Levels

The college lists an Automotive Technology AAS at 63 to 64 credits, a 30-credit Certificate of Achievement, and a 15-credit Certificate of Competence. The published completion range is one to four semesters.

Ford ASSET Work Study

Ford ASSET is a two-year work-study program sponsored by Ford, its dealers, and Leeward. It leads to the AAS and prepares entry-level technicians for Ford and Lincoln/Mercury dealerships; tools and supplies are estimated at $1,120.

Honda And Mopar Options

Honda PACT is a customized one-year option normally taken in the second year, combining classroom work and hands-on training for Honda and Acura systems. Mopar CAP adds Stellantis-focused study and local dealership experience.

Toyota Scholarship Route

The Toyota TTEP scholarship covers remaining tuition toward the AAS, provides a $2,000 tool kit, and includes part-time paid apprenticeship employment with Servco, Toyota Hawai‘i’s local partner.

Hilo, HI

Hawaii Community College

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Practical Foundations For General Or Specialty Repair

Hawai‘i Community College fits you if you want a practical starting point that covers everyday service work while leaving room to focus on engine tune-ups or electrical systems.

Hawai‘i Community College's Automotive Technology program prepares you for general mechanic work or narrower engine-tune-up and electrical specialties. You can pursue a Certificate of Achievement or an Associate in Applied Science. The published outcomes emphasize shop safety, tool use, online repair manuals, diagnosis, and routine maintenance, with a driver's license and placement-level reading and math requirements.

Annual In-State Tuition
$3,144
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
37
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
33%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Certificate And AAS Options

The program lists both a Certificate of Achievement and an Associate in Applied Science degree. The college frames the outcomes around employment as a general mechanic or as a specialist in engine tune-ups or electrical systems.

Published Learning Outcomes

Students are expected to use shop tools and equipment correctly, access online repair manuals, diagnose and repair common vehicle problems, perform routine maintenance, and apply safety measures consistently.

Entry Requirements

A valid driver’s license is required. Placement requirements include Math 22 or QM 120T for mathematics and Eng 21 or ESL 21 for reading before registering for some or all program courses.

Workplace Preparation

The program's stated preparation covers service-station and auto-dealer work as well as specialty mechanic roles. That scope gives you a foundation for both general maintenance and focused engine or electrical work.

Honolulu, HI

Honolulu Community College

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Eight ASE Areas In A Five-Semester Program

This program fits you if you want broad systems training in a structured daytime schedule, with a one-year certificate exit or a four-semester major sequence inside the associate degree.

Honolulu Community College's Automotive Technology program takes five semesters and covers all eight ASE service areas. You can earn a Certificate of Achievement after the first year or continue to an Associate in Applied Science. The program is face-to-face, runs in daytime blocks, and expects a valid driver's license, placement-level English and math, and roughly $3,500 for tools and supplies.

Annual In-State Tuition
$3,144
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
19
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
25%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Certificate And Degree Path

Honolulu lists a five-semester Automotive Technology program. The Certificate of Achievement can be earned after one year, while the Associate in Applied Science requires program completion and four semesters of major courses.

Eight ASE Service Areas

The program identifies training in engine repair, transmissions and transaxles, manual drivetrains, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical and electronics, heating and air conditioning, and engine performance.

Entry Requirements

Applicants need placement in ENG 100 plus either a C or higher in MATH 50 or placement into MATH 150 or higher. A valid driver's license is also required for the Automotive Technology program.

Daytime Shop Schedule

Classes meet face-to-face Monday through Thursday, in either a 7:00 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. block or a noon to 5:50 p.m. block, with instruction located in Building 43.

Tools And Supplies

Honolulu estimates tools and supplies for the five-semester program at approximately $3,500. The program also advises students to obtain required hand tools before practical coursework begins.

Kahului, HI

University of Hawaii Maui College

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Live Vehicle Service In An AAS

UH Maui suits students who want repeated practice servicing actual vehicles alongside system theory, with repair-information research and customer communication included in the degree outcomes.

University of Hawai‘i Maui College's Automotive Technology AAS combines a two-year schedule with live vehicle service in the laboratory. The 68- to 71-credit degree joins automotive systems theory and repair demonstrations with practical diagnosis and repair. Program outcomes also cover repair-information retrieval, customer communication, and preparation for automotive employment.

Annual In-State Tuition
$3,144
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
14
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
28%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Associate Degree And Length

The Automotive Technology AAS requires 68 to 71 credits. UH Maui describes a two-year, full-time semester schedule.

Live Laboratory Work

The laboratory phase uses modern tools and equipment for live service and repairs on automobiles. Classroom instruction covers automotive systems, components, repair demonstrations, textbook work, and quizzes.

Entry Requirements

Automotive Technology courses require placement at English 22 or higher, or instructor consent, except AMT 80. Students must keep a valid driver’s license throughout the automotive course of study.

Diagnosis And Communication Outcomes

Graduates are expected to retrieve repair information, identify component functions, diagnose and repair vehicles, and communicate with customers and automotive professionals. Resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace professionalism are also program outcomes.

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Hawaii

Honolulu's official Automotive Technology page describes a Certificate of Achievement after one year and an Associate in Applied Science after program completion. Leeward publishes a 63-64-credit AAS, a 30-credit Certificate of Achievement, and a 15-credit Certificate of Competence, along with Ford ASSET, Honda PACT, and Mopar CAP options. Kauai Community College, University of Hawaii Maui College, and Hawaii Community College add certificate and associate's routes on their official automotive pages.

Hawaii's choice is therefore a campus, award, and specialization decision. The credential guide explains why a certificate and an associate's degree are different awards, while the ASE guide keeps school credentials separate from ASE testing and work experience.

Honolulu's official page identifies eight ASE areas, while Leeward's official page names manufacturer-linked options. Those verified program details sit alongside award, credit, fee, and practical-training differences. The online training guide explains why online lessons can support theory but do not replace supervised hands-on practice.

Auto Mechanic Pay In Hawaii

The May 2025 BLS survey reports a $52,160 median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Hawaii, across 2,710 jobs. The median is the midpoint for the occupation, not an offer to new graduates.

10th Percentile
$36,360
Median
$52,160
90th Percentile
$79,090

Experience, employer, and the work you do affect where you fall in that spread. Explore Auto Mechanic Salaries.

School Credentials And ASE Certification

A college certificate is an academic credential; professional ASE certification requires passing the relevant ASE test and satisfying its work experience rule. For the A1–A9 automobile tests, that rule is two years of qualifying repair experience. You can take most tests before completing the experience requirement, but passing alone does not make you certified.

Completing an ASE-accredited automotive program can count for one year of that experience. An eligible ASE-accredited manufacturer co-op program can count for the full two years when it includes the required hands-on work. These substitutions cannot be combined. Source: ASE Work Experience Rules.

Our certificate and associate degree comparison explains the academic routes, while the ASE certification guide covers professional credentials. The school cost guide separates tuition, fees, and tools.

Hawaii Auto Mechanic School Questions

What Is The May 2025 Hawaii Wage Median?
The May 2025 BLS OEWS median for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Hawaii is $52,160. The middle figure is a statewide occupation measure, with the 10th percentile at $36,360 and the 90th percentile at $79,090.
Where Does Hawaii Report Associate Degree Awards?
Kauai Community College (certificate and associate degree, 49 awards), Leeward Community College (certificate and associate degree, 38 awards), Hawaii Community College (certificate and associate degree, 37 awards), Honolulu Community College (certificate and associate degree, 19 awards) show associate degree credentials among the published school figures.
How Many Automotive Awards Are Reported In Hawaii?
The Hawaii schools span certificate and associate degree credentials across 11 automotive options and 157 awards in 2023-24. Kauai Community College has the largest listed award count at 49. Honolulu Community College lists $3,144 in annual in-state institution tuition.

Sources For These School Comparisons

School records and program sources checked September 8, 2026. Federal figures retain their original reporting years; program details cite the school’s published requirements and costs. Send A Correction.

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