Culinary programs in Hawaii
10 culinary programs at 5 Hawaii schools are in the federal data. Where earnings are reported (2 programs), the state median is $45,788 one year after completion, 35% above the national median of $33,992.
| School | City | Program | Credential | Completers/yr | 1-yr earnings | Median debt | Monthly payment* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leeward Community College | Pearl City, HI | Culinary Arts and Related Services | Associate degree | 10 | $51,380 | – | – |
| Kapiolani Community College | Honolulu, HI | Culinary Arts and Related Services | Associate degree | 50 | $40,197 | – | – |
| Kapiolani Community College | Honolulu, HI | Culinary Arts and Related Services | Certificate | 9 | not reported | – | – |
| Kauai Community College | Lihue, HI | Culinary Arts and Related Services | Certificate | 16 | not reported | – | – |
| Kauai Community College | Lihue, HI | Culinary Arts and Related Services | Associate degree | 7 | not reported | – | – |
| Leeward Community College | Pearl City, HI | Culinary Arts and Related Services | Certificate | 18 | not reported | – | – |
| University of Hawaii Maui College | Kahului, HI | Culinary Arts and Related Services | Certificate | 2 | not reported | – | – |
| University of Hawaii Maui College | Kahului, HI | Culinary Arts and Related Services | Associate degree | 16 | not reported | – | – |
| Hawaii Community College | Hilo, HI | Culinary Arts and Related Services | Certificate | 10 | not reported | – | – |
| Hawaii Community College | Hilo, HI | Culinary Arts and Related Services | Associate degree | 7 | not reported | – | – |
*Scorecard's estimated monthly payment on the median debt over 10 years. “Not reported” means the Department suppressed or did not publish the figure.
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Before you choose a culinary school in Hawaii
There is no single required license for cooks; employers often value experience, and food-safety manager certifications are common requirements.
- What do graduates typically earn compared with the program's debt?
- Is an externship or paid stage included?
- Are knives and uniforms included in the price?
More programs in Hawaii
All Hawaii programs · Culinary Arts & Baking nationwide
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard Field of Study and Institution files (release dated 10/15/2026). Earnings are median annual earnings of completers working and not enrolled one year after finishing; debt is median federal loan debt of borrowers; both describe past cohorts and small programs are suppressed by the Department. See our methodology.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best-paying culinary program in Hawaii?
By reported one-year earnings, Leeward Community College leads at $51,380 in the associate degree program, but compare cost and local jobs too.
How many culinary programs are in Hawaii?
The Scorecard lists 10 certificate or associate programs in this field at 5 schools in Hawaii.