University of Hawaiʻi streamlines admissions process for Hawaiʻi public high school seniors

University of Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi Department of Education are making the admissions process at the state university easier for Hawaiʻi high school seniors.

Direct2UH is a new initiative that provides free, direct admission to 9 University of Hawaiʻi campuses based on a student’s grade-point average, allowing them to secure enrollment without completing a traditional application.

Once a student completes the short online form, their admission is confirmed — contingent upon their graduation.

The program was officially introduced during a morning pep rally Oct. 13 at Kauaʻi High School in Līhuʻe followed by a news conference at Farrington High School in Honolulu.

“Direct2UH recognizes the hard work of our public school students by making the path to college clearer and easier,” said University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel in an announcement about the new program. “This is about opening doors to lifelong success, enabling our students to pursue their dreams, contribute to our communities and build an even stronger Hawaiʻi, right here at home.”

About half of Hawaiʻi public high school graduates pursue higher education following graduation.

Direct2UH aims to increase college enrollment by making the state’s higher education system more accessible to them.

“It makes me feel super excited,” said Kauaʻi High School student David Braman during Monday’s pep rally when Direct2UH was officially launched. “It’s one more opportunity for our students to say, ‘There is a future for me right here at home in Hawaiʻi.’ And that’s super important and super exciting.”

Fellow Kauaʻi High School student Skyler Tanicala said the opportunity the new initiative provides her feels great — it was a great way to start off the second quarter of the 2025-26 school year.

“I just can’t believe it,” said Tanicala during the pep rally. “There’s a direct path for me and I don’t need to worry about college apps if there’s, like, an opportunity right here for me.”

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, University of Hawai‘i at West Oʻahu and the seven University of Hawai‘i community colleges — including Kaua‘i Community College in Līhuʻe and Hawaiʻi Community College on the Big Island — are participating in the new initiative.

Flagship campus University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is expected to join in 2026.

“Direct2UH affirms the potential and readiness of every high school graduate,” said Hawaiʻi Superintendent of Schools Keith Hayashi in the announcement. “Together with the University of Hawai‘i, we’re strengthening the bridge between high school and college, ensuring that the preparation happening in our classrooms leads directly to opportunity, and that our graduates are equipped to lead, serve and make a difference in Hawai‘i and beyond.”

Every public high school senior in Hawaiʻi will receive an official acceptance letter — signed by Hensel and Hayashi — to University of Hawai‘i to mark the launch of the program.

Postcards explaining the program were also mailed to homes, sharing information with parents and families.

“This initiative sends a powerful message to our young people — that they are supported, that college is within reach and that Hawaiʻi is ready to invest in their future,” said Hawai‘i Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke in the announcement. “By removing barriers and creating a clear path to higher education, Direct2UH will help grow our local workforce, strengthen families and ensure that more of our keiki can thrive here at home.”

Visit the Direct2UH website for additional information, including eligibility and campus options.