HONOLULU (KHON2) — The University of Hawaiʻi and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education introduced a new program for public high school seniors.
Direct2UH, launched Monday, Oct. 13, allows students to skip the traditional application process and receive admission offers based on grade point average.
The program began with a pep rally at Kauaʻi High School and a news conference at Farrington High School.
Direct2UH guarantees free admission to nine UH campuses once students submit a short online form. Acceptance is confirmed as long as they graduate in May.
Every public high school senior in Hawaiʻi will receive an official acceptance letter signed by UH President Wendy Hensel and HIDOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi. Postcards explaining the program were also mailed to students’ homes.
“Direct2UH recognizes the hard work of our public school students by making the path to college clearer and easier,” Hensel said. “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 currently go on to college. Direct2UH is designed to raise that number by making higher education more accessible.
“Direct2UH affirms the potential and readiness of every high school graduate,” Hayashi said. “Together with the University of Hawaiʻi, 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 Hawaiʻi and beyond.”
The participating campuses include:
- UH Hilo.
- UH West Oʻahu.
- All seven community colleges:
- Hawaiʻi, Honolulu.
- Kapiʻolani.
- Kauaʻi.
- Leeward.
- Maui College.
- Windward.
UH Mānoa is expected to join the program in 2026.
Students with a GPA of 2.7 or higher qualify for admission to UH Hilo, UH West Oʻahu and all community colleges.
Those with a GPA of 2.69 or below qualify for community college admissions.
Admission to UH Hilo and UH West Oʻahu also requires transcript verification and eligibility checks.
“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,” Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said. “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.”
How it works: Students enter their name, HIDOE ID, GPA and date of birth at this website.
After confirming admission, they file a free Campus Choice Form online to secure a spot. Students who want to attend UH Mānoa can still apply through the regular admissions website.