Hawai‘i’s college admissions process is experiencing one of its most significant overhauls in years with the launch of the Direct2UH program, designed to provide guaranteed admission to University of Hawai‘i campuses for current high school seniors.
In a collaboration between the University of Hawai‘i system and the Hawai‘i DOE, all seniors projected to graduate from an in-state public high school—regardless of academic performance—received acceptance letters in mid-October. All students, regardless of GPA, are eligible for admission to the seven UH community colleges: Honolulu, Hawai‘i, Kapi‘olani, Kaua‘i, Leeward, and Windward. Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher are also eligible for UH Hilo and UH West O‘ahu.
Students who do not meet Direct2UH’s GPA requirement for UH Hilo or UH West O‘ahu can still apply through the regular admission process. UH Mānoa is set to join the program for the Class of 2027.
Breaking Down Barriers
Hawai‘i DOE Deputy Superintendent of Strategy and Administration Tammi Oyadomari-Chun said Direct2UH helps remove barriers that have long prevented students from pursuing higher education. A DOE review found that many students didn’t continue their education simply because they weren’t aware of the options available after high school. “Some students got stuck trying to navigate forms, verify residency, or track down GPA information,” she said. “Direct2UH gives them, along with their families and counselors, the space to focus on planning for the future.”
The program streamlines the process by automatically verifying enrollment and GPA, pre-populating forms, and reducing the need for detailed parental documentation. Oyadomari-Chun says this gives every senior graduating from a public high school a fair shot at college.
As part of a larger DOE-UH partnership aimed at increasing college enrollment statewide, Direct2UH also helps students imagine their futures—whether that means college, trade programs, or apprenticeships. “No matter your high school record, if you graduated from a public high school here, there’s a place for you to pursue higher education close to home,” she said. “When students can focus on their goals instead of getting bogged down in paperwork, real opportunities open up—not just for them, but for the entire community.”
Simplifying Access and Affordability
Leslie Yogi, Director of Marketing and Communications for UH Community Colleges, emphasized how Direct2UH makes college more accessible and affordable. The program builds on the earlier UH Fast Pass initiative, providing guaranteed admission and streamlining the transition from high school to college.
“All students need to do is go to our website, confirm their information, submit their GPA, and fill out a campus choice form—which should take no more than 10 minutes,” she said in an interview with The Pinion.
Yogi described a multi-channel approach to raising awareness, including mailing letters, coordinating with high school principals and counselors, and launching social media campaigns. Starting in January, the program will also be promoted through television and radio spots.
Affordability remains central. Scholarships such as the Hawaii Promise Scholarship for community college students and the B+ Scholarship for those attending four-year UH campuses reduce financial barriers. “Students don’t need to leave Hawai‘i to pursue a quality education,” Yogi said. “They can stay close to home, access financial support, and prepare for rewarding careers.”
Guidance From Educators
Counselors and faculty praised Direct2UH for removing obstacles that often prevent students from pursuing higher education. Colleen Inaba, a post-high school counselor at McKinley High School, explained that the program eliminates the need for students to gather detailed parental information, such as tax filings or immigration records. “Many students simply didn’t have this information readily available,” she said.
Dr. Charlene Gima, an English professor at Honolulu Community College, said the program provides a clearer path to higher education for students from varied backgrounds. “Some students didn’t have support or encouragement in high school, and others are returning to college after time away,” she said in an interview with The Pinion. “Direct2UH helps them start college on familiar ground and see that higher education is within reach.” Gima added that the program also addresses financial and logistical barriers, making it possible for students who once thought college wasn’t an option to explore opportunities close to home. She noted that keeping students in Hawai‘i benefits both the individuals and the local community.
Confidence Through Access
For students like Chloe Hokoana ‘26, a first-generation college student of Native Hawaiian descent, Direct2UH has provided tangible benefits. Hokoana enrolled at Windward Community College, where she plans to study Hawaiian studies with the goal of sharing and preserving her culture through teaching.
Navigating college applications had always felt overwhelming for Hokoana, with confusing forms, strict deadlines, and required documents. Direct2UH simplified the process. “I scanned a QR code, submitted my information, and was admitted. I was surprised at how smooth the process was,” she said.
Direct2UH helped remove those obstacles, simplifying enrollment and paperwork while boosting her confidence and independence. “It makes pursuing my goals feel achievable. Instead of stressing over long applications, deadlines, or fees, I finally felt like the door was open,” Hokoana said.
“Programs like Direct2UH don’t just open doors—they give students the confidence to walk through them,” said Oyadomari-Chun. “When students see a clear, accessible path to college, it changes the way they think about their future and what they can achieve.”
