context.

Queen Kapi‘olani

Learn about our namesake, Queen Kapi‘olani – her name, her life, her legacy, and our shared motto:
Kūlia i ka nu‘u.

What · Why · How

‘Ōlelo Nu‘ukia (vision)

Kapi‘olani Community College is a model indigenous serving institution whose graduates strengthen the social, economic, and sustainable advancement of Hawai‘i and the world.

Ala Nu‘ukia (mission)

Kapi‘olani Community College empowers all learners to achieve their personal, educational, and career goals in a global community that promotes excellence, innovation, and diversity. To honor ‘āina, ‘ōiwi, and the legacy of Queen Kapi‘olani, the College is committed to teaching, learning, and practicing Hawaiian values and culture.

Nā Lawena Waiwai (values)

Kapi‘olani Community College honors the legacy of Queen Kapi‘olani through these values:

  • Kūpono: Striving for the summit begins with honesty and integrity. As we move forward in this time of transition, let us embody ʻO ka wai hiʻiaka ma mua, ma hope ka ʻawa—prioritizing what is essential and approaching each challenge with respect and humility.
  • Kūloa‘a: Change often brings uncertainty, but it also brings opportunities to ensure that everyone in our campus community feels supported. Ua nahā ka ʻili wahī o ka hua reminds us that growth often follows a break in the familiar. Together, we can embrace this moment to create a stronger, more inclusive campus environment.
  • Kuleana: Being part of this amazing campus community is a privilege that calls us to hold ourselves accountable to our responsibilities to our families and communities. As we adapt to new leadership, we are reminded of the beauty in collective effort —Hoʻolei ʻia ka ʻōnohiʻula e nā pali Koʻolau, where the rainbow-hued clouds ascend in unity and strength.
  • Mālama: Sustaining a thriving campus depends on how well we nurture and protect one another. In these shifting times, let us embody Kū mai ka ʻauʻa, kū mai ke kauhulu ʻōpelu—recognizing that unity fosters abundance and resilience.

Ho‘olālā Papahana (strategic plan)

Our Strategic Plan outlines and aligns Nā Alahele (our directions), Pahuhopu (what we want to accomplish), and Hāna Ho‘okō (how we will do it).

Hopena Aʻo Kulanui

(institutional learning outcomes)

While each course and program have unique learning outcomes, all graduates of Kapi‘olani CC should meet the four institutional learning outcomes (ILOs).

Within professional, civic, and personal contexts, and in the pursuit of their current individual learning goals, Kapi‘olani Community College students are able to:

    1. Use critical and creative thinking and reasoning.
    2. Communicate clearly and appropriately.
    3. Demonstrate an active awareness of the Hawaiian Islands and the rich diversity of its peoples, in particular the values and history of the indigenous culture.
    4. Make contributions to their communities

Who We Serve

Haumāna (students)

We work to empower a vibrant and diverse community of learners at Kapi‘olani CC with a variety of aspirations.

kapiolani students.

Student Data

Student Organizations

Where We Teach

Moʻomeheu (culture)

Regardless of the modality in which you teach, the University of Hawai‘i and Kapi‘olani Community College are Hawaiian places of learning. As such, we honor and celebrate Hawaiian culture. Ka Wehena Kaiao, The Breaking of Dawn is a handbook that describes the history and culture of our institution and our role in perpetuating the values of Queen Kapiʻolani. The following are a few contextually relevant resources to explore:

  • Ulukau This is an online, digital library of Native Hawaiian reference material for cultural and Hawaiian language studies.
  • ‘Ōlelo No‘eau Hawaiian proverbs (like the one at the bottom of this page) reflect Hawaiian values and wisdom.
  • Kanaeokana A network of Hawaiian organizations and schools (Pre-K though College) have created language, cultural, and ‘āina-based learning resources.
  • Nā Honua Mauli Ola Nine Hawaiian Nā Ala ‘Ike (Cultural Pathways) promote culturally healthy and responsive learning environments.

Wahi (location)

Kapi‘olani Community College is part of the University of Hawai‘i System. Our beautiful campus is situated at the base of Lē‘ahi on a 44-acre site in the moku of Kona within the ahupuaʻa of Pālolo on the island of O‘ahu. Teaching and learning happens on-site as well, online, and in hybrid formats that leverage both modalities (see Kapi‘olani Class Formats).

On Campus

Use the Kapi‘olani CC Map to navigate our beautiful campus or join Romyn Sabatchi for a virtual 360° tour…

Online

Our virtual learning environments are inviting and engaging. Here are just a few examples…

Kapi‘olani CC 2022-2027 Distance Education Plan articulates progress and goals in online education.

Distance Education Vision: As a leader in quality online teaching and learning, Kapi‘olani Community College fosters supportive online communities for engaging, authentic, and transformative learning experiences that both prepare and empower students for their futures.

Distance Education Mission: Kapi‘olani Community College provides open access to quality online learning experiences with genuine human connections.

Build yourself a firm foundation before teaching others.