Our Early College journey at Lahainaluna High School began in 2017 when an offer from UH Maui College to provide a free Introduction to Computer Science course sparked an idea. That initial course planted a seed that has since grown into a comprehensive program allowing our high school students to earn a legitimate Associate Degree right here on campus.

Inspiration and Growth

The foundation and inspiration for our program came directly from Waipahu High School, Hawaii's pioneer in early college degree programs. During the challenging COVID-19 shutdown, we met virtually almost every week with the Waipahu Early College Department. They generously took us under their wing, providing invaluable mentorship and helping us design and launch our own curriculum.

This strong partnership continues today. In 2022, we were invited to join the Waipahu Early College 3.0 Project, a powerful collaboration between Waipahu and nine other high schools across the state. This initiative allows us to offer free college courses to our students through the Waipahu High School partnership.

Program Milestones

Our program is already achieving historic milestones:

• First Graduate: The first student to graduate from Lahainaluna High School with their Associate Degree in Liberal Arts was M.Jee Abara, Class of 2024.

• First Cohort: Our first cohort of Associate Degree students is on track to graduate with the Class of 2026.

The Lahainaluna Early College Program provides an incredible opportunity for students to get a head start on their higher education, saving time and money while earning college credit.