Kō Education Center launches new 1st-year start for Hawaiʻi Community College in Honoka‘a

Beginning this fall, Hawaiʻi Community College’s Kō Education Center in Honokaʻa will offer a new pathway for North Hawaiʻi students to begin college close to home through the “First Year Here at Kō” program.

Participating students will also have access to academic advising, tutoring, student support services, and small class sizes without commuting to the community college campuses in Hilo or Kona. The center is located at 45-539 Plumeria St. and was formerly called the North Hawai’i Education and Research Center.

The pilot program is designed to serve up to 20 students during its first year, according to a news release from the University of Hawai‘i. After completing their first year at Kō, students may continue their studies at Hawaiʻi CC’s Manono campus in Hilo or the Pālamanui campus in Kona, depending on their academic program and personal circumstances.

Click here to apply.

The program allows students to complete their first year of general education courses locally through face-to-face morning classes designed to assist students balancing academics, work, family and community commitments, according to a news release from the university. The program also allows students to explore future academic and career pathways while completing transferable general education coursework.

“The First Year Here at Kō provides students in this region the opportunity to begin their college journey close to home while saving time and money,” said Sandy Ott, Kō Education Center’s campus operations coordinator. “This program creates a supportive transition into college life while allowing students to stay connected to their families, community and local support systems.”

Applications for the fall 2026 semester are due Aug. 1.

The program was developed in response to community conversations and the growing need for accessible higher education opportunities along the Hāmākua Coast.

By offering full-time enrollment options locally, the program aims to help students build confidence, form meaningful relationships with classmates and instructors, and receive the support needed during the critical first year of college.

“First Year Here at Kō reflects our commitment to meeting students where they are geographically, academically and personally,” said Jace Saplan, Hawaiʻi CC dean of liberal arts and sciences. “This initiative allows students to begin with foundational general education courses that can move with them into many different majors, while also building relationships with faculty, counselors, staff and community partners.”

Saplan’s home is the program, which becomes a clear invitation for students to see Hawaiʻi Community College as part of their community, and to see their own education as something that can grow from these opportunities.

To learn more about the program, visit the Hawaiʻi CC website or contact Sandy Ott at cdott@hawaii.edu or call 808-775-8890.