Windward Community College is the youngest of seven public community colleges in Hawai‘i governed by the Board of Regents of the University of Hawai‘i. The campus is located at the foot of the majestic Ko‘olau range in Kāne‘ohe on the island of O‘ahu. Opening in the fall of 1972 with 525 students, the College had a Fall 2025 enrollment of 3,109 students. The College offers both liberal arts and career and technical education programs. The Mission, Vision, and Core Values were reaffirmed by the Windward Community College campus community in 2023.
Mission of Windward Community College
Windward Community College offers innovative programs in the arts and sciences and opportunities to gain knowledge and understanding of Hawai‘i and its unique heritage. With a special commitment to support the access and educational needs of Native Hawaiians, we provide the Ko‘olau region of O‘ahu and beyond with liberal arts, career, and lifelong learning in a supportive and challenging environment—inspiring students to excellence.
Vision for Windward Community College
Ka Mālamalama o ke Ko‘olau –“Enlightening Ko‘olau”
Students and community members will be enriched by “the light of knowledge” through quality programs and be able to lead full, productive lives in a rapidly changing world.
Core Values of Windward Community College
The College and its mission, goals, and actions are guided by core values that reflect the Hawaiian culture:
Ka lama kū o ka na‘auao
Creating meaningful curricula and diverse learning experiences
‘A‘ohe hana nui ke ‘alu ‘ia
Working collaboratively and inclusively
He pūnāwai kahe wale ke aloha
Serving and supporting with aloha
Kūlia i ka nu‘u
Striving for excellence
He ali‘i ka ‘āina, he kauā ke kanaka
Caring for Hawai‘i and the planet
Windward Community College is further committed to the mission of the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges to:
Provide open-door access to quality postsecondary education, developmental education, general education, and career/technical training.
Prepare a trained workforce to meet state and regional needs while fostering career mobility and personal enrichment through credit and non-credit learning.
Stimulate community cultural and intellectual life and prepare students for a global workplace by leveraging Hawai‘i’s unique multicultural environment and location in Asia and the Pacific.