Leeward Community College — Puʻuloa Campus

Leeward’s Puʻuloa Campus is in Pearl City, on the central Oʻahu side of the college’s service area. The 49-acre site is the district’s main teaching campus and has the broadest mix of academic services: its Learning Commons brings together library access, tutoring, testing, disability services, computer help and academic support. Leeward says it offers more than 70 degree and certificate programs, including liberal arts, business, professional arts and technology, health, education, and applied fields. The college opened in 1968 and has grown into a major two-year public institution serving the island’s central and west-side communities.

Applicants start through the UH Community College application, then use Leeward’s admissions checklist and advising to select a program. The 2026–27 catalog is current and the class-availability system shows where a section meets. Many associate degrees require about 60 credits; certificates can be shorter, but the specific course map controls length and transfer value. Apply to the UH system, then browse degrees and certificates and the current catalog and class schedule.

Leeward’s published Fall 2026 tuition follows the UHCC resident and nonresident tiers: $131 and $345 per credit for the standard lower-division rate, with a separate Pacific-island jurisdiction rate. Students should confirm any term-specific fees and special course costs with the cashier. Federal aid, state grants, scholarships, work-study and loans are available to eligible students; Leeward’s FAFSA code is 004549. Hawaiʻi Promise is one possible last-dollar tuition resource for eligible community-college students, but it is not automatic and depends on the FAFSA, program and satisfactory progress. Check Leeward’s tuition and fees and start aid through the financial-aid office.

For English learners, the college offers a credit-bearing ESL sequence and placement options. Students can apply, obtain a UH identification number and arrange an ESL placement appointment; the resulting level helps determine an appropriate starting course. International students also have an ESL pathway with its own steps. English study is not a guarantee of entry into a selective career program, so an adviser should confirm whether ESL credits count toward the chosen credential and when students can add general classes. Review the ESL program and check the college’s admissions instructions.

Parking is controlled rather than open public parking: the current rules say students and staff need permits, while visitors conducting official college business may use designated visitor stalls for a limited time without charge. The campus is served by TheBus and is near Pearl City’s major roads, but schedules and transfers should be checked for the exact class time. The official map helps visitors locate the Welcome Center, Learning Commons, food options and named campus spaces. If a course is at Waiʻanae Moku instead, use that separate profile: it is on the west coast and is a much longer trip from central Pearl City.