Direct2UH expands to all 10 campuses, reaches more Hawaiʻi seniors
from UH News October 15, 2026
The University of Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) are expanding Direct2UH in its second year, giving Hawaiʻi public high school seniors a streamlined pathway to all 10 UH campuses and extending the initiative to students at participating public charter schools for the first time.
UH Mānoa has joined UH Hilo, UH West Oʻahu and the seven UH Community Colleges (Hawaiʻi CC, Honolulu CC, Kapiʻolani CC, Kauaʻi CC, Leeward CC, UH Maui College and Windward CC) in Direct2UH for the Class of 2027. Thirteen public charter schools are also eligible this year, further expanding the initiative’s reach.
Direct2UH removes traditional application barriers by providing eligible seniors direct admission to one or more UH campuses based on their grade point average, with no application fee.
“Direct2UH sends a very clear message to Hawaiʻi’s students: There is a place for you at the University of Hawaiʻi,” UH President Wendy Hensel said. “With all 10 campuses now participating, students have access to the full range of opportunities UH offers, from workforce training and two-year degrees to four-year programs and beyond. We want every public high school senior to know that their hard work has paid off, they have earned this opportunity and they can build an extraordinary future right here in Hawaiʻi.”
Hensel and HIDOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi officially kicked off the second year of Direct2UH on October 15 at Roosevelt High School, where approximately 245 seniors gathered in the school auditorium. Students received Direct2UH acceptance letters signed by Hensel and Hayashi welcoming them to the UH ʻohana.
“Everybody was kind of shocked. It was like, wow, we don’t have to do all that extra work. It’s just a blessing,” said Roosevelt High School senior Zaniah Kakiva-Moses after learning that she and her classmates had already earned admission to at least one UH campus. “I’m very excited for this opportunity. I’m so thankful for everybody who’s a part of this.”
“It was kind of sudden. The news came out of nowhere, but I was very excited to hear it,” said fellow Roosevelt senior Keoni Viveiros. “My brother goes to UH Mānoa right now, and I’m taking two UH Early College courses while I’m in high school. I really love my teachers, so I’m sure the professors there are great as well.”
For Hayashi, the students’ excitement underscored the importance of creating a seamless transition from high school to higher education and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to build on their achievements.
“Direct2UH strengthens the partnership between our public schools and the University of Hawaiʻi, making the transition from high school to college more accessible for our students,” Superintendent Hayashi said. “Our students work hard throughout their K–12 journey, and this initiative recognizes their accomplishments while helping them take the next step toward their goals. By creating clearer pathways to higher education, we’re helping more students build on their strengths, pursue their aspirations and prepare for successful futures in Hawaiʻi.”
Direct2UH is part of a broader effort to make higher education more accessible and affordable for Hawaiʻi families. With strong support for public higher education from state lawmakers and leaders, UH offers affordable pathways to degrees and careers. About 90% of UH Community College graduates and 65% of graduates from UH‘s four-year campuses complete their degrees without student loan debt.
Direct2UH forms for fall 2027 are available now, with a May 1, 2027 deadline. For eligibility, participating charter schools and additional information on how to enroll, visit Direct2UH .com.
How Direct2UH works
For the Class of 2027:
3.20 GPA or higher: Students qualify for UH Mānoa, UH Hilo, UH West Oʻahu and all seven UH Community Colleges.
2.70–3.19 GPA: Students qualify for UH Hilo, UH West Oʻahu and all seven UH Community Colleges.
2.69 GPA or below: Students qualify for all seven UH Community Colleges.
Students visit Direct2UH.com, verify their HIDOE student ID, choose an eligible campus and complete the Direct2UH form to secure their spot. There is no application fee. Students must remain on track to graduate from high school, and admission is subject to verification of official transcripts and eligibility requirements.
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HNN: Hundreds of Roosevelt High School seniors receive Direct2UH acceptance letters | Hawaii News Now