Hawaii Hits 87% Graduation Rate, Breaking State Record

Hawaii's public high schools are proving that steady progress pays off. The class of 2025 just set a new state record with 87% of students graduating on time, surpassing last year's milestone and giving nearly 12,000 graduates a strong start to their futures.

The achievement spans 66 public and charter schools across the islands. It marks the second year in a row that Hawaii students have pushed graduation rates to new heights.

The good news doesn't stop at diplomas. More students are heading straight to college, with about one in three graduates enrolling at a University of Hawaii campus. That's roughly 3,958 students choosing to continue their education close to home.

Career preparation is also gaining ground. Two out of three graduates completed Career and Technical Education programs this year, a 3% jump from last year. These hands-on programs give students real-world skills they can use immediately in the workforce or build on with specialized training.

More students are also stepping up to college entrance exams. ACT participation climbed to 76% statewide, showing that students are thinking seriously about their next steps after high school.

The data comes from Hawaii's College and Career Readiness Indicators report, which tracks how well schools are preparing students for life after graduation. While academic preparation still has room to grow, particularly in college-level math and English readiness, the overall trend points upward.

The Ripple Effect

When graduation rates rise, entire communities benefit. Each diploma represents a student who gained the foundation to pursue higher education, skilled trades, or meaningful employment. Higher graduation rates also mean more young people staying engaged with their communities, contributing to Hawaii's economy, and serving as role models for younger students coming up behind them.

The collaboration between Hawaii's Department of Education, the University of Hawaii system, and Hawaii P-20 Partnerships shows what's possible when schools, colleges, and community organizations work together toward shared goals.

These aren't just numbers on a report. They represent thousands of individual students who showed up, did the work, and earned their chance at what comes next. And they're paving the way for the classes that follow.