10 Best HVAC Schools inHawaii

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If you live in Hawaii and you want to prepare for a profession that can help you earn a salary above the national average, the field of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning is worth exploring.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC installers and mechanics in Hawaii made $69,100 per year, on average- higher than the national average for workers in this profession.

Before being ready to seek employment in this growing field, you have to complete a post-secondary education program at a trade school or community college.

This page compiles information about the top HVAC training programs in the state of Hawaii.


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1Honolulu Community College

About the School

Honolulu Community College offers liberal arts and career and technical education programs designed to prepare students for employment.

The College is an exclusive provider of college-level training in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning for the state of Hawaii.

Honolulu Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

Courses Offered

The College’s catalog includes a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology program.

Students can explore the program and identify their career objectives through an open-exit option.

Graduates are prepared for employment in positions that involve the design, service, repair, operation, and sales of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment.

The curriculum combines theory with practical hands-on training in an environment that simulates a real-world scenario.

The program is designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in this field.

Students can choose between two degree options:

  • Associate of Applied Science
  • Certificate of Achivement

Those interested can apply through the college’s website.

Financial aid is available for students who qualify.

Contact Information


2Hawaii Community College

About the School

Hawaii Community College offers a variety of programs of study that can lead to a degree or certificate.

Its catalog includes a program in Electrical Installation and Maintenance Technology.

This program is designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of industries, including utility companies, electrical construction, maintenance, and electrical appliance shops.

This curriculum teaches students entry-level skills in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical installation and maintenance.

Students also learn how to interpret and comply with the National Electrical Code NFPA 70 and local codes and how to integrate carpentry, masonry, plumbing, and HVACR systems with electrical installation and maintenance.

To qualify for admission, students need an Eng 21 or ESL 21.

The following credentials are available:

  • Certificate of Achievement
  • Associate in Applied Science degree

Hawaii Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Contact Information


3Hawaii Laborers' Apprenticeship Training

About the School

If you want to prepare for a career while also earning a salary, consider applying for an apprenticeship.

Hawaii Laborers’ Apprenticeship Training aims to prepare a highly-skilled workforce for the construction industry.

Hawaii Laborers’ Apprenticeship Training is managed by the Trustees from the Hawaii Laborers’ Union, Local 368, and provides training for members and apprentices of the Hawaii Laborers’ Union, Local 368.

Courses Offered

The following apprenticeship programs are available:

  • Construction Apprenticeship
  • Environmental Apprenticeship
  • Landscaping Apprenticeship

Apprentices receive a salary during their training period.

The salary starts at 50 percent a Laborer 1 rate and increases after every 1000 hours worked.

Trainees who have more than 3001 hours of work receive 80 percent of a Laborer 1 salary.

Apprentices also receive healthcare and welfare benefits.

After completing 1000 hours of training, trainees also receive a pension, annuity, and vacation/holiday pay.

Contact Information

  • Address: LIUNA, Local 368 – Oahu: 1617 Palama Street, Honolulu, HI 96817
  • Phone: (808) 841-5877
  • Website: https://hiltp.org

4Kaua'i Community College

About the School

Kaua’i Community College offers a variety of training programs that prepare students for rewarding careers.

The College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Courses Offered

The Electrical Installation and Maintenance Technology program available at Kaua’i Community College prepares students for entry-level positions in the electrical fields.

Students who complete this program are ready to take the State of Hawai’i Maintenance Electrician License test.

The program prepares students for employment in the following fields:

  • Linemen and Utility Engineers- install and maintain distribution and transmission lines
  • Journey-Person Electrician- install service, feeders, and branch circuits on construction sites
  • Security, Fire, and Telecommunication Installer Technician- workers specialized in installing circuits and equipment for telephones, computer networks, access control systems, and other low voltage systems under 50 volts
  • Residential Wiremen- install electrical systems in single-family and multi-family houses and dwellings
  • Solar Installation Technician- responsible for installing photovoltaic panels, inverters, racks, and equipment
  • Maintenance Electricians and Facility Engineers- these workers maintain the systems after installation and keep them in top working condition.

Contact Information


5University of Hawai'i Maui College

About the School

University of Hawai’i Maui College provides a variety of degree and certificate options.

Tuition for lower-division courses is $131 per credit for residents while tuition for upper-division courses (300 and 400 level) is $306 per credit.

Courses Offered

The college’s catalog includes a Construction Technology path that prepares students for careers in general building construction and maintenance of large and small buildings.

Trainees can explore different paths before choosing a specialization.

This program provides several certification and degree options, including:

  • Certificate of Competence in Sustainable Technology- this requires 11-13 credits
  • Certificate of Achievement Facilities Mechanical- a 37-credit program
  • Associate in Applied Science Degree- 63-66 credits
  • And more

Certificates of Competence are also available in the following fields:

  • Air Conditioning Maintenance- this requires 5 credits
  • Electrical Maintenance- 5 credits
  • Small Equipment Repair- 7 credits
  • And more

Students enrolled in the Facilities Mechanical concentration of the AAS take courses in:

  • Intro to Building Maintenance and Construction
  • Blueprint & Drafting Foundations
  • Plumbing I
  • Preventive Maintenance
  • Residential and Light Commercial Wiring
  • Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
  • HVACR Refrigerant Recovery
  • Plumbing II
  • HVACR System Design and Controls
  • And many other topics

Contact Information

  • Address: 310 W. Ka’ahumanu Ave, Kahului, Hawaiʻi 96732-1617
  • Phone: (808) 984-3500
  • Website: https://maui.hawaii.edu

6Leeward Community College

About the School

Leeward Community College provides a variety of educational programs.

The College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

Courses Offered

The Integrated Industrial Technology program available at Leeward Community College prepares students for employment in the field of industrial technology.

After graduation, students can find employment as Electro-Mechanical Technicians, Manufacturing Production Technicians, Mechanical Engineering Technicians, Robotics Systems Technicians, or Process Control Systems Integration Technicians.

The following Degree and Certificates are offered:

  • Associate of Science- this requires 61 credits
  • Certificate of Achievement- 31 credits
  • Certificate of Competence- 15-credit program

The college also provides an Automotive Technology program that includes classes in:

  • Engine Repair
  • Electrical/Electronic Systems
  • Heating and Air Conditioning
  • Manual Drive Trains and Axles
  • Advanced Brake Systems
  • And more

Tuition is $131 per credit hour for resident students.

Contact Information


7Career and Technical Education

About the School

Career and Technical Education programs are available through a partnership between the Hawaii Department of Education High Schools and the University of Hawaii Community Colleges.

These programs are designed to provide students with work experience through hands-on classes, internships, and certification opportunities.

Students have access to a variety of programs, from skilled trades programs such as automotive technology, construction, agriculture, architecture, business, culinary arts, engineering, healthcare, and other programs.

Courses Offered

A wide range of programs is available, including:

  • Electrical Installation and Maintenance Tech
  • Electronics Technology
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditional Technology
  • Sheet Metal & Plastics Technology
  • And more

Contact Information

  • Address: Office of the State Director for Career & Technical Education: 2444 Dole Street (Bachman Annex 6), Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822
  • Phone: (808) 956-5606
  • Website: https://www.hawaii.edu/cte

8Central Texas College

About the School

Central Texas College offers a variety of distance learning programs.

The college is a two-year, open-admission institution that offers learning opportunities for students locally, nationally, and internationally.

Central Texas College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees and certificates of completion.

Courses Offered

Its Continental/International catalog includes a Construction Technology program that provides entry-level hands-on training designed to prepare students for the job market by covering topics on electrical wiring, plumbing, flooring, welding, air conditioning heating, and more.

The College’s catalog also includes a Heating and Air Conditioning program designed to help students prepare for a career in commercial and residential air conditioning and refrigeration.

The Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Repairer program can be completed in two years and covers topics on:

  • Refrigeration Principles
  • Basic Electricity for HVAC
  • Air Conditioning Control Principles
  • Air Conditioning Troubleshooting
  • And more

An internship is also available as part of this program

A Certificate of Completion program in this field is also offered and includes 45 credit hours in total.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1565 Kolekole Ave, Schofield Barracks, HI 96857
  • Phone: 800-792-3348 (outside of Texas)
  • Website: https://www.ctcd.edu

9Hawaii Electricians Training Fund

About the School

Hawaii Electricians Training Fund has training centers established on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

The Fund administers apprenticeship training programs, safety training, as well as skills development.

The apprenticeship is an “earn-while-you-learn” program as students receive a salary for the on-the-job training part.

Apprentices are employed under a Union contract and receive wages that increase in increments over the training period.

Trainees gain experience using the most modern practices and work equipment under the supervision of a journey worker.

Each apprentice receives individualized attention during the training period.

Apprentices can attend the school on their own time.

Training is available for inside wirepersons, telecom-CATV, and lineworkers.

The required courses include DC and AC theory, Codeology, Grounding, Motor Control Maintenance, Motors, Transformers, and Test Instruments.

Safety courses are also available, including First Aid/CPR/AED, OSHA 30, Silica Awareness, Confined Space, Excavation, and many other related topics.

Contact Information


10Wai'anae High School

About the School

Wai’anae High School provides career education programs that prepare students for current and emerging occupations.

There are a variety of CTE programs available:

  • Construction Management
  • Electrical Installation and Maintenance Technology
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Tech
  • Sheet Metal and Plastics Technology
  • And many other fields

Students who enroll in this program at a high school level begin with a Level 1 Foundation course and conclude with a level 4 work-based learning experience.

Work-based learning experiences include on and off-campus internships.

Wai’anae High School also offers its students the opportunity to earn college credit and take classes that are not available at the high school through its College and Career Center.

This allows students to save money when pursuing a college degree.

A running start program is also available for students who want to take courses at Leeward Community College on their campus.

This program allows students to choose from all the courses they qualify for and take them at the community college.

Qualifying students can receive tuition assistance up to a full-tuition waiver, with books included.

Those interested can download an application from the high school’s website.

Contact Information


Regional Salary in Hawaii

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI70$75,180$36.15$107,520$58,020
Urban Honolulu, HI650$75,290$36.2$112,750$50,730
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, OCC Code 49-9021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have read our list, it’s your turn to continue the research and decide if the HVAC path is the right fit for you.

Then, the next step is to choose the school that best meets your learning style, schedule, and budget.

Take your time and take into account all the relevant factors.