Hawaii College Costs & 529 Plan Guide

Average tuition, fees, room & board for Hawaii colleges in 2026-2027. Compare costs and plan your 529 savings.

🎓 Hawaii College Cost Overview

PUBLIC IN-STATE (ANNUAL)

$22,700

$90,800 for 4 years

PUBLIC OUT-OF-STATE (ANNUAL)

$40,200

$160,800 for 4 years

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA

$28,100

$112,400 for 4 years

PROJECTED IN 10 YEARS (5% INFLATION)

$147,904

$36,976/yr in 2035

💰 Hawaii 529 Plan Tax Benefits

STATE TAX DEDUCTION

None

No state deduction for 529 contributions

FEDERAL TAX BENEFIT

Tax-Free Growth

All 529 earnings grow and are withdrawn tax-free for education

Hawaii does not offer a state income tax deduction for 529 plan contributions. However, you still benefit from federal tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses.

Calculate Your Savings Plan →

College Savings Strategies for Hawaii Families

To cover the full 4-year in-state cost at today's prices ($90,800), a Hawaii family starting at birth would need to save approximately $420/month. Factoring in 5% annual cost inflation and 7% investment returns in a 529 plan, the recommended monthly savings increases to approximately $507.

Monthly Savings Targets for Hawaii In-State

Starting Age	Monthly Savings Needed	Total Contributed	Est. 529 Growth
Age 0 (18 years)	$507/mo	$109,585	+$108,936
Age 5 (13 years)	$676/mo	$105,435	+$65,782
Age 10 (8 years)	$1,046/mo	$100,459	+$33,694
Age 13 (5 years)	$1,619/mo	$97,121	+$18,765