Honolulu is home to the world-famous Waikiki Beach, with white sands and turquoise waters, making it a premier tropical destination. Its game design ecosystem, by contrast, is less prominent. However, even if the game design schools and game companies in the city are limited, students can still find a few universities with relevant programs. In the same sense, although Honolulu lacks the high concentration of major studios, graduates can try applying for independent ones, such as Silver Spook Games.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Honolulu, Hawaii, we reviewed publicly available information and program offerings, and we relied on EduRank to select the best options in the city. Our focus was on identifying schools that provide the strongest preparation for professional game design careers. This approach ensures a consistent evaluation while prioritizing choices that equip students with knowledge and practical skills for the evolving gaming industry.
How to Use Our Criteria
While our list is based on statistics and facts, we acknowledge that it is not absolute and is open to interpretation. We also recognize that each student has varying needs regarding program focus, campus culture, cost, lifestyle, and the like. With that said, our rankings are solely intended to provide guidance and highlight programs that can help students land a career in game design.
Top Game Design Schools in Honolulu, Hawaii (2026)
University of Hawaii at Manoa
The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s gateway to game design education is a Video Game Design and Development course, which is offered within the College of Arts and the College of Natural Sciences. More concretely, this offering covers computer science techniques to teach students how to design and build video games, interactive applications, and entertainment environments. Completing this equips learners with a strong background for game design roles in the industry.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 513 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 159 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Honolulu: 1 of 6
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Graduation rate: 63%
Tuition and fees at the University of Hawaii at Manoa range from about $11,000 per year for in-state students to over $33,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Hawaii Pacific University
Hawaii Pacific University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Cinematic Multimedia Arts, which helps students gain multifaceted skills in motion graphics, game design, and animation. On top of this, students can take a concentration in Animation and Multimedia Design, wherein the curriculum includes courses like Game Design, 3D Animation Studio, and Animation Storytelling. Upon graduation, this can be a stepping stone to secure careers in animation, game design, motion graphics, and the like.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 2756 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 704 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Honolulu: 2 of 6
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 84%
- Graduation rate: 41%
Tuition and fees at Hawaii Pacific University range from about $21,000 to over $32,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Kapiʻolani Community College
Kapiʻolani Community College delivers a New Media Arts associate degree program, with specialization options in Animation and Interface Design. The former introduces students to 3D computer animation, while the latter allows students to explore the various aspects of interface design (e.g., aesthetics, business, production, theory, technology). Consequently, the career positions that await graduates include 3D modeler, animator, character rigger, UI designer, and UX designer.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: N/A (not yet reported)
- Current ranking in the United States: N/A (not yet reported)
- Current ranking in Honolulu: N/A (not yet reported)
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: N/A (not yet reported)
- Acceptance rate: N/A (not yet reported)
- Graduation rate: N/A (not yet reported)
Tuition and fees data for Kapiʻolani Community College have not been published by the ranking and data provider (Edurank).
Honorable Mention: Liliʻuokalani Center
Why Study Game Design in Honolulu, Hawaii?
Despite Honolulu being a weaker player in the game design scene, it remains a viable place to acquire knowledge and skills in the field. Students with financial limitations would also find the city appealing thanks to universities with affordable tuition and fees. However, graduates would have to deal with a narrow selection of game design studios in the city or in Hawaii, in general. Looking at the brighter side, the ones that are based here can provide initial working experiences before graduates pursue bigger careers in other places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I learn game design in Honolulu?
A: Yes, several pathways are available at universities in the city for students seeking game design education.
Q: What are the ideal game design programs in the city?
A: Since there are no confirmed standalone game design programs as of this writing, some of the best options would be the relevant coursework at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Hawaii Pacific University.
Q: Is there a flexible setup or an online format of game design education in Honolulu?
A: As of now, the universities on the list do not feature online game design programs or courses.
Note: This article incorporates the latest available data and information at the time of writing. Please note that statistics can fluctuate over time due to updates and real-world changes.
