At a glance
Hawaii is a single statewide school district (HIDOE), so graduation requirements are uniform: 24 credits with no exit exam. Students complete a senior project and a Personal Transition Plan, and can earn diploma honors.
Credit & course requirements
Hawaii’s 24 credits include 4 English, 4 math (including Algebra II), 4 science, 4 social studies, 1 world language/fine arts/CTE, 1 PE, 0.5 health, and electives (with a senior project). Because it’s one district, this applies statewide.
Testing to graduate
No exit exam. Hawaii students take state assessments, but a passing score is not required to graduate.
Diploma types & honors
Hawaii offers the standard Board of Education Recognition Diploma plus Academic Honors, CTE Honors, and STEM Honors designations, and the Seal of Biliteracy.
Alternative pathways
Students complete a senior project and a Personal Transition Plan; early college and CTE offer accelerated routes.
Tips for families
- Get your district’s exact listThe state sets minimums; your district may require more — ask the counselor
- Plan credits earlyMap four years of courses in 9th grade so nothing is missed
- Know the assessment rulesWhether a test is required to graduate, and the backup pathways
- Aim beyond the minimumCollege-bound students often need more than the graduation minimum
- Track progress yearlyCheck the transcript each year against the requirements
Frequently asked questions
- How many credits does Hawaii require?The state sets a minimum, but your district may require more — confirm locally.
- Does Hawaii require a test to graduate?No — Hawaii has no exit exam; a passing test score is not required to graduate.
- Are there different diploma types?Yes — plus honors designations and seals; see the diplomas section.
- What if my student is behind on credits?Talk to the counselor about credit recovery and alternative pathways.
- Where do I confirm the exact requirements?Your school counselor, district, and the state department of education.
At a glance
- SystemSingle statewide district (HIDOE)
- Credits24
- Exit exam?No
- HonorsAcademic, CTE & STEM Honors
- AlsoSenior project; transition plan
Where to confirm
Confirm your student’s exact requirements with the state and your district: