Master's in Data Science Programs in Hawaii

Data science might not be the first thing you think of when you think of Hawaii, the only state in the US made up entirely of islands. However, island residents know that Hawaii's economy runs on more than just tourism. The state's research universities, defense presence, and growing tech sector also create room for data-focused careers. Hawaii students interested in data science master's programs on the islands will have a narrower set of in-state choices than other states, including data science, applied computing, and business-facing analytics programs at the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific University. However, there is also a wide range of accredited online programs across the US that enroll Hawaii residents.

This guide covers data science master's programs in Hawaii, online alternatives, certificates and bootcamps, scholarships, networking opportunities, salary data, and career resources across the archipelago.

Studying Data Science in Hawaii

The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations' 2022–2032 employment projections show statewide employment growing 6.1% over the decade, with healthcare and social assistance projected to grow fastest and account for roughly a quarter of all new jobs, a pattern that points to rising demand for healthcare analytics specifically. Hawaii's professional, scientific, and technical services sector, the category that includes computer systems design and data-related consulting, has also outpaced the state's overall recovery: the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) reported that the sector's real GDP was running 25% above pre-pandemic levels as of late 2024, a faster rebound than tourism-dependent industries have managed. For data science students, the practical takeaway is that healthcare and professional/technical services, not tourism, are the parts of Hawaii's economy generating the fastest-growing demand for data skills right now. That pattern plays out differently across the islands:

• Oʻahu. As the seat of state government and home to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Oʻahu is home to most of Hawaiʻi's data-related employment. Healthcare systems, including Queen's Health Systems, Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi, and Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, along with financial institutions such as Bank of Hawaiʻi, First Hawaiian Bank, and Hawaiian Electric, employ data analysts and data scientists to support clinical operations, risk modeling, and grid management. On the defense side, Booz Allen Hamilton operates a Honolulu Innovation Center focused specifically on applied AI and data science for the military, and Leidos also maintains an active presence supporting Indo-Pacific Command. The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, a state agency attached to DBEDT, supports the broader tech sector through grant programs, the Manoa Innovation Center, and accelerators such as Blue Startups. Oʻahu is also home to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's research infrastructure: the Hawaii Data Science Institute coordinates data science research and fellowships across UH campuses; the Information and Computer Sciences Department runs labs in machine learning and human-computer interaction; and the university's Koa high-performance computing cluster supports data-intensive research statewide.
• Maui. Maui County's own economic development office names Akimeka, the Maui High Performance Computing Center, Oceanit, Pacific Defense Solutions, and the Pacific Disaster Center among the island's core technology employers, spanning defense computing, disaster-response analytics, and applied engineering; the Pacific Disaster Center in particular builds hazard analytics software used by emergency managers worldwide. On the agricultural side, Mahi Pono, which farms thousands of acres of former sugar plantation land, represents the kind of large-scale, diversified agricultural operation where agtech and data roles are emerging. The Maui Research and Technology Park supports additional technology tenants beyond the resort economy, and Maui Economic Development Board programs, such as High Tech Maui, promote local tech business development.
• Hawaiʻi Island. The Big Island is home to major astronomical observatories on Mauna Kea, including the W. M. Keck Observatory and the Subaru Telescope, both of which generate and process large volumes of observational data. At NELHA, an 870-acre ocean science and clean energy technology park in Kailua-Kona, named tenants such as Cyanotech (microalgae production) and Makai Ocean Engineering (ocean thermal energy conversion) rely on environmental monitoring and process data. Data work connected to this region includes astronomical data processing, ocean and climate science computing, and energy systems analytics.
• Kauaʻi. Kauaʻi's economy is smaller and more tourism-dependent, but the island supports two distinct data-relevant industries. Syngenta operates an active seed research facility on the island's west side, part of Kauaʻi's longstanding agricultural biotechnology sector. The island is also home to the Pacific Missile Range Facility, a U.S. Navy testing and space-tracking installation whose contractor base has included major defense companies such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. Data roles connected to Kauaʻi can include defense and range-instrumentation data, agricultural technology, and tourism-related analytics.

For students living on Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, or Kauaʻi, geography is a real constraint on where in-person data science work happens: the roles above cluster heavily on Oʻahu. In practice, many neighbor-island residents working in data science do so remotely, for Oʻahu-based employers, mainland companies, or federal agencies, which is also why an online master's program can be worth exploring.

Online Data Science Master's Degrees in Hawaii

Online programs may suit Hawaii students who want graduate-level training without relocating to the mainland or leaving a job.

How to Compare Online Data Science Master's Degrees

When comparing online programs, there is a lot to consider. To start, cover the basics by understanding the following 5 key factors:

• Can you enroll as a Hawaii resident? Is the school authorized to enroll students from your area, and does it hold institutional accreditation?
• What does the curriculum cover? Are there any specialties you're interested in? Look for statistics, programming, machine learning, databases, visualization, ethics, and applied projects.
• What prerequisites are required? This might include prior coursework in programming, statistics, calculus, linear algebra, or computer science.
• How are classes delivered? Synchronous, asynchronous, or a blend of both? Does the schedule work with your lifestyle and other obligations?
• What support is available to online students? Does this include career services, faculty access, technical resources, and networking opportunities?

Online Hawaii Graduate Data Science Programs

Hawaii participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) through the Hawaii Postsecondary Education Authorization Program (HPEAP). SARA is a multistate agreement that allows accredited colleges in other member states to legally enroll students living in Hawaii. In practice, this means a Hawaii resident can enroll in most accredited online master's programs based on the mainland without encountering state-authorization barriers, though students should still confirm with their institution of choice that it accepts Hawaii residents.

• Hawaii Pacific University: Master of Science in Data Science - Honolulu, HI. This 30-credit, fully online program covers statistical modeling, machine learning, SQL, cloud computing, and AI, and ends with a required capstone project. It doesn't require the GRE or GMAT, and HPU accepts applicants from any undergraduate background, rather than expecting a computer science degree. That combination- no entrance exam, no CS prerequisite, and full remote delivery- makes it a practical option for working professionals, career changers, and neighbor-island or out-of-state students who want a technical data science credential without relocating to Oʻahu or pausing their current job.

Learn more about what to look for in an online master's in data science program in our guide.

In-State Data Science Master's Programs and Related Degrees in Hawaii

Hawaii's in-person and hybrid options all require at least some time on Oʻahu. The programs below are verified options, not a ranked list.

• Hawaii Pacific University: Master of Science in Business Analytics - Honolulu, HI. This 33-credit, in-person program at HPU's downtown Honolulu campus teaches SQL, Python, R, and Tableau, along with coursework in data mining, big data, and marketing analytics, and includes an integrated capstone. Full-time students can complete the program in 21 months, and coursework includes the option to earn additional industry certifications from providers such as IBM and Google.
• University of Hawaii at Manoa: Professional Master's in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Track - Honolulu, HI. Launched in 2025 through UH Manoa's Outreach College, this hybrid program combines online coursework with a required internship or applied industry project, and is designed for working professionals across the UH System.
• University of Hawaii at Manoa, Shidler College of Business: Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) - Honolulu, HI. This STEM-designated, 30-credit, on-campus program combines business coursework with technical training in big data analytics, data and text mining, and IT strategy. It may suit students who want a business-facing analytics credential rather than a technical data science degree.

Data Science Programs in Hawaii

Programs included in this table were last reviewed in July 2026.

Data Science Certificates, Bootcamps, and Courses

Hawaii's certificate options are concentrated at the University of Hawaii. Students should confirm current course delivery, admissions requirements, tuition, and whether certificate credits may apply toward a future master's degree directly with the school.

Online Hawaii Graduate Certificate Programs in Data Science and Related Fields

• University of Hawaii at Manoa: Graduate Certificate in Applied Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Track. Launched in 2025 alongside the companion professional master's degree, this 15-credit, online-first certificate can be completed in about one year and is designed for students without a computer science background who want an entry point into AI and data science skills. It's built to stack toward the full master's program for students who choose to continue.

Data Science Boot Camps in Hawaii

Data science and data analytics bootcamps are intensive, non-degree programs intended to build applied skills quickly, often through hands-on projects rather than semester-long coursework. Bootcamps may be offered through university continuing education divisions or third-party education partners, so students should confirm the credentials awarded, tuition, schedule, refund policies, and career support before enrolling.

University Affiliated Bootcamps in Hawaii

• Honolulu Community College: Data Analytics: Data+ Training and Certification Prep. Offered through Honolulu Community College's continuing education platform, this course prepares students for the CompTIA Data+ certification through guided, largely asynchronous instruction, with a required live orientation session and the certification exam voucher included in the course fee.

Private Data Science Bootcamps in Hawaii

Hawaii has fewer standalone private data science bootcamps than larger tech markets. NobleProg offers live online or onsite data science, machine learning, and AI training through local training centers in Honolulu and Kapolei. Because private bootcamps vary widely, students should confirm all details directly with the provider.

Learn more about data science boot camps and how they differ from graduate programs. See also our dedicated guides to data science bootcamps and data analytics bootcamps.

Data Science Courses in Hawaii

Individual online courses can help students build specific skills before committing to a certificate or master's program. Two University of Hawaii community college campuses offer standalone data analytics and data science training through their continuing education platforms.

• Hawaii Community College: Data Analytics Course
• University of Hawaii Maui College: Data Analytics Course, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Course

Learn more about individual course options in our guide to online data science courses.

Data Science Scholarships in Hawaii

The list below is not exhaustive. Students should also check each school's graduate division, financial aid office, department pages, and program-specific scholarship pages, since Hawaii's public university funding is concentrated in departmental assistantships, tuition waivers, and a handful of federally funded fellowships rather than a dedicated statewide data science scholarship.

University of Hawaii at Manoa

• UH Manoa Graduate Division financial support covers Achievement Scholarships, graduate assistantships, and extramural fellowship opportunities available to graduate students across UH Manoa programs, including Information and Computer Sciences.
• ICS Research Assistantships and ICS Teaching Assistantships offer qualified graduate students a tuition waiver in exchange for 20 hours of work per week within the Information and Computer Sciences Department.
• The Hawaiʻi Data Science Institute Fellows Program is an NSF-funded, year-long fellowship open to Master's and PhD students anywhere in the UH System who have a research mentor. Fellows receive funding and training in exchange for research and mentorship work, and the program has placed graduates in both industry and academic roles since 2018.
• The ICS Department's list of external graduate fellowships curates national funding opportunities relevant to computing and data science students, including the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship, the Google PhD Fellowship, and the NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship.

Hawaii Pacific University

• HPU's tuition and financial aid page outlines scholarship, federal aid, employer tuition benefit, and military and veteran funding options for the online M.S. in Data Science program.

Service-for-Tuition Programs

• CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service, a federally funded program with a participating track at the University of Hawaii at West Oahu, covers full tuition and a stipend for students in cybersecurity and related computing fields in exchange for a post-graduation work commitment with a federal, state, local, or tribal government agency. This kind of scholarship-for-service structure is worth knowing about, given how much of Hawaii's data-related hiring sits inside defense and government work.

Statewide Resources

• Hawaii P-20, a statewide education partnership, coordinates FAFSA completion support and connects students to state and institutional financial aid resources across Hawaii's public colleges and universities.
• NC-SARA can help students understand state authorization for distance education programs based outside of Hawaii.

Data Science Events in Hawaii

Hawaii's data science community isn't large enough to sustain a dedicated meetup on every island, so students may need to look at general tech and AI-focused communities alongside more specialized options.

Data Science Meetups and Communities in Hawaii

• Hawaii Center for AI is an active Honolulu-based nonprofit that runs regular meetups and events focused specifically on AI and machine learning, and sponsors related groups such as the Honolulu AI Collective.
• PyHawaii is a Honolulu-based Python users group that welcomes members at all levels, from beginner to advanced, for tutorials, workshops, and projects; Python is a core tool for most data science work, even though the group isn't data-science-specific.
• Maui Techies Meetup is open to anyone working in tech on Maui and provides a smaller, neighbor-island alternative to Oahu-focused groups.
• The Hawaiʻi Data Science Institute's workshop and seminar series runs data-science-specific sessions throughout the year, both in person at UH Mānoa and over Zoom, on topics ranging from machine learning methods to applied data science in fields like remote sensing and climate research. Sessions are free and open to the public, not limited to enrolled UH students.

Data Science Conferences and Workshops in Hawaii

• Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS), organized by UH Manoa's Shidler College of Business, is a long-running research conference covering decision analytics, healthcare IT, electronic government, and related information systems topics.
• The Hawaii AI & Cloud Innovation Summit, hosted annually by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism in partnership with Google Public Sector, focuses on applied AI and cloud technology across government and industry.
• The Pacific Operational Science & Technology (POST) Conference, hosted annually in Honolulu by the National Defense Industrial Association and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, brings together defense, industry, and academic leaders working on data, AI, and technology challenges specific to the Indo-Pacific region, directly relevant given how much of Hawaii's data science hiring runs through defense and government work.
• Hawaii Tech Week, held annually in late summer, is a week-long series of more than 50 independently hosted events across Honolulu, including AI workshops, technical panels, and startup pitch competitions, drawing thousands of participants from Hawaii's tech and startup community.
• HTDC's event calendar lists Hawaii Technology Development Corporation programming, including innovation showcases and accelerator cohort announcements relevant to the state's tech and startup community.

Data Science Jobs in Hawaii

Data science roles can involve collecting, cleaning, analyzing, modeling, visualizing, and communicating data. In Hawaii, these roles appear across healthcare, defense and government contracting, finance, tourism, energy, and ocean and environmental science, often at smaller employers or regional offices of national organizations rather than large in-state tech companies. A master's degree may help students build advanced skills, but it does not guarantee employment, a specific salary, or the title of data scientist. Prior experience, technical projects, internships, networking, portfolio work, and interview preparation can also affect job opportunities. Explore related paths in our data science careers and data scientist career guide.

Data Scientist Salaries in Hawaii

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, data scientists in Hawaii earned a median annual wage of $102,130 in May 2025, with the lowest 10% earning $77,270 or less and the highest 10% earning $172,870 or more.

Students may also want to compare related occupations. Salary data can vary by location, industry, experience, education, and employer. The figures below are occupational wage figures, not guarantees of outcomes for graduates.

The table below uses the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data for Hawaii.

Interested in STEM Careers?

If you're looking for information on career paths that involve data science, analytics, technology, and related STEM fields, see our guides below.

Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Information Careers

• Computer Engineer
• Computer Scientist
• Information Security Analyst
• Computer and Information Research Scientist
• Computer Systems Analyst

Marketing and User Research Careers

• Marketing Analyst
• Market Research Analyst
• Digital Marketer
• UX Designer

Compare Careers and STEM Fields

• Data Analyst vs. Data Scientist
• Data Analytics vs. Business Analytics
• Data Science vs. Machine Learning
• Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering
• Cybersecurity vs. Computer Science

Related Graduate STEM Degrees

Related Undergraduate STEM Degrees

• Online Bachelor's in Data Science
• Online Bachelor's in Computer Science

Hawaii Data Science, Tech, and Career Resources

• Hawaii Postsecondary Education Authorization Program (HPEAP): State agency for institutional authorization, SARA participation, and distance-education student complaints.
• Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT): State economic development and workforce source for labor-market, industry, and economic information.
• Hawaii P-20: Statewide education partnership supporting FAFSA completion and college and career readiness.
• Hawaii Statewide GIS Program Geospatial Data Portal: Public geospatial datasets useful for portfolio projects, civic data exploration, and GIS-related analytics.
• Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC): State agency focused on growing Hawaii's technology and innovation sector.
• Hawaii Data Science Institute: University of Hawaii System initiative supporting data science research, workshops, and student opportunities.
• NC-SARA: National source for understanding state authorization reciprocity for distance education.