20 Best MFA Programs in Honolulu, Hawaii for 2026

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is renowned for its vibrant arts and culture scene. Located on the island of Oʻahu, this coastal city is nestled between the majestic Koʻolau mountain range and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Honolulu boasts a diverse population, a rich Island heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a thriving community of artists and creators across various mediums. This unique environment makes Honolulu an inspiring place to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree.

An MFA allows graduate students to acquire advanced skills and knowledge in their chosen artistic discipline. Honolulu is home to several prestigious institutions offering comprehensive MFA programs in fields ranging from creative writing and studio art to theater, dance, and beyond. These programs are facilitated by acclaimed faculty and provide students with state-of-the-art facilities to hone their craft.

In this blog post, we will showcase 20 of the top MFA programs available in Honolulu, highlighting what makes each one stand out.

1. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa – MFA in Creative Writing

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s renowned Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program empowers students to refine their literary skills through rigorous coursework and develop distinctive creative voices.

Highlights:

• Distinct focus on Asian, Pacific, and Indigenous literary traditions allows students to explore diverse cultural narratives
• Acclaimed faculty including award-winning poets and writers provide mentorship
• Vibrant local literary community offers opportunities to network and showcase talent
• Emphasis on Hawaiian and Asian literature supports the preservation of indigenous artforms

With small seminars led by published authors and a stimulating curriculum, this program prepares graduates for careers in writing, editing, publishing, and academia.

2. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa – MFA in Art and Technology

Pushing the boundaries of traditional art, UH Mānoa’s cutting-edge Art and Technology MFA program fuses science, technology and creative expression.

Highlights:

• Innovative curriculum exploring emerging media such as VR, digital sculpture, and interactive installations
• Access to advanced visualization and fabrication technologies at the Advanced Network Computing Lab
• Opportunities to showcase work through exhibitions in contemporary Honolulu art galleries
• Emphasis on experimental multi-disciplinary collaboration and conceptual development

Led by new media artists and researchers, this future-focused program equips graduates to become pioneers shaping the landscape of 21st century artistic media.

3. Chaminade University of Honolulu – MFA in Visual Arts

Offering a personalized learning experience, Chaminade University’s MFA in Visual Arts helps students develop as artists through studio practice and interdisciplinary study.

Highlights:

• Small cohorts of 5-8 students ensures tailored guidance from faculty
• Professors include distinguished artists exhibiting work internationally
• On-campus art facilities include studios, Mac labs, ceramic, sculpture and printmaking workshops
• Optional study abroad programs exploring European art capitals like Florence and Paris

With a supportive environment fostering free artistic expression, this program empowers graduates to grow as creators and arts professionals.

4. Hawaiʻi Pacific University – MFA in Creative Writing

Hawaiʻi Pacific University‘s MFA in Creative Writing program attracts aspiring writers from around the world to work closely with award-winning faculty in the literary hub of Honolulu.

Highlights:

• Small writing workshops focused on developing individual style and voice
• Students have opportunities to teach undergraduate courses and gain practical experience
• The program supports building a strong writing portfolio for publication
• Annual trips to literary events connect students with renowned authors and publishers

Blending academic excellence with real-world insight, HPU prepares graduates for careers in creative writing, editing, publishing, and education.

5. University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu – MFA in Creative Media

University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu offers an innovative Master of Fine Arts in Creative Media degree blending technology, storytelling, and design.

Highlights:

• Cutting-edge curriculum exploring digital filmmaking, animation, graphic design and emerging technologies
• Students collaborate with local businesses, non-profits and government agencies on real-world projects
• Dedicated media production studios and state-of-the-art equipment provided
• Courses taught by award-winning creative industry professionals

With strong industry connections and hands-on learning, this program prepares graduates for leadership roles driving Hawaiʻi’s creative economy.

6. Hawaiʻi Institute of Contemporary Art – Post-Baccalaureate Program

Hawaiʻi Institute of Contemporary Art’s acclaimed Post-Baccalaureate program offers mentorship and professional development opportunities for aspiring artists in Honolulu.

Highlights:

• 1-year intensive studio art program for artists looking to build their portfolio
• Customizable course of study with focus areas ranging from sculpture to photography
• Led by professional artists exhibiting work at museums and galleries worldwide
• Guaranteed studio space in HICA’s vibrant community art center in Makiki Heights

With personalized guidance from practicing industry experts, HICA prepares artists for successful creative careers after graduation.

7. Wayland Baptist University – MFA in Writing

Wayland Baptist University‘s online low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Writing allows students to advance their literary skills while working full-time.

Highlights:

• Hybrid program with online classes and 1-week writing residencies in Hawaii
• Students can specialize in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and scriptwriting
• Builds professional writing portfolio with opportunities for publication
• Faculty comprises award-winning authors skilled across literary genres

Blending flexible online study with focused residencies, Wayland Baptist’s program enables working creative writers in Hawaii to earn an MFA.

8. Pacific Rim Christian University – MFA in Digital Cinema

Pacific Rim Christian University offers an innovative Master of Fine Arts in Digital Cinema exploring the interplay of faith and media.

Highlights:

• Students write, direct and produce their own narrative short films
• State-of-the-art production equipment and editing software provided
• Courses examine theology in cinema and ethics of visual media
• Screenings at local film festivals provide networking opportunities

Ideal for media professionals and faith-based storytellers, PRCU’s MFA program develops graduates‘ creative vision and technical filmmaking expertise.

9. Hawaiʻi School of Professional Psychology – MFA in Clinical Art Therapy

The Hawaii School of Professional Psychology‘s Masters in Fine Arts in Clinical Art Therapy integrates psychology, counseling and visual arts.

Highlights:

• Prepares graduates for licensure and careers as professional art therapists
• Students undergo over 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork in clinical settings
• Research-based techniques exploring art as healing and communication
• Faculty includes licensed psychologists and registered art therapists

With strong academics and practical experience, HSPP develops skilled mental health clinicians able to utilize art therapy to serve diverse communities.

10. Brigham Young University – Hawaiʻi – MFA in Animation

Brigham Young University-Hawaii offers an innovative Master of Fine Arts in Animation degree focused on 3D animation and visual effects for film and gaming.

Highlights:

• Students collaborate on 3D animated short films screened at festivals
• Cutting-edge technology and facilities including motion capture studio
• Concept art courses exploring character, creature and environment design
• Internship opportunities at major Hollywood movie animation studios

With industry-standard tools and expert faculty, BYUH prepares graduates to launch careers with leading entertainment studios across the globe.

11. Argosy University – MFA in Professional Counseling

Argosy University‘s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Professional Counseling program develops licensed mental health professionals.

Highlights:

• Choice of specializations including marriage & family therapy, trauma counseling, etc.
• Meets educational requirements for counselor licensure in Hawaii
• Over 700 hours of hands-on practicum experience in clinical settings
• Small cohort model provides individualized support from faculty

Offering rigorous training aligned with industry standards, Argosy University prepares graduates to positively impact their communities as counseling professionals.

12. Remington College – Honolulu Campus – MFA in Photography

Remington College Honolulu offers an accelerated Master of Fine Arts in Photography combining technology, creativity, and business skills.

Highlights:

• Industry-experienced instructors providing real-world mentoring
• Specializations available in fashion, commercial, portrait and fine art photography
• Latest professional equipment and studio spaces provided
• Business and marketing courses to prepare for creative careers

Remington College photographers gain versatile technical and creative skills to succeed in commercial or fine art photography fields.

13. Liberty University – Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Liberty University offers flexible online and low-residency options for earning a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing degree.

Highlights:

• Students can specialize in popular fiction, literary fiction, poetry or nonfiction
• Degree can be completed entirely online or via short residencies
• Dedicated creative writing faculty provide feedback and guidance
• Ideal for working writers seeking a supportive faith-based program

With tailored specializations and customizable pacing, Liberty University caters to diverse literary perspectives and lifestyles.

14. Saybrook University – MA/MFA in Creativity Studies

Saybrook University offers a unique Master of Arts/Master of Fine Arts dual degree in Creativity Studies – the only graduate program of its kind in Hawaii focusing on the science and practice of creativity.

Highlights:

• Interdisciplinary curriculum drawing from arts, humanities, business, psychology, and more
• Choice of MA or MFA track depending on interests and career goals
• Online program allows students to study creativity from anywhere
• Saybrook instructors include leading creativity scholars and researchers

Spanning diverse domains from arts to technology, Saybrook’s cutting-edge program empowers professionals to drive innovation.

15. Liberty University – MA in Sports Management/MFA Dual Degree

Liberty University’s accelerated online dual degree offering both a Master of Arts in Sports Management and a Master of Fine Arts develops multi-skilled sports industry professionals.

Highlights:

• Ideal for athletic administration, coaching, media, and community relations roles
• MFA equips students with video production and storytelling skills tailored for sports
• Sports law, analytics, marketing, and finance courses provide key business insight
• Flexible online learning ideal for working coaches, athletic staff, and media personnel

With diverse course offerings, flexible delivery, and affordable tuition, Liberty University offers an accessible path to advance sports industry careers.

16. Concordia University, Nebraska – MFA in Creative Writing

Concordia University, Nebraska‘s accelerated online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing can be completed in under 2 years.

Highlights:

• Three specialization tracks: fiction, nonfiction & poetry
• Dynamic online learning experience through multimedia course modules
• Students receive feedback on their manuscripts from published authors
• Affordable accelerated pacing ideal for focused writers

With personalized mentorship and flexible online delivery, Concordia empowers Hawaii writers to earn an MFA conveniently.

17. Northwest University – MFA in Creative Writing

Northwest University’s online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing spans poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and scriptwriting.

Highlights:

• Three-semester program builds strong creative writing portfolios
• Faculty includes acclaimed authors and writing professionals
• Ideal for beginning writers looking to intensively develop their craft
• Optional one-week capstone residency to connect with fellow graduates

Northwest University offers a concentrated online MFA program to elevate emerging writers’ skills and publication opportunities.

18. Southern New Hampshire University – MFA in Creative Writing

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing spanning fiction, nonfiction and screenwriting.

Highlights:

• Optional 5 to 10 day capstone residency in Hawaii
• Specializations available in fiction, nonfiction, and screenwriting
• Student writing showcase provides publication opportunities
• Classes taught by supportive faculty experienced in book and film publishing

SNHU’s flexible online MFA program allows Hawaii writers to refine their craft while maintaining work and family commitments.

19. National University – Master of Fine Arts in Digital Cinema

National University‘s online Master of Fine Arts in Digital Cinema explores cinematic storytelling and production in the digital age.

Highlights:

• Comprehensive technical training utilizing HD cameras and editing software
• Courses on film genre, theory, aesthetics, and critiquing cinema
• Ideal for video production professionals seeking to elevate skills
• Faculty comprises award-winning filmmakers and theorists

With a curriculum spanning creative and technical mastery, National University’s online MFA develops well-rounded digital cinema professionals.

20. Full Sail University – MFA in Creative Writing for Entertainment

Full Sail University offers an online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing for Entertainment tailoring literary skills for movies, video games, and emerging media.

Highlights:

• Students gain in-demand writing skills for film, TV, animation and transmedia
• Build professional portfolio with opportunities to publish work
• Specializations in game writing, comic book scriptwriting, young adult fiction etc
• Internship opportunities with entertainment studios

For creative writers and storytellers looking to break into the entertainment industry, Full Sail provides focused training and networking opportunities.

Honolulu offers a thriving arts scene, stunning natural landscapes, and diverse cultural experiences that inspire artistic expression. The MFA programs highlighted provide focused training with accomplished faculty guiding students to refine their talents within state-of-the-art creative facilities.

Whether seeking creative writing mentors, hands-on studio practice, or technical expertise directing digital filmmaking, Honolulu institutions deliver comprehensive preparation for successful arts careers. With tailored specializations spanning everything from visual arts to counseling psychology, Hawaii’s graduate programs empower talented visionaries to make an artistic impact locally and globally.